SICILY is located in the central Mediterranean Sea, south of the Italian Peninsula, from which it is separated by the narrow Strait of Messina.

From the sea to the mountains and countryside, from the volcanoes to the fishing villages, there are really many reasons why to visit Sicily. Its most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe The Greek and Roman temples in Sicily are among the largest and best preserved of all ancient Greek and Roman buildings. Sicilian cuisine shows traces of all the cultures which established themselves on the island of Sicily over the last two millennia. Although its cuisine has a lot in common with Italian cuisine, Sicilian food also has Spanish, Greek and Arab influences. Sicily is part of Italy’s ancient wine making traditions, yet this island in the Mediterranean Sea is also producing some of the country’s most modern and exciting wines.

SARDINIA, a 9,301-square-mile island situated in the Mediterranean Sea, just west of the Italian mainland, lures travelers with its unique blend of ancient culture and arresting coastal views.

Not only can you lounge on a white beach or wade out into clear, turquoise waters, but you can enjoy a leisurely lunch complete with Sardinia’s own take on pasta and wine. You can snorkel among colorful fish in nearby coves, but you can also explore inland Sardinia’s traditional villages and see shepherds tending to their flocks. The drive along the island’s northern Emerald Coast would convince you that Sardinia is characterized solely by glamorous hotels, restaurants and utterly perfect beaches, but you’d be wrong. It is home to humble farms, forested mountains, and friendly but reserved locals. The majority of traditional Sardinian food is pork or lamb based, and you’ll find a lot of sheep cheese. The most traditional occupation on the island is sheep farming.