10 reasons to visit Italy

Situated in northeastern Italy, the Dolomites beckon travelers with their natural beauty and scenic viewing platforms. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a year-round destination with hiking, cycling and base jumping in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Over the years, the lakes have been a source of inspiration to many. Percy Shelley, a well-known English Romantic poet, visited Lake Como in 1818. Falling in love with the surroundings, he bought a villa on the lake a few years later. Even today, vast waters and lavish villas amidst the dramatic backdrop of the hills make these lakes a mandatory pit stop.

Italians are known for their strong sense of fashion. Unsurprisingly, shopping in Italy is an elaborate affair with Milan heading the game. It houses one of the world's oldest malls: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which opened its doors in 1877. Milan is also home to the headquarters of big brands like Valentino, Versace, Prada and Armani.

Romantic canal rides along Renaissance and Gothic palaces are part of a typical day in Venice. Located in northeastern Italy, Venice is wildly popular for its traditional annual carnival, attracting millions of tourists each year. The carnival is an exotic affair marked by parties, elaborate masks and a big parade.

This breathtaking view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the many reasons to visit Florence. With its iconic Duomo with the terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi, the Uffizi Gallery housing priceless works of art, and Michelangelo's 17-foot marble statue of David, Florence leaves every visitor in awe.

Tuscany, a region in central Italy, produces some of the most flavorful Italian wines. Organized vineyard tours through the sweeping countryside are a good option for those who want to taste the large variety of wines in Tuscany. The Chianti region south of Florence is a classic choice and makes for an easy day trip from the city.

Rome, the capital of Italy, takes travelers back in time. It plays host to iconic monuments such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Basilica. Home to Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church, Rome attracts millions of tourists with hopes of catching a glimpse of the pope.

June 11, 1889 is marked in the calendar as the day the Neapolitan pizza maker Raffaele Esposito created the pizza margherita in honor of the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy. Visitors can sample the authentic recipe in Naples, where the pizza is made with locally produced ingredients and according to a strictly regulated cooking process.

The coast in southern Italy is famous for its pastel-colored fishing villages with panoramic views. It is also where limoncello, the popular lemon liqueur, originated. With numerous hiking trails for the enthusiast, secret swimming coves for the adventurer and pristine beaches for the relaxer, the Amalfi Coast caters to everyone.

With a mild climate, Sicily is a year-long destination, captivating travelers with its diverse beauty. Cultural and natural attractions come together in the cities of Palermo, Taormina and Syracuse. With Mt. Etna, one of the largest active volcanoes in Europe, the Aeolian Islands and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sicily has a lot to offer.