Italy is a popular travel destination. A country with rich history, famous monuments, infinite beauties and many options for entertainment and activities that satisfy all visitors. The wild beauty of the Alps, the romantic medieval towns and the cosmopolitan cities, enchant travelers and justify their decision in visiting the magnificent Italy. Italy - which belongs to South Europe - is mostly a mountainous country (except from the valley of Pados river in Emilia - Romania) and extends from Alps to the central Mediterranean Sea. It is consisted of Sicily, Sardinia and Elba islands, as and 70 smaller ones. The Italian peninsula has two small independent nations: the State of the Vatican and the Republic of San Marino. Northwards, Italy borders with Switzerland and Austria, westwards with France and eastwards with Slovenia. Italy's history is closely connected to the Mediterranean and European civilization. The peninsula of Italy is inhabited since prehistoric times. It was the center of the roman empire who left a rich archaeological, cultural and literary inheritance behind. The remarkable historic monuments are a pole of attraction for thousands of tourists. Modern Italy was finally formed in 1861, when many smaller states were joined in together. Humanism and Renaissance had their origin in Italy. This influenced the European political thinking, philosophy and art thanks to the artists Machiavelli, Dante, Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo. Many important artists were born in Italy: Giotto, Botticelli, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Tintoretto and Caravaggio. Many great opera composers were also born in Italy such as Verdi and Pouccini, and film directors like Federico Fellini. Italy has many natural beauties. The alterations in scenery enchant all visitors. The north part of Italy is mostly mountainous with Alps prevailing in the area. As we move further inland and towards the islands, we find Sardinia. Its wild beauty is something unexpected for a Mediterranean island. The Medieval towns of Pavia, Pergamon, Verona, Venice and Pisa remind of old times. The famous "psilla horia" on the mountain crests reminisce of the ancient agricultural Italy. The south part of Italy is the homeland of pasta. People here still make it at home using water and flour. All around Sicily, you can still see traditional itinerant musicians (canastorie). Traditional feasts are organized in Italy, especially during summer to honor Virgin Mary. Italy's cultural inheritance, its natural beauties and the "Dolce Vita" way if living, have turned Italy to a popular travel destination. The Italian Alps are an enchanting region, perfect for winter and summer vacation. If you want to see the imposing monuments and the cultural inheritance of Italy, you better visit Venice, Florence, Siena and Rome - or even the medieval villages of Toscana. The picturesque shores of Sicily and Sardinia offer moments of complete relaxation. The Italian kitchen is one of the most delicate and rich, in flavors, in Europe. The spicy flavors of Napoli and Kalavria, the "pesto" sauce of Ligouria and the cheeses of the Italian Alps are some things you ought to taste.