From the chicness of Milan, the romance of Verona and the famous canals and islands of Venice, to the Renaissance treasures of Florence and the iconic leaning tower of Pisa and the magnificence of Rome, Italy has more than its fair share of cities to explore. But it also has its beautiful lakes and Alps, quaint fishing villages, and hectares of vineyards and olive groves – and, of course, let’s not forget it’s a foodie heaven! Its mountains are great for hiking and (in winter) skiing, or for spotting wolves in the Matese mountains. Italy’s unique Marsican brown bears, chamois and eagles can be found in the National Park of Abruzzo, and Sardinia is the ideal place for bird-watchers to spot Eleonora’s falcons during the autumn migration. Sardinia’s turquoise coastlines make for spectacular sailing, and its rich coral reefs are fabulous for diving.
Cinque Terre
With the quaint, pastel-coloured fishing villages jutting out on the craggy cliffs overlooking the seas, pine-covered mountains, vineyards and olive groves, it is easy to see how Italy's Cinque Terre so inspired poets such as WB Yeats, Ezra Pound, Byron and Shelley, and still charms travellers today
Tuscany
A rich artistic and historic heritage can be found in Tuscany, widely regarded as the cradle of the Renaissance due to renowned cities such as Florence, Pisa, Lucca, and Siena. Its olive groves and vineyards, and its cuisine are famous for their quality; wine-tasting in Tuscany is a must.
Venice
With its canals, bridges, marble palaces, and iconic St Mark's Basilica, Venice is an artistic masterpiece itself, and an unforgettable destination. Whether tucking into cicchetti, the Venetian answer to tapas, admiring the ornate Venetian glass, joining in the revelry behind the traditional distinctive masks at the annual Carnival, or enjoying a gondola ride and soaking in the beautiful scenery, Venice has something very different and very special to offer
Sicily
More than just a ball being kicked by Italy's boot, Sicily is an absorbing destination: from the tragic, yet brilliantly preserved, remains of Pompeii, and Europe's highest active volcano, Mount Etna, which offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer to savouring sublime seafood, and discovering a rich and mixed heritage from classical ruins to Byzantine mosaics and Baroque stuccowork - all surrounded by dazzling blue seas
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