Italy

Breathtaking countryside, beautiful old cities, the Amalfi Coast and of course renowned cuisine are all on offer in Italy, a favourite with honeymooners and families alike. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance built by merchants and bankers, has many treats for its visitors. Brunelleschi's Duomo, the Academia - home of Michelangelo's David - and Ghiberti's bronze Baptistery doors are just a few of them. Venice, the city of water, cannot fail to capture your imagination with its wonderful architecture, great cafe society and romantic gondola rides. Here there are many archaeological sites and buildings, as well as fabulous shopping and dining. Away from the bustle of the cities, Italy's countryside has enchanted the British since the era of the 'Grand Tour'. The stunningly beautiful Amalfi Coast stands out for its spectacular coastlines, rugged cliffs, cascades of brightly coloured houses, lemon groves and olive trees on terraced hillsides, all tumbling down to an aquamarine sea. Tuscany is the home of vineyards, Cyprus trees and rounded hills, and the enchanting island of Sicily is full of art, history, breathtaking views and, as always in Italy, superb food.

The stunningly beautiful Amalfi Coast stands out for its spectacular coastlines, rugged cliffs, cascades of brightly coloured houses, lemon groves and olive trees on terraced hillsides, all tumbling down to an aquamarine sea. The main town in the area is Amalfi, which makes a good starting point for an exploration of this exquisite coastline.

Sicily is one of Italy’s most historically cosmopolitan regions. This enchanting island is full of art, history, breathtaking views and exquisite cuisine. Palermo is the biggest city on the island, and as such the main tourist hotspot, with its rustic winding streets, sea-front restaurants, charming markets and distinctive architecture.

Italy’s breathtaking countryside consists of undulating hills and agricultural valleys, plum and cherry orchards and, above all, vineyards. Hire a car to get the most of what the countryside has to offer and explore castles, villages, farmyards and coastlines.

Originally formed as coral barriers, the dramatic Dolomites now reach extraordinary heights of up to 3,000m, carving out a great location for a variety of winter sports. A modern chip skipass gives you access to 12 ski resorts, diverse and suitable for the whole family, with 1,200km of perfectly prepared slopes and guaranteed snow.

Florence is a city full of history and culture. With striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches, it’s a city that oozes luxurious elegance. Famous for its rich art history, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is the capital of Tuscany. Florence has beautiful views of the Tuscan hills that are within easy access for walks amongst the olive groves

With its diverse landscape and rich culture, Northern Italy provides wonderful opportunities for exploring rustic villages clinging to the sides of hills, magnificent baroque basilicas, shimmering lakes such as Como and Garda, and indulging in some retail therapy in the glamorous fashion capital of Milan.

Bursting with fascinating ancient monuments, art galleries and endless shops, cafes and trattorias, Rome is a beautiful city that must be visited at least once in a lifetime. Take a private guided tour around the city to visit such sights as the Colluseum and the Pantheon and marvel at the size and splendour of the Vatican.

Tuscany, the surrounding region to Florence, has been dubbed the most beautiful region of Italy, scattered with villas, farmhouses and castles nestled deep in the heart of the rural countryside. The olive groves and vineyards across the rolling hills of its distinctive landscape contribute richly to Tuscany’s world-renowned cuisine.

A unique maze of narrow streets and winding canals, the beautiful city of Venice is packed with things to see and do. Its charm lies in the fact that the only way of getting around this traffic-free city is by foot or boat. After wandering through the streets full of little shops and eateries, you can either jump on board a water bus or take a romantic Gondola ride along the meandering canals.

Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Italy

Amalfi Coast and south

Sicily

Puglia

Dolomites

Florence

Northern Italy

Rome

Tuscany

Venice