Italy

Italy is located in southern Europe and is shaped like a boot, bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. It has one of the highest concentrations of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, spanning Roman ruins, Renaissance cities, and historic towns. Rome, the capital, is home to the Vatican and iconic sites like the Colosseum and Pantheon. Italy uses the euro and is part of both the EU and the Schengen Area. Italian is the official language, though English is commonly spoken in tourist areas. Other major cities include Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples—each offering distinct architecture, cuisine, and culture. The country has a varied climate: Mediterranean along the coast, alpine in the north, and hot and dry in the south. Italy’s high-speed trains connect major cities, and regional rail and bus networks serve smaller areas. Popular regions include Tuscany for wine and countryside, the Amalfi Coast for scenery, and Sicily and Sardinia for island escapes. Food is central to the culture, with regional variations in pasta, seafood, and cheese. Italy offers a layered travel experience combining art, history, food, and natural beauty.