Romantic Italy is a destination many people dream of visiting. It's rich in culture and beauty, and it's one of those places that truly lives up to the hype. Vineyards cloak the rolling hills in Tuscany, and in the far north beautiful lakes are surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Alps. You can wander through the ancient ruins in Rome or get lost in the canals of Venice. Stunning coastal villages cling precariously to the rock coastline. You can get lost in the towns around Cinque Terre or further south on the Amalfi Coast. Italy can easily be explored as a highlights tour, but if time allows, get of the beaten path. Linger in Tuscany. Wander through Sicily. Chat with the locals. But most importantly dine leisurely on pasta and sip wine by the vineyards. Italy really can surpass expectations, even though those expectation have often been set high.

The Amalfi Coast: A stunning stretch of coastline on the Sorrentine Peninsula that is popular with tourists for its dramatic cliffs, historic towns, and picturesque vineyards.
Venetian Canals: The canals in Venice are idolized around the world, with several attempts to replicate them. But nothing can recreate the atmosphere of wandering the streets and canals in the city of Venice.
Cinque Terre: A rugged piece of coastline that is known as the "Five Lands" on which five villages are strategically positioned along a walking trail that is lined with vineyards.

Fegato alla Veneziana: A traditional Venetian dish made from thinly sliced veal liver and onions, sauteed and served together.
Gnocchi: A dumpling dish made with wheat flour, potatoes, butter, and egg. It's usually served with any number of sauces, anything from tomato to pesto to cheese based.
Risotto: An Italian rice dish made with Arborio rice which is usually cooked in a broth and served with cheese.