Italy

Made immensely rich from the Middle Ages onwards thanks to its position as a mercantile hub and its trading relationship with the Far East, Venice’s wealth attracted some of the foremost artists and sculptors.

Whether it’s in the city’s renowned Accademia gallery, one of Venice’s 139 church or its lavish palazzos, Venice’s array of artistic masterpieces features works by masters such as Carpaccio, Bellini, Canaletto and Tintoretto to name just a few.

Artistic highlights to mark on your map include the eye-popping Pala d’Oro, the jewel-encrusted altar in St Mark’s Basilica, and Carpaccio’s vast painting of St. George and the Dragon which is housed in the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni.

An epicentre of European history and culture for several millennia, travel through the ages as you walk the streets of Rome and visit the capital’s most famous landmarks.

Begin by getting acquainted with ancient Rome with a walk around the Forum and Colosseum before discovering two very different Roman pastimes at the Circus Maximus and Baths of Caracalla respectively.

Fast forward to the 16th century with a visit to the world-famous Sistine Chapel with its ceiling and Last Judgement fresco painted by Michelangelo before embarking on a tour of Baroque Rome, taking in the sights of Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps.

To best experience and appreciate Lake Como’s magnificent surrounding landscape pretty towns, visitors should take to the water.

A cruise to Bellagio, known as one of Italy’s most beautiful towns, is a great place to start. Once you arrive, visit the stunning gardens of Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni before heading to the lakeside park of La Punta Spartivento to savour the incredible views of Lake Como.

Alternatively, sail to Villa del Balbianello, one of the most impressive villas on the lake, which is located on the Levado headland and the tip of Tremezzina. Located on the site of a medieval monastery, the villa itself was built in the 18th century for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini and its exquisitely manicured gardens are a highlight for many visitors.

One of the best ways of experiencing a country and learning about its culture is through food. Once you’re done exploring the Amalfi Coast, it’s time to take a culinary journey, one that will take you through the region’s history, culture and traditions.

The Amalfi Coast is world-famous for its seafood and with Naples, the capital of pizza, only over an hour away, a cooking class is a wonderful way to get a flavour of Southern Italy.

From learning how to make the perfect pizza on the Bay of Naples to cooking up a storm at Ravello’s cookery school, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn how to cook like a true Italian.