Few European nations are as diverse or as breathtakingly romantic as Italy. Comprising 3 millennia of history and culture, the country has a Mediterranean climate of mild winters and hot, dry summers. Admire Renaissance architecture, shop in bustling piazzas and sip espresso in Rome. See Venice in style from a gondola, or don your hiking boots to explore Umbria's medieval towns. From fine art to country living, Italian properties have something for everybody. Villas and apartments promise good food, sunshine and plenty of la dolce vita.