Children’s Activities
Italy has plenty of attractions and activities geared to children. While touring art museums and historic sites may not be first on every child’s to-do list, the grandiose architecture is undeniably intoxicating even for little ones. When the family isn’t embarking on an activity geared especially to children, an intermittent trip to the gelato stand often makes any excursion more satisfying.
 Gardaland
The largest theme park in Italy, Gardaland is located near Sirmione and Lago di Garda. Every year, well over three million visitors come to ride the pirate ship, explore the world of dinosaurs, watch the dolphin shows and brave the roller coasters. The ‘Escape from Atlantis’ attraction is a roller coaster enhanced with water jets, while the ‘Blue Tornado’ is a convoluted, suspended roller coaster that hurls passengers through a series of low-hanging helixes that threaten to run the coaster aground. In all, the park is highlighted by 56 rides. Phone: +39 45 644 9777; website: www.gardaland.it/en
 Italia in Miniatura
This miniatures theme park is located in Rimini, a city known for its family attractions alongside a thriving after-hours scene. The park hosts 272 scaled-down reproductions of Italy’s most popular landmarks. There’s an onsite water ride called the ‘Canoe’ which all but guarantees that you’ll get wet. The ‘Slingshot’ rockets a two-seater capsule to a height of 180 feet in just over a second. There is also an electric monorail that soars over a miniature Alps range and then explores several other natural landmarks—all in miniature. Phone: +39 541 732004; website: www.italiainminiatura.com.
 The Miracle Players
This theatre troupe, non-profit organisation, performs live, 40-minute shows during the summer in Rome, aimed at promoting Italy’s ancient heritage by adapting classical texts and plays to the modern stage. Performances are held in English at the Roman Forum and typically infused with humour. Every production is original, crafted by Miracle Players in a way that captures tenants of ancient society from a fun and fresh angle. During the off season, the Miracle Players embark on an itinerant tour around the country. Website: www.miracleplayers.org.
Cultural Activities
 With so much art and ancient architecture, virtually every attraction in Italy holds a spark of cultural interest. With this in mind, there are several outstanding museums and art galleries that strive to promote the work of Italy’s foremost cultural contributors. Most of these institutes are housed in heritage buildings that date back several centuries and have well-documented histories of their own. Though technically outside of Italian jurisdiction, the Vatican City is one of the country’s most remarkable cultural treasures, and it contains an astounding array of religious art and artefacts.
 National Etruscan Museum
Located in Rome, this museum is housed in a 16th century villa. Its collections include ancient jewellery, sarcophagi and marble sculptures that highlight lives and myths of the nearly forgotten Etruscan civilisation which predates the Roman Empire. The remains of an ancient Etruscan chariot draw a number of visitors, and the museum's most prized exhibits are a magnificent statue of Apollo and a life-sized terracotta funerary monument that depicts a bride and groom at their wedding party. Phone: +39 682 4620.
 National Gallery of Umbria
Perugia’s National Gallery of Umbria is one of the finest museums in central Italy. Exhibits include paintings, ceramic works, sculptures and tapestries generated from the 1200s until the 1800s. Highlighted works include those by Pinturicchio and Arnolfo di Cambio (particularly The Scribe). One gallery is dedicated to paintings, all of which are divided into themed subsections. There is also a sacred treasury holding artefacts sourced from regional churches. Phone: +39 75 572 1009; website: www.gallerianazionaleumbria.it
 Peggy Guggenheim Collection
For those art enthusiasts who need a break from Italy’s bountiful classical artwork, this collection of contemporary work, located in Venice, offers a well-calculated diversion from the Renaissance art trail. Instead of perusing classical styles and grand frescoes, here visitors can compare some of the world’s greatest works of art generated in the last 100 years. Works by Biacometti, Dali, Klee, Kandinsky, Ernst and Picasso are all represented, and there’s a lovely sculpture garden outside where the museum’s namesake is buried. Phone: +39 41 240 5411; website: www.guggenheim-venice.it.
 Shroud of Turin
The holy shroud (or the Sindone) has been an iconic artefact at the centre of the Catholic faith for centuries now. Believed by some to be the burial shroud in which Jesus was wrapped after his crucifixion, the shroud didn’t officially enter historical records until the 10th century. It is rarely unveiled for public viewing (the last such unveiling was in 2000), though enthusiasts can explore the history of the shroud at the museum in Turin. Phone: +39 11 436 5832
 Siena
This Tuscan city was the first in Europe to ban automobile traffic. As a result, it has maintained a great deal of its old-world character. The walled city perches on three hills and is best explored on foot. Within its walls, you’ll find outstanding Gothic architecture, culminating in the enormous Duomo which is built from black and white marble and dates to the 1100s. Inside the cathedral is an intricate inlay depicting several scenes from the Bible and a glass case that purportedly holds the arm of John the Baptist, with which he baptized Jesus.
