Which countries are a must-visit? Places to visit while you're alive. Valley of the Fallen, Guadarrama Mountains, Spain
January 16th, 2015
Modern bustle sometimes blurs our vision and we can easily lose the thread of what is really important in this life. The growing opportunities of modern tourism open up enormous prospects. However, not every novice traveler knows about the most beautiful places on Earth. Therefore, we present to your attention a selection of 50 cities that every person should see in their life.
How could Venice not be included in the list? It is beautiful with its picturesque canals, the grandeur of the basilicas, colorful houses and cozy wine bars. Life in this city takes place more on the water than on land. Italy is also famous for one of its secret places - a hotel-restaurant in caves. You can find out more about it.
Seville is a kind of pearl of imperial Spain. Travelers can enjoy strolling through the city's narrow streets lined with orange trees and visiting Moorish castles, some of which are depicted in Spanish legends.
It's no wonder that New York is often called the "crossroads of the world." Nowhere else can you find such concentration and symbiosis of art, culture, gastronomy and business.
Lhasa is the true spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. The city is located opposite the steep peaks of the Himalayas. Majestic palaces and monasteries, saturated with the smell of incense, give the city an unforgettable appearance. You can also find information about Chinese snacks that use incredible creatures.
This city is known primarily for its world-famous carnival. It is not for nothing that they say that Rio de Janeiro is a combination of all five senses. Just the fact that Rio is home to two of the most famous beaches on Earth can make you want to go there.
This city is one of the most visited in the world. In London, literally everything is prestigious - museums, street markets, even architecture. London can rightfully be considered the financial center of Europe. Don't delay your trip! London is calling you!
Particularly interesting will be a trip through the old part of the city, the medina. It would seem that the endless labyrinths of narrow streets that look like corridors should be boring, but they lead to vibrant bazaars where it is difficult to resist buying. The original architecture is stunning. And the smell of local spices coming from every house will be remembered for a long time.
Of all the great ancient cities in the world, Petra holds a special place. Its monumental rock buildings are located in a windswept desert. It has to be seen to be believed.
While walking around Rome you can get acquainted with the world's largest open-air museum. No other city on Earth so combines fine art, gastronomy, and the grandeur of ancient history, as befits an eternal city.
Varanasi is one of the sacred cities of India. His visit is a real holiday for the soul. While watching the sunrise on the banks of the Ganges, you can witness the pilgrimage of local residents to the sacred waters of this river. This sight is unforgettable.
As a center of Renaissance culture, Florence boasts one of the most incredible art collections in the world. Not to mention the splendor of its cathedrals, delicious Tuscan cuisine and the richness and charm of its architecture.
Walking the streets of old Havana is like stepping back in time into a world of majestic pre-revolutionary buildings, classic cars and the smell of home cooking mingling with the sea breeze.
Kyoto was once the imperial capital of Japan. The best way to experience the true essence of Japan's centuries-old traditions is to take part in a real tea ceremony and visit gardens and castles.
Jerusalem is a true crossroads of cultures, cuisines and faiths. Nowhere is this more evident than on the streets of the Old Town, where some of history's most important personalities lived and the most important events took place.
This is the city of lights and a place where you can immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the city with its museums, charming squares and many cozy cafes. It is not surprising that Paris is considered the most romantic city in the world.
Beijing is a historical and cultural capital for China. It is home to two of the most impressive sites on Earth: the monumental Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China in the nearby mountains. At the same time, China is also famous for its “heavenly staircase”. you can easily read about what this staircase is and where it leads.
Lalibela in Ethiopia is one of the greatest holy cities. It is famous throughout the world for its unique and stunning collection of monolithic churches carved from the base of the cliffs.
Granada gained worldwide fame thanks to the eastern part of the city of Alhambra with its narrow cobbled streets of the Albayzin district. Grenada has an undeniable magic that is rarely found even in the larger and more popular cities of Europe.
The Acropolis ranks first on the list of great heritage. And the city's sunny streets, flower-filled squares and incredible museums give Athens the right to call it more than just ancient ruins.
