Ancient Rome was renowned for its thermal baths and Italy till this day has continued this tradition. There are literally hundreds of thermal spas throughout the country. Spas with international acclaim include Abano, Salsomaggiore and Chianciano; such resorts attract millions of visitors each year. Spa resorts in north-eastern Italy are located on the volcanic slopes of the Euganei Hills in Veneto, where hot water springs pour out of the ground. Spas in this area specialize in mud therapy in order to treat rheumatics, respiratory disorders and problems with female reproductive organs. Spas in Latium are also connected with volcanic activity and those around Bagni di Tivoli are particularly famous for the successful treatment of renal conditions.

Italy offers much in the way of outdoor pursuits. There are golf courses in mountain and beach resorts as well as close to the many scenic lakes and major cities. Fishing, horse riding, sailing, skiing and cycling are also very popular. Cycling has become a national pastime and the country offers a good variety of terrain from flat land and gentle hills to steep climbs. There are many organized cycling tours, which allow you to take in the rich landscape, history and culture of each region. Lombardy offers some of the best cycling tours as it rich both in stunning scenery with charming lakes and in the noteworthy works of art.

Traditional festivals to celebrate numerous historical or religious events are observed in all Italian towns and villages. The most notable festival is undoubtedly the Venice Carnival held around February to March every year. Thousands of people dress up in the most ornate 19th-century costumes and hand-made, painted masks to take part in the festivities which include street theatres, music and spectacular firework displays. Gondolas are also decorated and paraded up and down the canals. Another gondola parade is held in Venice on the third Sunday in July to celebrate the Feast of the Redeemer. And on the first Sunday in September, there is an age old competition between two-oar racing gondolas followed by a procession of decorated boats. Italy is the birthplace of opera and offers a vast choice of operatic performances throughout the year. Some opera houses like the Teatro alla Scala of Milan, the Teatro San Carlo of Naples and the Teatro dell'Opera of Rome are renowned for their skillful performances and imaginative stage sets.

Italy has 20 wine growing regions and offers some interesting wine tours. It is possible to combine wine tasting with views of historic sites as in the Chianti wine tour, which is an area rich in ancient castles, the majority of which have now been converted into wineries allowing visitors to enjoy a fine wine in impressive Medieval surroundings. Other tours visit Valpolicella, which actually means 'valley of many cellars', and the much sought after Montalcino wine tour, which visits wineries where Brunello di Montalcino is produced. This is one of very few DOC wines, which connoisseurs collect because of the depth of its flavour.