Three millennia of living it up have taught the Italians a thing or two about la dolce vita, and a visit to Italy is celebration of all that is dolce:  good food, great wine and gorgeous people. This heady mix of art, architecture, beaches and beautiful scenery is hard to resist so we suggest you give in to its obvious charms and take your time to soak up one of Europe's most vibrant cultures.

Amalfi
It’s easy to see why Amalfi regularly pops up in movies. Fishing boats bob on sapphire waters, white and honey-coloured villages cling to cliffs, lemon and orange groves grow in picturesque terraces, and you can take it all in from your balcony in one of our favourite hotels.

Capri
Step off the boat onto Capri and all is white and blue. This gorgeous, atmospheric island has some of the most stunning Italian sunsets we’ve seen.

Florence & Tuscany
The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence’s wealth of artistic treasures is unsurpassed. When you’re all cultured-out, head to the hills for Tuscany’s rolling countryside and medieval villages.

Portofino
One of the most exclusive spots on the Italian Riviera, Portofino is a former fishing village turned chic yacht haven, full of designer boutiques, waterfront cafes and ice-cream coloured houses.

Rome
Climb up St. Peter’s for spectacular views, watch the world go by on the Spanish Steps, or hire a scooter like the locals; but most importantly, don’t forget to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return.

Sardinia
Sardinia is a place of rugged beauty, archaeological treasures, colourful fishing villages and miles of unspoilt coastline. The glamorous Costa Smeralda, named for its startlingly clear green sea, is on the islands northeastern tip.

Sicily
Mount Etna dominates the Mediterranean’s largest island, closely followed by food. Here you can eat spaghetti just like mama used to make it and feast in pizzerias packed with locals. Chic Taormina is the spot; a maze of narrow streets, pretty piazzas and shuttered houses – and don’t forget those fabulous ocean views. 

The Lakes
Picture-postcard-perfect lakes with crystal clear glacial waters, their shores dotted with villas and gardens and overlooked by snow-capped mountains. 
 
Venice
Like a wrinkly old movie star, Venice has faded beauty, natural charisma and charm in spades. Perfect piazzas, ancient churches filled with masterpieces, stately mansions lapped by water and gondolas and vaporetti plying the canals.

Puglia
The heel of the boot is growing in popularity – understandably so. Some wonderful beaches, limestone cliffs, Baroque churches, unusual conical shaped houses and lots and lots of pasta.