Vacation Italy

Vacation Italy – Find Italy travel books and Italy travel agents for your next Italy trip.

Italy definitely is on my top 3 places to visit in Europe . The combination of history, art, and scenic beauty is unbeatable. I took my wife and three oldest children to Italy last year and spent a wonderful week in Rome , Venice and Florence . What a great way to teach your kids history as you stand at the Forum in Rome and discuss the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, or stand next to David by Michelangelo in Florence and discuss the impact of the Renaissance upon the world, artistically, scientifically, or culturally. And who can beat taking your love down the canals of Venice and gaze romantically into her eyes?

The most important thing to do when you are looking for the best Vacation Italy sites is to visit and check out at least 3 different vacation Italy sites. Then you can easily compare their various rates, fees and services.

Just doing this simple comparison of at least 3 different vacation Italy sites can save you thousands of dollars. Don't be lazy. Take the time and you can make a huge saving!

As far as Italy Travel Books, I have to say the Rick Steves Italy travel book series wins out over any other Italy travel book. I will never go to any European country without a Rick Steves book. You may have seen him on PBS or you can find him at http://www.ricksteves.com . I love his historical detail, his little hints at avoiding long lines and crushing crowds, and his quirky humor (just my speed!).

Italian History

Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the city-states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily , were united under King Victor EMMANUEL. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a t dictatorship. His disastrous alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy 's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has been at the forefront of European economic and political unification, joining the European Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent problems include illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption, high unemployment, and the low incomes and technical standards of southern Italy compared with the prosperous north.