I've had the pleasure of visiting Italy in 1969, 1971, 1977, 1991, and 2011. For two of those times ('69 & '77), I actually lived there for a total of about 3 years. My father emigrated to Canada in 1955, and my mother in 1960. They married in 1960, and I was born in 1961. My mother tongue is Italian, so I did not have any problems speaking the language.

I can tell you that Italy today is not the same as it was in the 60s and '70s. However, geographically, it's still an incredibly beautiful place to visit. I particularly loved the Alps in Aosta (Northwestern part of Italy), lake Como, the Cinque Terre (literally translated, "Five Lands", near Portofino), and many other places.

If you get a chance to go, do so!