Italy is surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean Sea. On its eastern border lies Slovenia and to the north Austria and Switzerland. The south of France is easily accessible westwards. Italy's two largest islands are Sicily and Sardinia but it also contains smaller islands beloved by the discerning holiday maker such as Capri, Elba, Ischia and, just to the north of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands with is famous active volcano Stromboli. Another active volcano can be visited near Naples (Vesuvius) and yet another on Sicily (Etna). Italy's area totals 301,250 square kilometers and its population 58 million. Italy is quite a mountainous country. Along its backbone lie the Apennines which stretch from Genoa in the north to its southern toe opposite Sicily while the Alps border the Italian Lakes above the busy industrial cities of Milan and Turin.

The Italian climate can vary from north to south. Alpine winters can be harsh but provide great skiing conditions while there are more temperate regions to the south and pleasant summers. However, the real sun lovers may seek out the stiflingly hot conditions south of Rome where the Sirocco wind blows in from the Sahara desert region. August is the most popular holiday time for the Italians so Spring and Autumn are less crowded. It is also less humid during these periods and the most pleasant time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the countryside. Whichever region you decide to visit accommodation is plentiful. Whatever your personal holiday preference, renting a villa or farmhouse in Tuscany, a villa in Umbria or an apartment in Florence, you can come and go as you please and there is no better way to explore this fascinating country.

Wherever you travel Italy's cultural heritage is in evidence. Moorish castles are in evidence and Rome, the capital city, still retains an abundance of ancient ruins: Temples and mosaic flooring and walls remind the visitor of its opulence and international influence two thousand years ago. The population of Rome is close to 4 million and they happily share with you an intensity of culture hard to equal anywhere else in the world. The entire country is made up of former city states who vied with each other for cultural superiority. Florence, for example, is the city of the Medici's, Donatello and Brunelleschi and whose medieval atmosphere can be felt and seen right up to the present day. Or Tuscany, the birthplace of so many Renaissance artists and where vine and olive groves abound - Chianti comes from this region. In the south lies Calabria with its rugged mountains lying between Tyrhennian and Ionian seas. This is the perfect location for a peaceful holiday home and within easy reach of breathtaking archaeological sites and beautiful beaches. Campania is renown for its culinary achievements. Birthplace of spaghetti, pizza and buffalo mozzarella for foodies its the perfect place for a holiday villa. Its capital is Naples but it also contains the Amalfi coast, the ancient city of Pompeii and the island of Capri  favourite of romantics everywhere.

The largest and most populous island, however, is Sicily. It lies between the Italian mainland and Africa and its villas and apartments are the perfect holiday home for sun-seekers. Orange and lemon groves are common and it's the home of ancient Greek temples and Baroque churches. Sardinia is the second largest island. A holiday cottage here will cater for those of you seeking peace and quiet with its stunning mountain scenery and coastline and unique features found nowhere else on the Italian mainland.