Italy

A romantic historical city, Venice is composed of 118 small islands lending to some inspirational journeys navigating amongst canals such as the major channel, the Grand Canal which is lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. Marvel at the architecture and nautical nature of the overall atmosphere and visit the many popular spots such as St. Mark's Basillica, Doge's Palace and The Lido di Venezia, a 7-mile long sandbar that plays host to the Venice Film Festival each September. 

The country's capital city is nestled snugly in the Lazio region of central Italy, on the Tiber River. Home to the Vatican, Rome is busy, bustling and brimming with culture, history and visitors. With an incredible amount of parks, gardens, fountains, statues and ancient catacombs you will never be short of wonders to discover. Popular spots to visit include the Trevi Fountain (for a wish,) the Colosseum, the Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica. Relgion, culture and an intriguing cityscape are just a few of the many reasons to pay a visit.

Florence is the capital city of the Tuscan Region. Known for it's rolling valleys, and considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is an historically important city with a somewhat turbulent past that is filled with cultural significance. Voted as the best city in Europe by Condé Nast Travel's readers in 2015, Florence offers an incredible visit for anyone looking for an artistic and authentic Italian experience. Take a peek at some of Michaelangelo's masterpieces such as David before heading off to explore more of the region, under the Tuscan sun.

This Italian region not only boasts the beauty of it's capital, Florence, it is also quite well known for its wine. From Chianti to Montepulciano, connoisseurs can make their way through the provinces sampling wine and savouring the creativity of the many artistic centres such as Pisa and Sienna. If you fancy a breath of fresh air, you can even visit the ancient seaside town of Castiglione and its medieval fortress or natural reserve to catch a glimpse of some Flamingoes.

Between architecture, visual arts, literature, theatre and music, Italian culture has always been impressively impactful upon the world and its inhabitants. From artists and game changers such as Da Vinci, Botticelli, Machiavelli and Dante Alighieri came beauty and knowledge that has stood the test of time. Visiting Italy without experiencing art in one form or another would be an impossibility, because it is everywhere you look.

Italian and Mediterranean dishes are beloved the world over. Rich in ingredients, most recipes are varied yet simplistic and favour quality over quantity. Familial traditions dictate many of the recipes you know and love thanks to the strong respect that Italians have for home cooking and family gatherings. Aside from traditional meals and sweet treats such as gelato, tiramisu and cassata, Italy is popular with wine connoisseurs and cheese enthusiasts. It truly is a foodie haven.