Italy off the beaten track

As well as the most popular destinations we specialise in the less well-known treasures of Italy. Away from the famous cities, the Italian destinations featured on Italy Heaven include the walkers' paradise of the Cinque Terre, the lovely, little-known Lake Iseo and the ancient Greek city of Syracuse (modern Siracusa) in Sicily. Join the pilgrims visiting St. Francis's town of Assisi or bask in thermal springs on the beautiful island of Ischia. Or why not spend longer in the overlooked area around Rome, taking some of our recommended daytrips and visiting unusual places like the cave of an emperor at Sperlonga or Terracina's temple above the sea?
> Italy off the beaten track

Welcome to Italy

Italy - Bella Italia, the Bel Paese - is a country of extremes, with something to offer every visitor: from snow-iced mountains to hot lazy Mediterranean beaches, from unspoilt hill villages to cities that have bustled for thousands of years. This website is designed to help you plan a holiday in Italy, or to research Italian vacation options.

Italy travel forums on the internet are full of overwhelmed travellers asking 'I have two weeks in Italy, what should I see?' Responses range from: 'Everything: do Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome then Naples,' to 'Spend a fortnight in Tuscany'. The best answer, of course, is to do what suits you. Some people want to squeeze in as much as possible for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Others prefer to explore a culture at a slower pace. On Italy Heaven you can look around, and consider what your dream holiday might be. Learn more about selected destinations, and read advice on travel in Italy to make your stay easier, more fulfilling or more fun.

Nowadays planning your own holiday is a viable and economical alternative to booking a package. It's easy to organise your own journey and book online, and Italy Heaven offers you practical tips and assistance, from advice on choosing a hotel to suggested Italy travel itineraries.

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Basilicata

Basilicata, in the deep south, is one of Italy's least-known regions, yet contains some excellent tourist sights. Best of all is the utterly unique cave-town of Matera, one of Italy's most atmospheric destinations. Adventurers come to the region for the Flight of the Angel zip-wire, while the region also shares with Calabria Italy's largest protected landscape, the Pollino National Park. If you've 'done' Italy's famous art-cities, this is a good place to come and get off the beaten track.
> Best of Basilicata photo gallery

Italian cities

Italy is a dream destination for city breaks, with three of the world's most beautiful cities just three hours from the UK: Rome, where antiquities bask in the sunshine in a colourful and lively metropolis, Florence, thought by many to be the art capital of the world, and unique Venice. Those in search of culture or vibrant modernity may prefer the charms of fashionable Milan or stately Turin, while the intrepid can dive into the colourful chaos of historic Naples.

Latest Italy stories and comment

Italy Heaven has a blog where we publish our website news, Italy stories, and random thoughts and anecdotes. Visit and comment at http://italyheaven.blogspot.com.

Italy photo galleries

If you just want a taste of Italy, you can now visit our photo galleries and see if it's true that a picture paints a thousand words.
> Italy photo galleries

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