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For the romantic at heart, Italy is a paradise. What can be more romantic than a gondola ride along the minor canals in Venice? Or a late evening stroll along the banks of the Arno river in Florence? Or watching the sunset on the Roman skyline from the terrace of the Pincio? Or watching the moon rise behind the Faraglioni Rocks from the Tragara terrace in Capri? Or waiting for the surnise in Positano? For the business minded, Italy has some of the world's most important trade shows in Turin, Milan, Bologna, Florence and Bari. And what about relaxing by the lake shore after attending a busy trade-fair? The lake District offers peace and rest in very attractive surroundings such as Stresa, Como, Menaggio and Bellagio.

If none of the above inspires you, you may be tempted by the gentile slopes of the Tuscan and Umbrian hills covered with olive groves and vineyards. There you will find towns like Siena, San Gimignano, Arezzo, Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio and Orvieto, which have kept intact the medieval atmosphere. History and art lovers will be stunned by the variety they can choose from. Italy has been the cradle of many civilizations, the vestiges of which can be admired in their original splendour throughout the country, from the small villages of the Sicilian coastline to the great cities of art such as Rome, Florence and Venice. Some examples are the Greek Theatres of Taormina and Siracusa; the Temples of Paestum; the ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Forum and Colosseum in Rome; the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademy of Fine Arts in Florence, the Doge's Palace in Venice, the Duomo in Milan and much more.

Each Italian region cherishes a richness of ancient tradition, folklore and craftsmanship, heritage of the various civilizations. Among these are crafts such as Venetian glass-blowing and lace-making; the Florentine leather-guilding, the Umbrian pottery; the cameo and coral carving in the Bay of Naples; the exquisite inlaid woodwork in Sorrento and the Sicilian terracottas to name just a few. Whilst seeking out these sights one cannot avoid being captured by the exclusive shops and boutiques where the exquisite Italian designs are proudly and elegantly displayed. Jewellery, clothes, shoes, furniture and cars are some of the items with which the Italian stylists have conquered the world.