That Italy is one of the finest holiday destinations in Europe is such a long-standing truth that taking a break in Bel Paese (Beautiful Country) is as much a cliche for the UK’s holidaymakers as a rainy bank holiday or flight delays at Heathrow.

However, the thing about cliches is that they are often based in reality. And if you believe the venerable Rough Guide then this year is a particularly good time for TA’s to tantalise customers with a trip to one of the world’s most established markets by putting Italy’s renowned history as pioneers in art, culture and politics up-front, stage-centre.

Jenny Cahill-Jones, senior online editor at Rough Guides, said: “2019 is giving us more reasons than ever to head to Italy to explore its cultural riches, not only can visitors enjoy the major art exhibition that takes place every two years, the Venice Biennale, but it is also the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death.

“Rough Guides wants to use this opportunity to encourage people to travel to Italy and learn more about how it has contributed to history, art, and culture in the past and still continues to do so.”

The publisher and trip provider wants to encourage as many people as possible to go and experience the many arts, culture, and history exhibitions and events that will be taking place in the country this year. The itinerary can be booked as a trip through the Rough Guides tailor-made trips booking platform. In addition, the newest Rough Guides travel guide to Italy, The Rough Guide to Venice & Veneto, is available to buy now. The print book comes with a free ebook, a new offering from Rough Guides that started being rolled out on books published from April 2019.