What could be better than sunrise in the ancient city of Bagan? This is what many who have visited here think so. Just imagine: the fog slowly dissipates in the first rays of the sun, revealing the endless plains of ancient pagodas.
According to most, Kathmandu is the gateway to the majestic Himalayas. This city is famous for the spice saffron, the colorful robes of the monks and the iconic prayer flags. It is rightfully considered one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
The Vatican is a city within a city and the Roman Catholic Church. Even if you are a simple tourist, the columns and domes of the Cathedral in St. Peter's Square will stun you with their grandeur and beauty.
Lisbon truly has it all: sun, sea, charm and the decadent atmosphere of the colorful streets of Chiado and Alfama in the rays of the gentle sun.
Tokyo is a real city of the future. This sparkling metropolis, home to some 13 million people, is a true Mecca for shoppers, gourmets and partygoers. Along with this, there are still real ancient temples and gardens here. Japan is also included in the top 25 must-see places for all tourists. You can find out more about the top cities.
Istanbul is a city where East meets West. With its monumental mosques and bustling bazaars, Istanbul boasts thousands of years of history. But modern Istanbul may be more relevant for tourists than ever.
Hoi Anh is located in the historical Vietnamese port and is recognized by UNESCO as an ancient city. This city is famous for its unique symbiosis of Japanese, Vietnamese and European cultures. It’s worth coming here at least to taste the local culinary delights.
Amsterdam is considered a city with one of the highest standards of living. Every year, millions of tourists are enchanted by its famous red light district and stunning Van Gogh Museum.
Situated on the banks of the Nile, Luxor is the most stunning of Egypt's ancient cities. Its proximity to Karnak, Thebes and the Valley of the Kings makes this city a must-see for all lovers.
Few cities have played as important a role in recent history as Berlin, with its legendary nightclubs, lively streets and restaurants that make Berlin one of the most exciting cities in modern Europe.
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is home to some of the most impressive palaces and gardens in India. The city is also part of India's famous Golden Triangle, along with the Taj Mahal in Agra and New Delhi.
Lyon is a World Heritage city dating back to the Roman Empire. Head to Lyon during the Festival of Lights, when the cathedrals, gardens and streets are illuminated with thousands of lights.
Oia is the most famous city on the Greek island of Santorini. Its magnificent white and blue houses located on the very shores of the sea look like something out of a postcard.
While most tourists come to see the stunning ancient city of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap's laid-back atmosphere and delicious food make it a worthy destination for its own trip.
Vienna is a majestic imperial city full of beautiful palaces, manicured gardens and elegant cafes. It is not surprising that this city is deservedly recognized as one of the best places to live.
A colonial city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Cartagena has a history filled with explorers and pirates. It is recognized by UNESCO as an Old Town that enchants and can exceed all your expectations.
The ancient city of Zanzibar is one of the most interesting places in Africa. It is famous for its white sand beaches and the symbiosis of African, Arab and Portuguese influences in the historic stone town areas.
Mexico City is a unique, delightful chaos of colors, sounds and colors. Home to more than 20 million people, this city boasts beautiful colonial architecture, surrounding ruins and incredibly delicious food.
Whether it's short or long, you should definitely visit Singapore. Wander around Little India and be sure to try the local street food.
Las Vegas is better known as Sin City. It is a leader among visiting tourists from all over the world. Las Vegas perfectly combines the luxury of exquisite hotels, famous restaurants and expensive casinos. Hundreds of thousands of people a year enjoy visiting here. If you have never been to Las Vegas, then you simply do not have enough motivation to start traveling, which you can easily find.
This is an ancient city through which the Silk Road passed. The monumental Registan Square with amazing madrassas decorated with mosaics is one of the colorful examples of Islamic architecture.
This city is famous all over the world for its Opera House and magnificent beaches. It perfectly combines originality and modernity. It's no surprise that it holds a special place among the greatest cities on Earth.
You didn’t think that San Francisco wouldn’t be on the list of must-see cities, did you? Historic buildings, nearby natural parks and renowned cuisine make the city a true star of the American West Coast.
More than three million tourists a year can confirm that all the sights of this city evoke lyrical memories and immerse you in a romantic atmosphere. The crown jewel of the city is the spire of the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, towering over the tranquil Normandy coastline.