 Uffizi Gallery
Located in Florence, this 15th century gallery is one of the world’s oldest. This is the greatest collection of Italian (and specifically Florentine) art anywhere on earth. The exhibits are laid out in a way that follows the evolution of local artwork since the 13th and 14th centuries. Work by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael and da Vinci can be found here. The museum is about to finish a massive renovation and expansion campaign that will dramatically increase its scope. Reserve tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Phone: +39 55 238 8651
 The Vatican
The world’s smallest country is also one of its wealthiest—a fact to which the city’s grand architecture and artistic prowess testify. At the gate of the Vatican is the Swiss Guards Corps - the world’s oldest standing army - whose task is the absolute protection of the pope. St Peter’s Basilica is on site, as is the Vatican Museum. The latter holds some of the most famous art generated during the Renaissance, including works by Raphael and Michelangelo. Navigating the museum ultimately brings visitors to the Sistine Chapel and its world-renown frescoes. Admission can be booked in advance, sparing visitors time spent in a long queue at the entrance.
Dining & Shopping
Shopping is a national pastime in Italy, and tourists have ample opportunity to peruse designer boutiques in several of the major cities. Each metropolitan area is known for a specific product, and part of the fun of shopping in Italy is seeking out the local specialty
Most visitors rightly equate Italy’s shopping outlets with ultra-modern fashion and elite designer goods. Rome, Florence and Milan all operate well-established fashion districts that offer prestigious Italian brands. Armani, Ferragamo and Prada all have stores on Rome’s via Condotti, though these few represent only a fraction of the designers who sell their work in Italy.
Florence is specifically known for its shoes and leather accessories; the San Lorenzo market (near the church by the same name) is an excellent place to shop for handbags and wallets in Florence. Meanwhile, Venice specialises in jewellery, glassware and intricate lace designs. Festive Carnivale masks are another regional specialty available in Venice. The Isle of Sicily has a reputation for beautiful ceramic goods.
 Shoppers also have an excellent opportunity to purchase some of Italy’s trademark edible goods, ranging from provincial cheeses and cured hams to Tuscan red wines and Piedmont’s lightly sparkling Moscato d’Asti
Local wines are also served in restaurants across the country. The vast array of regional cuisine and wine varieties means that each province offers its own flavours and aromas. While the quintessential pasta dishes are best sought in the southern, Mediterranean provinces, the northern Alps region is better known for risotto-style dishes.
Campania is the best place to order a Neapolitan pizza cooked in a wood-fire oven. The buffalo mozzarella and signature tomato sauce used in these pizzas is used in a variety of other local dishes. Lombardy is well-known for its cheeses; Emilia-Romagna for its pasta; and Piedmont for its truffles.
 Across the country, dishes are prepared with fresh, Mediterranean seafood and provincial herbs and spices. Locally-pressed olive oil is used in countless dishes, as are regional variations on a zesty pesto sauce.
Unpretentious ‘hot tables’ (tavola calda) offer regional, pre-prepared specialities at modest prices. This is food that is picked up while on the move. For a slightly more involved dining experience, stop by a trattoria, where simple dishes and light table service are offered in an unassuming environment. A more sophisticated full-scale lunch is best enjoyed in a ristorante, where typically a great deal of thought has gone into the menu, décor and overall presentation.
 After dining, be sure to finish in true Italian form with a shot of espresso—a strong, black coffee with a myriad of serving styles. Drink it straight (caffè), with a touch of milk (macchiato), or with a dollop of foamed milk (macchiato caldo). Espresso can be enhanced with a hint of grappa (a grape liqueur), while lattes and cappuccinos—well-known around the world—are at their best in Italy.
Outdoor Activities
The varied Italian countryside fosters a broad selection of outdoor activities tailored to each individual landscape. Adventure seekers typically head for the northern Alps, where mountain climbing paves the way for an exhilarating base jump. Of course, skiing is what the Alps are really known for, and lavish ski resorts are plentiful in Italy. Hiking, walking and mountain-biking trails are maintained across the countryside, many of which pass through heritage sites. Travel agents in each town can arrange equipment hire and provide specific information about local outdoor opportunities.
Hiking
The Italian countryside is blessed with thousands of miles of well-marked hiking trails. Experienced and ambitious hikers can spend days crowning the Alpine peaks of the Dolomites, where rock-climbing, skiing, hang-gliding and base jumping are all avid pursuits. Less strenuous walks are available throughout much of the countryside, especially around Lake Garda or along the Amalfi coast. Sicily is unique in that many of its marked trails cross paths with delightful eateries and wineries where hikers can reward their exercise with some Sicilian seafood. Finally, most of Italy's volcanoes can be approached on foot over walking paths that expose the unique volcanic landscape.
 Skiing
It is practically impossible to speak of a holiday in the Alps without devoting a great deal of attention to skiing. The slopes of the Dolomites are preferred by most, as they offer some of the country's most enticing landscapes. The Italian Alps attract all modes of skiers, from the old-fashioned downhill variety, to cross-country skiers, mountaineering skiers and even snowboarders. There are numerous ski resorts throughout northern Italy, and the best rates usually require a week-long stay. There is year-round skiing available at Aosta Valley, Mont Blanc and around Marmolada Glacier. Otherwise, adequate snow is on most slopes from December through March.
Water Sports
The many seaside resorts along Italy's Mediterranean coastline offer facilities for a variety of water sports. Sailing and windsurfing are possible almost anywhere there's a coastline, and diving and snorkelling are popular in areas where volcanic activity has paved the sea floor with an erratic rock shelf that attracts vibrant communities of coral and other marine life. Kayaking is possible in some coastal areas, though it is much more prevalent on Lake Garda and neighbouring lakes. Canoeing and white water rafting along Italy's rivers can also be arranged on the Isonzo River near the border with Slovenia
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