Florence is one of Europe’s best art cities. The crown jewel of the Italian Renaissance, the city boasts over half a dozen famous art museums from the Uffizi Gallery to Pitti Palace. It's also one of the best Italian cities for architecture, with a marble inlaid Duomo that will take your breath away.

Head to the Tuscany region and it's capital for romance, art and shopping.

With an excellent train city, Northern Italy is at your fingertips. Visit Turin, a stately city in Piedmont known for its grand boulevards, magnificent squares and art nouveau cafes. Turn is famous for its Viennese influence, industrious people and elegant atmosphere. This is also the birthplace of Italy's iconic Fiat!

Ah, the Cinque Terre. Located in North Italy's Ligurian Coast, this region is perfect for the traveler who wants to live La Dolce Vita, and soak in sun, great food and beach time.. and not much else. 

Five towns spring up on the rocky Meditteranean coast, and the hilly trail which connects them is one of Italy's best hikes. Manarola, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia, Monterosso - which will be your favorite?

Want to know where Italians head on vacation? Look no further than the Italian Lakes. 

This picturesque region in Northern Italy has been a holiday destination since Roman times, where the wealthy built magnificent villas right on the serene lakes, at the foot of the majestic Alps. With meticulously planned gardens, incredible views, and opulent resorts, it's the perfect romantic escape.

Want beautiful villas and Baroque gardens? Visit Lake Maggiore, with idyllic Baveno and the Borromean Islands.

Isola Bella is my favorite of the trio of islands that make up the Borromean Islands. With a castle like mansion that once entertained the likes of Napoleon and a terraced garden filled with white peacocks, it's an unforgettable day trip from Lake Maggiore.

Lake Como is the luxury lake of the region, where sleek yachts and Hollywood celebrities prefer to coasat. 

Bellagio is the glamorous shopping town on Como, with pastel buildings, luxury boutiques and pretty lake views.

If Bellagio is the glitzy sister, Varenna is the quieter sibling. Visit this charming town on Lake Como for less crowds and pretty restaurants overlooking the lake.

Each lakes has it's own character. Lake Orta is for those who want to escape the crowds, with its pretty main square, picturesque church and lack of visitors!

Bologna is another great foodie town, but also a thriving city in its own right. With a prominent local university, medieval past and great restaurant scene, it's worth stopping through Bologna for a night or two!

Without the city of Parma, we'd never have Parma ham or Parmesan cheese! Gastronomy lovers should add Parma to their list and spend a day or two sampling the local fare.  

Ravenna is one of Italy's best kept secrets. This small town houses Western Europe's best collection of Byzantine mosaics, with seven UNESCO World Heritage Sights and amazingly well preserved monuments.

Have you ever seen two cities built on top of each other? No? Then head to Bergamo! A Medieval city unlike any other, Bergamo has an ancient Upper Town built atop its modern day city. See the fabulous church, walk the ancient walls and try some excellent regional pasta.

Love it or hate it, Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world. Canals criss cross the city while romantic bridges connect separate tiny islands.

Hop in a gondola to be serenaded, explore the Doge's Palace and worship the great Basilica of St. Marc. Venice is a city to be lost in, with twisted streets, small squares and arched bridges... and crowds too!