The walled city of Dubrovnik is the pearl of the Adriatic. This is one of the most picturesque places in Europe and a World Heritage Site.
Between the amazing temples, exotic markets and bustling nightlife, Bangkok has something for every tourist. It has become so popular that in 2013 it was voted the most visited city in London.
It is often called the Paris of South America. From the city's wide avenues lined with colorful houses to the tango club of Barrio La Boca, Buenos Aires is a place of pure delight.
If you try to describe this city in one word, then it can be called magical. Tourists can explore the ruins of colonial churches and monasteries and immerse themselves in the incredible atmosphere in a bohemian cafe under the gaze of three volcanoes visible on the horizon.
The mixture of history, stunning architectural styles and hearty food has made Prague one of the tourist capitals. For the soul of central Europe, be sure to visit Prague.
Not all countries in the world encourage tourism. In some of them you have to wait a very long time for a visa. We invite you to get acquainted with some countries, visiting which is complicated by bureaucratic red tape and geographical features. So, here are the countries that are hard to get into.
The most secretive country in the world. In 2016, only 100 thousand tourists visited it. However, some of them were deported for violating the conditions of their stay in the country. In North Korea, tourists are prohibited from traveling independently; they must be accompanied by a guide from one of Pyongyang's three government-approved tour operators. And although you need to spend 6-8 weeks to obtain a visa, you will only be able to travel along a pre-planned route.
Until 1974, tourists could not visit the kingdom of Bhutan. The mountains of Tibet in the north and the dense jungles of West Bengal made the country inaccessible. These days, there are two airlines that fly to and from Bhutan. And the roads have become much better and you can travel by car. But no matter how you visit this country, your stay must be paid in advance through a travel agency in Bhutan. This includes a plane ticket and an all-inclusive package.
To reach the untouched beauty of Kiribati, you need to visit the remote islands of the Pacific Ocean. According to experienced travelers, you need to start your trip from Fiji, from Honolulu, Brisbane, Manila or Taipei, flying along the road from one island to another in smaller and smaller planes. This is the only way to reach Kiribati. But even if you reach the country, getting into it is difficult. If you are not a resident of one of the 60 countries allowed to pay a visa on arrival, you will have to apply for a tourist visa at one of Kiribati's several foreign consulates.
Over the past few years, the island of Nauru has been involved in controversy. It was a detention center for refugees from Australia. There is only one airline that flies here. The visa is issued by embassies and consulates in 10 countries, including Australia, Fiji, Taiwan and Thailand.
The world's largest country is not easy to visit. The trip must be planned in advance. You will need an invitation, which can be arranged through the hotel you are staying at. It will take some time to obtain a visa. And don't be surprised if you are subjected to a thorough check after landing. You can visit the country without a tourist visa if you are on a cruise ship that stopped for less than 72 hours.
As in Russia, so in many former Soviet Union countries, an invitation is required to obtain a visa. It can be provided by a tour operator or hotel. But that is not all. What discourages any desire to visit this country is that you need to register with the local branch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs every three days.
Somalia has been plagued by internal conflicts for many years. Therefore, the governments of most countries warn everyone who wants to travel to this country about the danger. Somalia recently opened an embassy in America, but experienced travelers advise using the services of the embassy in Turkey.
The situation here is the same as in Somalia. Most governments are warning of the danger. But visiting this country is very difficult even if you want to. Libya's land borders with Algeria, Niger, Sudan and Chad are closed to non-Africans. Therefore, if you decide, you need to enter through Egypt. There are no direct flights from the UK or US to Libya, but there are flights from Istanbul to Tripoli. You can also take advantage of two flights via Tunisia. The ancient Roman ruins of Leptis Magna, which are located approximately 130 km east of Tripoli, are simply stunning!
It is a country that many avoid due to state oppression and horrendous human rights abuses. Hostility towards its residents also extends to visitors. As a result, Equatorial Guinea is very difficult to get into, unless you are American. Surprisingly, United States citizens, alone in the entire world, do not require a visa. Compared to neighboring countries, hotels here are very expensive.
