Things to see and do in Italy

Sail to Sicily to see the remains of successive invading cultures. The most important ancient Greek sites include the temples of the Valle dei Templi at Agrigénto, said to be better preserved than any in Greece itself. The catacombs at the Capuchin Monastery contain thousands of mummified bodies.

Be fascinated by Rome's historical sites - the Colosseum (www.archeorm.arti.beniculturali.it), the Forum and the Pantheon. At the Trevi Fountain, visitors guarantee their return to Rome by throwing a coin into the waters.

Italian language and art courses are available throughout Italy. Language courses are often complemented by subjects such as cooking or architecture. Art courses are offered by the Palazzo Spinelli (www.spinelli.it) and Università Internazionale dell'Arte (www.uiafirenze.com) in Florence.

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe and is Sicily's best-known natural attraction. It is also the highest mountain on the island currently measuring 3,350m (10,990ft); the height varies each time the volcano erupts. Its mythical importance dates back to the Ancient Greeks who believed it was here that Cyclops helped forge lightning bolts for Zeus, deep within the volcano's core. Mount Etna is situated within the Etna Regional Park (Parco Regionale dell'Etna), Sicily's first national park that was established in 1987. The park offers skiing opportunities in the winter and some great hiking trails with mountain refuges during the summer. The park is popular with volcanologists all year round and drew particular attention in 2001, the year of the volcano's last major eruption. The fertile volcanic terrain supports an array of flora and fauna including vineyards and magnificent forests.

Understand how first-century Romans lived their daily lives when you see the remains of Pompeii (www.pompeiisites.org) and Herculaneum, engulfed in the great eruption of AD79.

Admire Siena's extraordinary humbug-striped cathedral (Duomo). Go in September to see its intricate patterned floor (pavimento) which is covered most of the year.

Italy has a plethora of thermal spas, some famous since the Roman era. The best-equipped health resorts are Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme (Veneto); Acqui Terme (Piedmont); L'Andana, Tombolo Talassa Resort, Terme di Saturnia, Chianciano Terme and Montecatini Terme (Tuscany); Fiuggi (Lazio); and Porretta Terme and Salsomaggiore Terme (Emilia-Romagna).

The landscape of Tuscany is, typically, one of vine-covered hills, cypress woods, fields of sunflowers and remote hilltop villages. Chianti, the best-known Italian wine, is made in the area north of Siena, and several wine cellars are open to the public.

Explore Venice (Venezia), a work of art in itself. St Mark's Basilica (www.basilicasanmarco.it) and the Doge's Palace (www.museiciviciveneziani.it), overlooking St Mark's Square, have gained fame through Canaletto paintings. The Galleria dell'Accademia (www.gallerieaccademia.org) displays hundreds of Venetian paintings.

Head to the coast: all types of watersports are available. Popular spots include the Italian Riviera in Liguria, the Adriatic and Amalfi coasts. Less busy are the beaches in Sicily, which has large sandy stretches on the southern coast, and in Sardinia. Many of Italy's best dive sites are located in Sardinia.