Embarking on a journey through Italy feels like stepping into paradise. From the break of dawn over the rolling hills of Tuscany to the serene canals of Venice, each moment offers a unique discovery.

Tour guides often refer to Rome as “an open-air museum,” where history is palpable. The ancient paths once trodden by gladiators, emperors, and soldiers continue to captivate, with gladiators still revered as “superheroes” by many.

Florence proudly claims the title of “the cradle of modern art,” boasting an array of Renaissance wonders. Various organizations are dedicated to “conserving, protecting, and safeguarding the art and culture” that have left an indelible mark on the world.

In the northern reaches of Italy, a violin maker reminds visitors of the instrument’s origins, nearly half a millennium ago, in a quaint city. The air is still alive with music, a testament to centuries of exquisite craftsmanship.

Venice offers a different rhythm. Gondoliers say, “Every day there is a new light, new atmosphere, new emotion you can see only on gondola.” Its bridges and waterways remain iconic symbols of Italian life.

Even modern marvels have their place. At the Fiat Museum, a director calls Ferraris “masterpieces,” adding, “Driving the Ferrari is driving a dream.”

Whether wandering medieval streets, admiring Renaissance art or gliding through Venetian canals, Italy is “a poem and a wonderful sunshine” — a paradise where beauty is both past and present.