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Tour Destinations
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ITALY: COUNTRY OVERVIEW
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Italy (Italian: Italia), officially the Italian Republic (Italian: Repubblica Italiana), is a country located on
the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe and on the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea: Sicily and Sardinia. Italy
shares its northern, Alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The independent states of San Marino
and the Vatican City are enclaves within the Italian Peninsula, and Campione d'Italia is an Italian enclave in Switzerland. The
land known today as Italy has been the cradle of many European cultures and peoples, such as the Etruscans and the Romans
- and later was the birthplace of the University and the Renaissance, that began in Tuscany and spread all over Europe. The
Vitruvian Man, modern science, astronomy, heliocentrism and opera were all born in Italy. Plus, Italy's capital, Rome, was
for centuries the center of Western civilization.
Today, Italy is a democratic republic and a well developed nation
with the eighth-highest quality of life index rating in the world. It is also a founding member of what is now the European
Union.
Italy has such a long recorded history that the biggest problem facing the traveler is to choose among the
nation's endless cultural attractions. All main population centers, most of the provincial cities and many quite small towns
have museums. Of all the countries in the world, there is none more magical than Italy, a traveler's dream destination. Ancient
monuments and archaeological sites are perfectly preserved; the museums are bursting with the genius of Italy's finest sons:
Raffaello,Michelangelo, Tiziano, Canova; contemporary architects are still inspired by ancient buildings and squares (piazze).
Italian cities are veritable living museums.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
According to UNESCO, the United
Nations' cultural branch, two thirds of the world's historical artistic heritage sites are in Italy. Tuscany, which is only
one region of Italy, by itself possesses more artistic treasures than the whole of Spain, which is the second-ranked country
in the world for cultural heritage. Practically all major styles of Western architecture can be found in Italy.
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Cultural Crossroads Tours to Italy at a Glance
- Back Roads and Hidden Treasures of Tuscany
Escape with Cultural Crossroads to the back roads to see the hidden treasures of Tuscany. We will travel though the scenic
landscape of southern Tuscany, visit cathedrals, gardens, thermal pools, private wine estates, medieval centers, hidden abbeys
and much more. Stroll through piazzas and relax over meals in small trattorias. Come explore the known and lesser known
gems of Tuscany.
- Exploring the Sud-Tyrol - A Cross Cultural Journey
A cross-cultural journey awaits us in the Sud-Tyrol region on Italy. Enjoy a meal with local Tyrolians, a wine tasting, a
meeting with a cheese producer and enjoy the samples. We also visit a working farm to discuss the farmers struggle between
traditional and modern farming methods and we will participate in a hands-on cooking class.
With Cultural Crossroads you will explore palaces and stately homes surrounded by the Alps and Dolomites. Our Tyrolian trip
concludes with a private after-hours visit to see Da Vinci’s “Last Supper.”
- In Search of Persephone’s Island - The Four Corners of Sicily
Travel to Sicily with Cultural Crossroads to explore the islands highlights from Palermo to Monreale, Erice, Marsala, Agrigento,
Ragusa, Taormina and Mt. Etna. We will take in a marionette show, listen to an opera tenor and participate in pastry and wine
tastings. The culture and architecture are very different to the rest of Italy, as is its cuisine. Come join us and enjoy
a lesser traveled area of Italy.
- Villas, Gardens and Hidden Treasures Along the Shores of Italy’s Romantic Northern Lakes
The beauty of the Italian Lakes are enhanced by the private villas and gardens that Cultural Crossroads travelers will visit.
Discover the charm of each lake surrounded by the Alps, lakeside villages with their tiled roofs and narrow streets and the
rolling green hillsides. Enjoy the private art collections the music and even Swiss chocolate tasting. Included on the
way home is a private visit to see Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” in Milan.
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