The Angola visa process can take several weeks. To get into this country, you definitely need an invitation, as well as confirmation from the hotel that the room has been paid for. And at the same time, you still don’t know whether you will be allowed entry...
What attracts modern tourists? Historical places, a variety of architectural forms, gorgeous beaches, profitable shopping opportunities, amazing natural landscapes. World tourism has long decided on the top 10 countries that definitely need to be visited. The leaders included France, Türkiye, and Italy. Australia, Austria, Germany, China, UK, Spain and USA. Why are these states so attractive to travelers?
France
France, which is associated with endless romance, is ready to offer tourists entertainment for every taste! This country combines both modernity and antiquity: the Louvre and, a walk along the banks of the Seine and a visit to the Moulin Rouge extravaganza, Notre Dame Cathedral and glass skyscrapers. Add in top-notch luxury boutique shopping, some of the world's finest wines, unparalleled cuisine and endless attractions, and it's easy to see why more than 79 million travelers flock here each year.
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Türkiye
“All-inclusive” Turkey, which has won the love of our compatriots, is famous not only for its luxurious hotels and well-groomed beaches. The abundance of historical, natural and archaeological attractions that are located here force travelers to get out of the hotels, tempted by exciting excursions.
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Italy
Thanks to centuries of rich culture, high fashion, glorious history, amazing climate and national cuisine, Italy has been at the peak of tourist success for many years. In addition to the azure sea and golden beaches, here you will admiringly contemplate the exquisite simplicity of Ravenna, the nobility and tranquility of Siena, the patriarchal nature of Pesaro, the luxury of San Remo or the somewhat frightening Volterra. But you shouldn’t be afraid of the notorious mafia. It has long become a tourism brand attracting travelers.
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Australia
If you manage to get to Australia, you will definitely fall in love with it! In addition to exciting excursions, the best cafe au lait, golden beaches and endless ocean, here you will immediately feel like a citizen of the world, because the futuristic architecture of Australian cities erases all boundaries.
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Austria
The splendor of crystal clear lakes, caps of snow-white snow, amazing alpine landscapes, the unforgettable taste of Viennese coffee and the bitterness of chocolate - this is only a small part of what awaits any tourist who finds himself in Austria! It’s not for nothing that the treasury of this country is annually replenished with money left here by grateful guests.
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Germany
Amazing country! There is neither the Leaning Tower of Pisa nor the works of Gaudi, but the Germans are creating a unique tourism product. Various festivals, recognizable gastronomic delights, fairs - there is something to do here.
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China
This country amazingly combines urban, minimalist modernity and the richness of thousand-year-old culture. It is not surprising that China is truly exotic for Europeans.
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Great Britain
For a traveler who has traveled outside his native country more than once, visiting the UK is a tourist must-have. After all, listening to stories about Wilkshire, Big Ben and the Thames is one thing, but seeing this splendor with your own eyes is quite another.
There are so many wonderful places in the world that I would like to visit. But even if a person had ten lives, he would hardly have time to visit everywhere. Therefore, you have to choose. Everyone knows that frustrating feeling when you have nothing to choose from, but you won't feel any better when you have to choose from a large number of equally incredible options. Well, this article will make your choice easier - here is a list of twenty countries that you must visit in your lifetime.
New Zealand
There is hardly a person who has visited New Zealand and not fallen in love with this mysterious country. It is difficult to find another place where travelers would be so pleased with what they saw, from man-made masterpieces to natural wonders. The nature here is truly impressive: you will find here prehistoric forests, wide beaches, snow-capped mountains, and wonderful water sources.
Australia
Australia is not just a country, it is an entire continent. Its vast expanses hide a world full of ethnic and cultural diversity, incredible landscapes, and a variety of entertainment options. Here you will find a spirit of sociability and life on every corner.
Japan
Japan is a unique blend of tradition and innovation. An incredible religious and cultural heritage coexists side by side with the high-tech and architectural achievements of our time. There are thousands of impressive Buddhist temples and altars throughout the country, most of which are concentrated in Kyoto, a city known as the cultural capital of Japan.
