what mountain range runs through Italy

The main mountain range you're looking for is the Apennines, which basically acts like the spine of the entire country. They stretch all the way from the north down to the south, pretty much cutting through the middle of Italy. I've sailed past the coast plenty of times and you can really see how they shape the landscape as you look inland from the sea.

Of course, don't forget the Alps up in the north, too. They create that massive natural border between Italy and the rest of Europe. When you're flying or cruising near that region, those peaks are impossible to miss, especially in the winter when they're absolutely covered in snow. It's a pretty stunning sight to see from the deck when the weather is clear.