Italy

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.