City Breaks

This intricate city is widely known as the most romantic on earth and once you've seen it, you'll understand why. An intricate network of canals is broken up by quaint bridges, majestic palaces and grand piazzas framed by cosy cafés. Head outside the centre and you'll see another side to this popular city - local food markets offer a great option for an authentic lunch or head to one of the quiet islands that surround the Venetian Lagoon.

Think of Italian cities and most people’s first thought is of Venice. But visitors to its smaller neighbour, Verona never fail to be entranced by its beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Verona is best known of course for its historic Roman arena which every summer hosts the world famous opera programme.

With 3,000 years of history Rome truly is the ‘Eternal City’. Many of the wonders of this city are not in the museums but in the streets - and in fact its entire historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The historic centre of Florence is small enough to explore on foot and has a wealth of treasures packed into its compact centre, from the Renaissance paintings in the celebrated Uffizi Gallery to Brunelleschi's Dome that dominates the skyline.

This fashionable city lives up to its title of the design capital of Italy. Stunning 19th Century buildings sit side by side with expensive designer stores and are framed by stylish bars.

Turin is very much overlooked amongst Italy's many other treasures, but it has so much to offer. The wide avenues lined with neoclassical architecture are more like Paris than Florence.

The capital of Sicily is a chaotic mix of bustling markets, fantastic restaurants and incredible buildings – from Arabesque domes to gothic palaces and baroque churches, this city is a must-see for culture lovers.

Bologna is affectionately known as one of three nick names - la grassa (the fat one), la rossa (the red one) and la dotta (the learned one). And you can be sure of a trip filled with culture and excellent food in this Medieval city.

With the spectacular Mount Vesuvius as its backdrop, this chaotic coastal city can boast some of the best views on the Neapolitan Riviera as well as the best cuisine. But Naples is more than just pizza - expect over 500 churches, a vibrant opera scene, authentic markets and underground tunnels.

Home to Giuseppe Verdi and Lamborghinis, Parma is a wealthy and elegant city with a UNESCO listing as a creative city of gastronomy.

The Serene Maritime Republic of Genoa was at the height of its power in the 12th and 13th century and its nickname is 'the supbert one' due to its glorious past and historic landmarks. Today it is a fascinating city; at the same time, a bustling port but also full of grand architecture and impressive landmarks.