Thailand
With an incredibly intriguing history, Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Thailand is able to offer a variety of attractions for many different types of tourists. There are ancient Buddhist temples and beautiful palaces, as well as untouched islands and national parks. The country's capital, Bangkok, with its bustling streets and huge shopping malls, stands in stark contrast to the tranquil villages hidden high in the mountains.
Nepal
Nepal is a tiny country in the Himalayas, located between two large neighboring countries, China and India. This country is a world in itself - nowhere else can you find so many emotions and impressions in such a small area. This country has some of the best trekking and mountaineering trails in the world.
South Africa
South Africa is a place that will not disappoint any visitor. It is a large, diverse and incredibly beautiful country suitable for a variety of travellers. South Africa is also the largest cultural center of the entire African continent. Cape Town and Johannesburg almost always appear on the list of the best cities for tourism.
Botswana
Botswana is an extremely impressive country that has made an incredible journey from complete poverty to one of the most stable economies in all of Africa. It is especially impressive how the country has managed to preserve all its natural treasures during times of economic growth. Much of its land is dedicated to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Latvia
The infrastructure of the Baltic pearl has improved significantly in recent years, with many cities undergoing major renovations. Particularly noteworthy is the country's capital, Riga, which was recently chosen as the European Capital of Culture. Many travelers focus solely on this city, but the true spirit of Latvia is in the countryside, where you can find pristine lakes, emerald forests and sandy beaches.
Poland
Poland has gone through many upheavals over the past few centuries, but its rich culture, beautiful scenery and historical sites provide visitors with many wonderful memories to take away. And although Warsaw, the capital of the country, is the most popular city among tourists, you will miss out on a lot if you spend all your time there exclusively.
Germany
Germany is one of the best countries in the world for tourist visits. Of course, it may seem a little expensive. However, the excellent food, impeccable beer and wonderful scenery are worth the money spent. The country offers incredible natural diversity, from the green hills of Bavaria to the snow-capped Alps, and a variety of cities, from bustling Munich to tranquil medieval Tübingen.
France
A trip to France is on almost every person's bucket list, and this country truly deserves this approach. It attracts people from all over the world for its culture, wine, cuisine and landscapes.
Spain
If you visit Spain at least once, you will want to return there again and again. According to the Spaniards themselves, there is not one, but several Spains - this is how they figuratively describe the diversity of nature and culture of the country. And none of these Spains will disappoint travelers.
Portugal
Portugal is a country of dazzling beaches, incredible landscapes and medieval villages. It attracts with its outstanding culture, language and cuisine. The aesthetic beauty of this country is not negatively affected by crowds of tourists, unlike many other popular destinations in Europe.
Italy
Italy is a country of beautiful people and wonderful food, it is a traveler's dream destination. You will find many outstanding things here, from nature and art to food and a wonderful climate. Even the most demanding visitors will be delighted with this country.
Greece
Greece has been experiencing an economic crisis in recent years, but at the same time remains the main tourist center of Europe thanks to both its historical and cultural heritage and natural attractions - beaches, mountains and islands.
Switzerland
The landscapes of Switzerland are guaranteed to take travelers' breath away. The cities located in this multilingual country with incredible ethnic diversity are huge and vibrant, and the transport links are excellent.
Great Britain
There are very few places that offer as much as the UK offers travelers. There are both rocky highlands and spectacular beaches. Naturally, there are also historical attractions, cultural monuments and upscale restaurants.
Uruguay
The country is often overlooked compared to its more impressive South American neighbors. But Uruguay is one of the best wine producers in the region, so it can be extremely tempting for lovers of the drink.
Mexico
Of course, as soon as the name of this country is heard, people become concerned about security. However, with the exception of the northern border of the country, which often makes headlines in a decidedly less positive way, a trip to Mexico should be more fun than scary.
Canada
Canada is the largest country in North America, covered in majestic mountains, pristine forests and stunning coastlines. But to all these natural wonders that form breathtaking landscapes, there is also a hospitable atmosphere that reigns in every corner of the country.
Based on the votes and ratings of readers of the prestigious magazine Condé Nast Traveler, a rating of the most attractive countries for tourism was compiled. Almost 130 thousand people took part in the survey, which is simply incredibly large. And the opinions of so many travelers can actually be trusted. So it's time to find out which countries you should travel to first.
