Italy’s forte extend beyond its galleries, plates and wardrobes. The country is one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces, its geography offering extraordinary natural diversity. From the north’s icy Alps and glacial lakes to the south’s volcanic craters and turquoise grottoes, this is a place for doing as well as seeing. Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins. Other major cities include Florence, with Renaissance treasures such as Michelangelo’s “David” and its leather and paper artisans; Venice, the sinking city of canals and most the popular attraction is the gondola ride, and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.