Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and ascend its sloping stairwell to take in the view across the city and surrounding countryside. Nearby, you’ll find the city’s beautiful cathedral and the cloistered cemetery of the Camposanto Monumentale, both situated alongside the Tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli. But there’s more: this spirited university town is packed with art, palaces and museums that will eat up your time.

Appreciating art in this beautiful city isn’t a choice. Every square and building façade commands attention as you stroll the maze of streets and alleyways that makes up Florence’s Old Town. The Ponte Vecchio’s tiny stores have existed from mediaeval times though today, you’re more likely to be buying jewellery than meat.

Drink a toast to the wine that defines this pretty corner of Tuscany. Verdant hills lined with vines characterise the scenery in these parts, with olive groves, stone cottages and elegant mansions completing the scene. The grapes produced here are exported across the globe.

Drink in your surroundings as you marvel at the oval piazza that forms the setting for Siena’s Palio, held each July and August. These famous horse races have been held since mediaeval times, but are no less popular today, bringing the whole city out to support the rider representing their neighbourhood. This historic city is also well-known for offering some of the best food, art and museums in all of Italy.