Portofino marina on the Ligurian coast

The origin of the Renaissance movement, Italy embodies the landscapes, atmospheres and experiences many of us picture when we think of a European vacation. While you may be planning a few stops as part of a larger tour, the boot-shaped country is well worth an entire trip in itself.

A number of paths will take you through some amazing Italian destinations, but we're focusing on the western coast for now. Starting in the province of Liguria and heading south, you'll find quaint villages and bustling cities, all with the aqua waters of the Mediterranean as a backdrop.

Coastal Regions and Hot Spots

Liguria
On the Italian Riviera, Liguria is a mountainous coastal region renowned for beautiful landscapes.

• Genoa
  This is the birthplace of famous explorer, Christopher Columbus and features one of the largest and most beautiful aquariums in the world. Numerous art and history museums compliment Genoa's status as Europe's historical centre.
  
  
• Portofino
  A highly walkable resort town centred around a picturesque harbour. Noted for lifestyle, this is a popular destination for affluent travellers from around the world. See the Castello Brown castle while you're there.

Tuscany
One of the most famous, sought-after regions of Italy. Art, museums, excellent wines, mountains and rolling hills are some of the popular drawing features.

• Pisa
  At the mouth of the Arno River, Pisa is home to beautiful Gothic architecture and many centuries-old churches. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is just one of the sites you'll want to visit here.
  
  
• Florence
  Farther up the river in the heart of Tuscany, a trip to Florence will take you away from the coast. However, the historic former capital of Italy boasts enough cultural landmarks, museums and classic scenery to make the trip worthwhile.
  

Latium
Referred to as the cradle of the ancient Roman civilization, Latium boasts a host of artistic and historic points of interest.

• Rome
  Staying slightly inland is well worth it to visit the historic former capital of the Roman Empire. The Vatican, the Roman Civilization Museum, the Colosseum and other monuments make the city unforgettable.

Campania
The mountains continue in Campania, but the geology gets a bit more interesting in this volcanic region flanked by beautiful islands.

• Naples
  Back to the coast, the city of Naples is steeped in an atmosphere of ancient Greece and Rome. Visit the National Museum for a glimpse at an unparalleled archeological collection including Greek statues and mosaics from Pompeii.
  
  
• Mt. Vesuvius
  Famous for eruptions dating back thousands in Pompeii to the present day Bay of Naples, this active volcano is a source of anxiety and fascination. If you're keen on volcanoes, check out the nearby dormant mountain of Monte Nuovo.
  
  
• Capri
  Once part of mainland Italy, the island of Capri is a short ferry ride from both Naples and Sorrento. Take in breathtaking rock formations, the Villa San Michele and the Blue Grotto sea cave.

Sardinia
Turning north, ferries from Capri or mainland Italy will take you to the large island of Sardinia. The island is prized for amazing beaches and archeological sites.

• Tharros
  Archeology fans shouldn't miss the excavations and open air museums Tharros where exciting discoveries are still being unearthed.
  
  
• Gennargentu National Park
  Perfect for hiking or just admiring the mountain views in central Sardinia.
  

RCI in Italy

The RCI network boasts 176 resorts throughout Italy. Here are a few we noticed along the western coast.

Domina Inn Piccolo (#3094)
Via Duca Degli Abruzzi 31
Portofino, GE, 16034, Italy
Phone: 185-269015
www.domina.it

Prime Hotel Roma Cassia -"3 Nights" (#6174)
Via Barbarano Romano 19
Roma, RM, 00189, Italy
Phone: 30-35931
www.primehotels.it

Hotel Villa Igea (#3093)
Via Fuorlovado 36
Capri, NA, 80073, Italy
Phone: 818-380111

Residence Hotel Nuraghe (#4135)
Localita' Spiaggia Ira
Porto Rotondo, SS, 07020, Italy
Phone: 789-34035

Cuisine and Wine

Italian restaurants are a distinctive, rich culinary experience. Customers can expect antipasto or a starter, then a primo or first dish which will usually be pasta or rice. Then a secondo meat or fish with contorno or vegetables. Cheeses and fruit are followed by dessert, coffee and spirits. These items are usually a package deal, in the order above, rather than individual items. According to Wikitravel, you may have difficulty with substitutions and/or altering the serving order.

Wine has a long and varied history in Italy. You'll find many different wines along the coast, however Tuscany is particularly well-known for wines including Chianti, Morellino di Scansano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino. Wikitravel recommends concealing the extent (or lack of) your knowledge and taste in wine as it may affect service from restaurant staff.

Transportation

Trains, buses and cars are all efficient modes of travel within Italy within and between cities. As English is commonly spoken in well-travelled areas, a polite approach will likely yield answers to questions about public transportation, which varies from city to city.

Weather

Sunshine and blue skies dominate Italian weather, particularly in the southern mainland and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, although changing weather finds the latter two islands from September to May. Mild winters and hot, dry summers are the coastal norm.

Regardless of what part of Italy you visit or where you roam, we highly recommend kicking back as soon as you arrive. Slow down to the local pace, take it easy and go with the flow to experience the best of Italian lifestyle and atmosphere. Pick up a few souvenirs and some local culinary flavours to bring home and you'll be reliving the trip of a lifetime for years to come.

*Information on Italy's western coast from italiantourism.com and en.wikipedia.org.

Special thanks to Jocelyn d'Orban for requesting information on Liguria and to Zorida Ali for requesting mainland Italy and the islands of Capri and Sardinia.

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