Every year, theU.S. Tour Operators Association, a professional association of travel agentsand tour operators who arrange travel for more than 10 million travelers everyyear, runs an informal survey among members to name the world's top vacationdestinations. Year after year, one country tops the list of internationalvacation destinations ? Italy, the heart of civilization, the cradle of romanceand the home of the Holy Sea.

What is it that makes Italy sospecial? The spectacular scenery and warm, wonderful climate are only thebackground of the picture. Italyis a colorful mosaic of travel experiences, a delicious m'lange of flavors andcultures that offers something for every traveler. From cosmopolitan culturebuff to adventurer, from the serious student of history to the socialite, Italy truly isthe country that caters to them all and everyone in between.

Italy's citiesand countryside offer a true embarrassment of riches. You could easily spendmonths touring the countryside and never see half of what the country has tooffer. What is it that brings so many to bella Italia every year?

See Italyfor the Art

Italy was thecenter of the Renaissance, and is one of the most artistically rich countriesin the entire world. According to UNESCO, half the world's artistic andhistoric treasures are located in Italy. In Florence,Venice, Rome, Naples, Milanand other cities, you'll find artistic and architectural wonders that you won?tfind anywhere else. Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Tintorello, Correggio,Donatello ? the most famous artists of all the eras worked and left theirlegacies in frescoes, paintings and statues throughout the country. And whilemuch of the art is held in museums in nearly every city, there is arteverywhere, from the stunning stained glass windows in a tiny chapel in Abruzzi to the paintedceilings of cathedrals.

SeeHistoric Italy

History lives in Italy. Longknown as the cradle of Western civilization, Italy's cities and countryside area treasure trove of historical sites. You can walk the Via Appia and feel theweight of centuries drop away as you realize that two thousand years ago, thisvery road was traveled by the armies and citizens of Imperial Rome. Visit theColiseum in Rome, or wander through thepreserved city of Pompeiiand become a part of history. And of course, there is the Vatican, the walled city inside Rome that is the home and the heart of theCatholic Church, where scholars come to study ancient texts andtreasures.

VisitItaly for the Scenery

The scenic vistas of Italy are asvaried as its twenty regions. From snowcapped mountains to sweeping, white sandbeaches, the natural beauty of Italyis as alive and vivid as the paintings of its most famous artists. When youventure beyond the cities, you'll still find the untamed beauty of the Tuscanhills with their craggy, winding paths and terraced vineyards. You can wanderthrough twenty three national parks and nearly 500 protected nature preservesthat are protected by the government. There are sea cliffs and alpinemountains, rolling hills and open plains. And there is always, of course, thesea with its ever-changing yet everlasting face.

Come to Italy for theFood

Italian food andhospitality is famous the world over for its abundance. Abondanzais a concept that is well-understood in the Mediterranean country.Everywhere you go, you'll find groaning tables and open, welcoming arms invitingyou to mangia! Mangia!! A full tour of Italy is a gustatory delight, forthere is no single style of Italian cooking. Instead, each region of Italy has itsown unique flavors and combinations that are drawn from the local specialtiesand available foods. Tuscany is famous for itsseafood, Milan for its rich sauces and complexflavors, Bolognafor its traditional red sauce. Eating and drinking well is a way of life inItaly, and whether you treat yourself to a fine meal in one of Rome's five-starrestaurants, or stop at a roadside ristorante in a small province, you're sureto be served the best of the best.

To YourHealth!

Italy has beenfamous for its thermal spas and springs since the times of Hippocrates. Italianspas enjoy the benefits of both sea and fresh water springs. Hot water thermalsprings are plentiful, thanks to the country's geological peculiarities and thenetwork of underground volcanic springs. Today, the thermal spas are a popularattraction in nearly every region of Italy, and have become popularholiday destinations in their own rights. Italian health spas offer more thanjust the baths. Many are located close to cultural and leisure attractions, andmake a wonderful base of operations for your stay in the country.

TravelGems in Italy

If you visit Rome, spend at least oneday just walking around the city. You'll discover many tiny sites andhistorical finds that are not on any tourist map. These sites may have beenuncovered during the construction of another building and never completelyexcavated, but are there to stumble across and enjoy away from the bustlingcrowds.

By all means, visit thewell-known museums in the major cities, but for a real treat take a driveoutside the cities and seek out small towns and villages. You'll discover someof the most amazing and unexpected treasures tucked into alcoves or painted onthe walls of village churches throughout the country.

Skip the hotels andrent a villa or cottage in a small town if you're staying in Italy for morethan a few days. In many cases, it won't cost much more ? and will often beless ? than a stay in a good hotel, and your hosts will treat you as part ofthe family while you're there.

Italy is acountry of contrasts and beauties whose charm grows deeper and warmer withevery visit. It's no wonder that it regularly tops the list of holidaydestinations worldwide, or that so many who visit return again and again to itswarm and welcoming arms.