Italy things to see and do

Five colourful villages linked by coastal paths and rail tunnels, Cinque Terre feels carved into the landscape rather than built upon it. Hiking between villages reveals vineyards, cliffs and sweeping sea views, with each stop offering its own character.

The cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is compact, elegant and saturated with art. Masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci sit alongside refined architecture and lively cafés. Beyond the museums, the city's atmosphere and food scene are part of the appeal.

Italy's financial and fashion capital is sleek, modern and surprisingly historic. Visitors come for high-end shopping, cutting-edge design and Leonardo's Last Supper, but stay for lively neighbourhoods and a dynamic cultural scene.

Chaotic, soulful and unapologetically alive, Naples offers raw authenticity. It is the gateway to Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast, but the city itself rewards visitors with intense street life, extraordinary food and deep-rooted traditions.

Italy's capital is an open-air museum where ancient history and modern life collide. From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to Baroque fountains and bustling piazzas, Rome rewards slow exploration. Layers of civilisation sit quite literally on top of one another, making every stroll an exercise in time travel.

Rich in history and contrasts, Sicily blends Greek temples, Norman cathedrals, Arab influences and vibrant street life. From Palermo's markets to ancient ruins and volcanic landscapes, the island feels like a world of its own.

Refined and orderly, Turin sits beneath the Alps with grand boulevards and historic cafés. Once Italy's first capital, it is known for museums, chocolate, and its understated elegance.

Built on water and seemingly floating between reality and dream, Venice is unlike anywhere else. Canals replace roads, vaporetto replace buses, and palaces rise directly from the lagoon. Early mornings and evenings reveal the city at its most magical.