Italy is a country in south Central Europe that is familiar to many when looking on a map because it's in the shape of a boot jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea. It's a country that occupies approximately 116,350 square miles and is inhabited by more than 60 million people. The capital and largest metropolitan area is Rome, which includes Vatican City, a separate state within the city. Italian travel offers a vast experience in art, culture and history.

Traveling to Italy can be done by air, by sea or by land and it is well integrated with the rest of Europe through its transportation infrastructure. There are countless sights to see in this beautiful and historic country where Italian is the official language. Everything from the warm beauty of the Mediterranean to the cold thrill if the Italian Alps awaits the avid traveler.

Bordered by France, Slovenia, Switzerland and Austria, from Italy it's just a short hop to numerous other cultures and geographical destinations. There is enough, however, just in this one country to take up anyone's complete vacation time. Just the city of Rome alone could be explored for weeks with so many sights to see and activities to do.

Other main cities one might consider visiting while in Italy include Milan, Naples, Florence, Venice, Turin, Genoa and Palermo. The whole country is steeped in such history and beauties of artwork and culture that much of what Italy has to offer is absolutely breathtaking. It provides a vacation experience that no foreign visitor will ever forget.

Italian travel, just like travel to any foreign land, can be confusing at times, especially if the visitor doesn't speak the native language. You will find, however, that many Italians speak English and are friendly and more than happy to help out foreign travelers. And don't forget the food. Famous for their pizzas, pastas and fine wines, you'll never run out of new things to try on the menu.