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Positano
Beloved by painters like Picasso, Positano is even prettier than a picture. A flurry of whitewashed and pastel-painted houses clasped to a dramatically steep cliff side, it’s regarded as the Amalfi Coast’s most photogenic town. For pure wow-factor it’s certainly hard to beat. Stroll along its near vertical cobbled streets framed with Moorish-style dwellings and candy-coloured shops, and you may think you’ve wandered into a fairytale picture book. The only things telling you haven’t are the people.

Ravello
Beauty spot? Not even close. Jaw-dropping? You’re getting there. Out of this world? And then some. It’s difficult to sum up just how bewitching Ravello is. Even the celebrated American writer, Gore Vidal, was lost for words. All he could muster was “the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen”. A simple description, yes. But one that’s one hundred per cent spot on. Ravello is one of those rare places where you actually catch your breath. It rivets you to the spot, transfixed. But why? What’s so special about this place? Well it’s all about location, location, location. Perched high above the sea, Ravello hugs a dramatic cliff-side. In short, it offers up arguably the best views on the Amalfi Coast.

Sorrento
One of the first things you’ll notice about Sorrento is its location. Sitting on a cliff that drops sheer into the sea, the town overlooks the Bay of Naples and has a view of Mount Vesuvius to boot. The dramatic coastline gives way to sunbathing platforms and the occasional small pebbly beach where you can soak up the sun. Sorrento life revolves around Piazza Tasso, where tables and chairs spill out of coffee shops onto the cobbles. Here, take your seat to watch the street theatre that is Neapolitan life unfold. By day, nonnas sit crocheting while old men put the world to rights in a flurry of animated hand gestures. By night, the square comes to life with trendy twenty-somethings en route to the late night bars.

Ischia
If you think you’re on a film set on stunning Ischia, you wouldn’t be far wrong. Parts of it starred in the Hollywood film ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’, increasing the glamour of this island in the Bay of Naples.  Known as the ‘Emerald Isle’ by Italians for its lush pine and chestnut forests, parking yourself here for a holiday is likely to make the folks back home green with envy. You’ll discover sandy bays and creeks all around the island. And while you’re in pampering mode, Ischia is studded with natural hot springs and mud baths – the main reason why many of its luxury hotels offer sophisticated spa treatments.

Rome
It’s perhaps the oldest in Europe and was, of course, the epicentre of one of the most influential empires the world has ever seen - Rome provides a living record of the history of civilisation over the past 3000 years. That ancient playground the Colosseum, for example. A fantastic piece of engineering - and an architectural masterpiece. And the Baroque-style Spanish Steps lead to a playground of a different type - Via Condotti, the home to the world’s leading fashion houses. But that's only a snippet, the Eternal City continues to delight with echoes from the past. The high art of the Renaissance is everywhere, grand Baroque palaces and piazzas abound, the vastness of the Pantheon alone could hold you spellbound for days.

There is even a city within this city. The Vatican is, of course, the hub of the massive Roman Catholic empire, but it is also a treasure house of must-see sights. The Sistine Chapel, to name but one, with its ceiling painted by Michelangelo. St Peter’s Basilica to mention another, and the Vatican Museum containing more major pieces than perhaps any other single place in the world. If you appreciate the finest art and even better shopping, make sure your road leads you to Rome. 

Viareggio
Viareggio is one of the most famous and traditional seaside resorts in Tuscany. The beaches, excellent cuisine and bustling bars and piano bars make it a favourite destination for Italians and foreigners alike. Founded as a fishing village in the 12th century, it is now an important port where prestigious yachts are built in its dockyards. Viareggio is sheltered by dense pine forests to the north and offers miles of beach establishments, bars, restaurants and shops along its coastline. 

Lucca
Lucca is a small town with a long history stretching back to the Roman era.  One of the central squares, the Piazza del Mercato, echoes the elliptical shape of the old Roman amphitheatre upon which it was built - even the towns walls are some of the most complete you’ll find in Europe. The 11th century saw the construction of the Cathedral of San Martino, itself a symphony of tiered marble designed in the splendidly robust Pisan-Romanesque style, whilst later came the medieval Torre del Guinigi – old and grand enough to have oak trees sprouting from its ramparts!   So make the most of what the town has to offer – peace, relaxation and a sense of history like no other. Spend lazy Tuscan days wandering through the streets. Visit the Puccini museum for some fitting gifts to take home. Or simply grab a table at a square-side café, order a frothy cappuccino and indulge in the much-loved Italian pastime of people watching. Bliss.