Morocco
Morocco is a treasure trove full of spice markets, surreal landscapes, incredible mosques and world-class surfing spots. The local cuisine is unlike any other in the world, as it combines elements of Arab, African, Persian and French schools.
Canada
The country offers travelers a variety of experiences, from connecting with wildlife on Vancouver Island to staying overnight at the oldest Ritz-Carlton hotel in North America in Montreal. And sledding in Quebec is something everyone should try in the winter.
Japan
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are just the most interesting of the many places you should visit in Japan. This year, Kyoto, home to more than two thousand ancient temples, was voted the best city in the world.
Ireland
You can enjoy many different aspects of Ireland - from hotels set in former castles to bustling, world-famous Irish pubs. It is also recommended to rent a car and take the world's longest road trip along the Wild Atlantic Route.
Portugal
A small but respectable country neighboring Spain, it has its own distinct culture, cuisine and language. In summer, head towards the western village of Comporta to visit world-famous Ibiza. And, of course, no trip to Portugal would be complete without a glass of wine from the Douro subregion.
Mexico
Mexican cuisine has recently entered the ring with such giants as Spain and Italy. Over the past year, three restaurants located in Mexico City have been ranked among the top fifty in the world.
Netherlands
Travel to Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other impressive cities to visit incredible museums, taste incomparable coffee, and admire awe-inspiring scenery.
Sri Lanka
If you feel lost, this is the place that will help you find yourself again. Buy a ticket and board an old but sweet train that will take you into the unknown. Admire the scenery and buy pancakes and curry from the train vendors, but don't forget to get off for a closer look at the main attractions.
Vietnam
Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain said his trip to Vietnam changed his life. He said that Vietnam was like a completely different planet that sucked him in and never let go. You can sip Vietnamese coffee and enjoy pho noodles all day long, or you can go down into the world's deepest cave.
South Africa
Cape Town was ranked sixth on this year's list of best cities. People are most drawn to Table Mountain and the local hotel resorts, but the rich vineyards and safaris are also worth a look.
India
The world's second most populous country has a huge variety of places to visit - from the sandy beaches of Goa to the ancient Buddhist caves of Ajanta. Northern Kashmir is often called the Switzerland of India - time slows down there and the winter resorts are simply magnificent.
Türkiye
Travel to Turkey to see magnificent mosques, magical castles, and natural wonders such as Pamukkale (cotton castle), made up of a series of travertines filled with mineral-rich water.
Thailand
Thailand will tempt you with incredible culture, exotic cuisine and utopian resorts, whether you decide to simply enjoy unfamiliar and outlandish cuisine, travel from island to island, or choose another way to relax. Recently, there has been a rise in the number of holistic health resorts where you can relax and get rid of illnesses.
New Zealand
This is the best place for adventure seekers. You can live in harsh conditions in a hut without electricity, soak in the healing waters of Maruya Springs, or hike through the volcanic lands of Tongariro National Park.
Australia
Melbourne was named the city with the highest standard of living this year, so taking a trip there is also a good idea. There you can find the Mornington Peninsula, with vineyards, beaches and its own food scene.
Greece
Athens is a city that also made it onto the list of top places you should see in 2015. In the midst of the financial crisis, museums, hotels and shops are thriving, fueling the capital's cultural renaissance. And the turquoise waters and salty wind of Mykonos will always attract travelers.
USA
Travelers to the United States are drawn to glittering cities, family-friendly theme parks and natural beauty.
Spain
Spain has been the epicenter of the world's cutting-edge cuisine for quite some time. It would be a good idea to plan your trip here, including visits to the most vibrant and famous restaurants. The best time to visit Spain is in April.
France
The country that gave its people cabarets, champagne and hundreds of varieties of cheese is also one of the most romantic places on Earth. In the spring, traveling around this country will be simply exciting.
Italy
Who can resist the call of pasta and beautiful people? For five years in a row, Italy has been named the best country for tourism. And here you can have a great rest - drink wine, make friends with sociable locals, or swim in the sun on the beach.