It might surprise you to know that a country which appears to mostly jut out into the Mediterranean in fact borders 5 countries, all of which contribute to the Italian culture in the north of the country.
Located on the Tiber River in the central, western area of the peninsular, Rome has been the font of so much of the world's political, scientific, cultural and spiritual development for thousands of years.
Complementing all this culture Rome has a range of fabulous shops and restaurants. Piazza di Spagna, the city shopping centre is where the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni and Sergio Rossi can be found. Everyone knows Italians love their food and Rome is jam packed with restaurants. The highest concentration of restaurants and typical "trattorie" are in the Trastevere neighborhood, also known as the "Roman canteen".