The Colosseum in Rome

Steeped in history and drenched in olive oil, Italy is the boot-shaped jewel in the Mediterranean.

While clinging proudly to its time-honoured traditions and ancient ruins, Italy has shaped itself as a modern European nation at the cutting edge of fashion, film, music and the culinary arts.

Long after its mighty Roman Empire ruled the roost, Italy's allure and influence extends far beyond its Mediterranean landmass. Its age-old peasant recipes continue to tantalize the taste buds of the world's great chefs, its fashion designers still dominate the catwalks, its Pope still lures the planet's Catholics to Vatican City and its terrifying Mafia are still the gangster godfathers.

Italy is best explored with plenty of time or in multiple visits. From the mountainous north to the sweltering south, Italy is divided into 20 distinct regions.

Starting in the northern Lombardy region you could sail away on the Alpine lakes before travelling south to shop 'til you drop in Milan. Heading east, relish getting absurdly lost in the exquisite back streets of Venice.

On Italy's west coast, take in the coastal walks and tranquility of the Cinque Terra before 'holding up' Pisa's leaning tower and then travelling inland for an art fix in Florence. Striking deeper into the romantic Tuscan region, you could soak up the medieval architecture of San Gimignano and Siena before sampling home made wine in the verdant countryside. Heading south into the region of Umbria, you could brush up on your Italian at a language school in Perugia.

Italy's frenetic capital, Rome, needs little introduction. Travelling south, Naples is a sensory overload where the world's best pizzas fuel the maddest of dashes around its chaotic streets. An easy day trip from Naples, the Amalfi Coast and Capri afford stunning Mediterranean vistas while the ruins of Pompeii transports imaginations back 2,000 years.

Striking south again, you could enjoy the deserted beaches of the Salentine Peninsula or drive the Calabria coast before catching the ferry to the seductive island of Sicily.

The Cinque Terra is the coast with the most

Survival guide

Italy is an ideal year-round travel destination. Even in the winter temperatures in central and southern Italy remain relatively mild while its northern Alps are filled with ski bunnies. Tourists flood into Italy between June and August when temperatures also soar. Spring and autumn are the best times of year to visit for the perfect combination of warm weather and fewer tourists.

Many older Italians speak no English whatsoever so it helps to know some basic words and phrases in their lovely lilting language.

Italy's rail system is generally inexpensive, comprehensive and efficient. Buses services are also excellent and usually service those towns not otherwise on rail lines.

Ferries are an idyllic way to travel to and from the country and link Italy with Spain, Turkey, Croatia, Greece, Tunisia, Albania, Corsica and Malta.

Italy's national airline is Alitalia. Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome is the country's main international gateway.