You may never want to leave once you've discovered Italy, from the inspiring views of the Amalfi Coast to the quaint seaside villages, lemon-scented and flower-filled. Tuscan vineyards are a flow with the bounty of the vine.

Pugliese farms are lush with cheese and olives. Umbrian hilltops are crowned with basilicas and Roman ruins honoring their storied pasts. Experience cooking schools, agriturismos, workshops, masserias, palazzos and art museums.

In the heart of Italy, old world traditions thrive, history comes alive and spirits are revived with Tuscan and Umbrian food and wine. Vineyards and olive groves drape the lands; ancient castles keep watch; medieval villages enchant with frescoed charms and Roman roots. Travel beside vineyard-draped hills and vertical cliffs along the Mediterranean Sea, stop to gaze upon graceful piazzas and towering duomos. Visit the Vatican. Imagine the glories of ancient Rome and roars rising from the Colosseum, absorb the artistry of Florence in architecture and paintings, fall in love with the five little villages of Cinque Terre perched by the sea. Depending on the tour you take, you may have the opportunity of meeting a member of the Salvatore Ferragamo family in Florence. This is a Tauck tour exclusive and only offered five times during the year. We must not forget Venice, where Main Street is a canal and the gondolas glide. Walk across quaint bridges to St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. You might take a ferry to the islands of Murano for glass-blowing or Burano known for its handmade lace. The high speed trains of Italy never disappoint you and get you to your destination on time.

Travel to the top of Italy's boot to feast your eyes on Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" in the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie, Michangelo's Rondanini Pieta' in Sforza Castle and Caravaggio's The Supper at Emmaus at the Brera Art Gallery in Milan. Drink in the aquatic beauty of Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. Travel to the medieval town of Bergamo and get a taste of rural life in the Franconian wine region. Visit Verona where Shakespeare's tale of Romeo and Juliet took place. Stop at a local factory in Modena to see how the king of cheeses, Parmigiano- Reggiano is crafted.

Don't miss the Enzo Ferrari Museum.

Sicily, a sun-kissed crossroads rich in antiquities and artistry is an island off the tip of the boot. Discover Greek temples, Baroque palazzos and a Norman cathedral; view the archeological wonders of Agrigento and the winding streets of Taormina; explore the Sicilian wines and handcrafted Majolica ceramics in Sciacca.  Hike to the hilltop of Monreale to view its Arab-inspired cathedral and Benedictine cloister; research the Mafia history in Corleone; visit the temple of Apollo in Siracusa. View Mt. Etna in the early morning before the clouds roll in and visit an organic winery Vinicola Barone di Villagrande.

This is Italy and there is so much more!