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.

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.