Italy is a country that blends beauty and history, from the classical cities of Rome and Venice to the undulating hills of Tuscany and the rugged coastline of Amalfi.. Italy boasts soul-stirring cities, world famous art and waist-expanding food and wine. The only difficulty you’ve got with holidays to Italy  is deciding which slice of this gorgeous country to plump for.

You could take the scenic drive along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, and discover Italian gems like Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento or h ike through the breathtaking Tuscany countryside en route to Pisa or Florence. Or maybe give the cities a miss and make for the golden sands gilding the Tuscany Coast?

Renaissance heritage is rife, magnificent works of art, sculpture and architecture line the streets of almost every city while medieval hill towns are scattered liberally among the lush fruit groves of orange, lemon, olive and chestnut. Verdant vineyards produce some of the world’s finest wines, and the legendary gastronomic delights of fresh fruit, seafood, pasta and pizza are sure to make your mouth water.

You might head to Venice for a romantic gondola ride through its shimmering canals or head to the beaches of the Venetian Riviera or visit one of the greatest cities on earth – Rome, where the Vatican, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain are waiting to wow you.

If you’ve been there and done all that, perhaps you’re ready to discover a more unspoilt side of Italy. If that’s the case, take a look at remote and rugged Calabria or Puglia, a hidden region almost unknown to tourists.

Its food is faultless, its art sublime, and pretty much everywhere you look there’s a new sigh-inducing sight to fall in love with. Then you’ve got island dreams like Sicily and Sardinia to think about, too.

Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is one of the world’s most exciting and exuberant cities, with architectural treasures around virtually every corner. It is also blessed with the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Lake Garda has long inspired poets. Clear waters, picture postcard scenery, stylish villas and medieval castles all vie for attention. There is literally something for everyone here; from leisurely strolls around the shores and cobbled streets and people-watching from the many lakeside cafes, through to a host of activities and watersports and a variety of theme parks. Whether you choose to stay in the lively south, the lush and hilly heart punctuated by olive and lemon groves, or the spectacular north nestling in the rocky foothills of the Dolomites, you’ll find each resort has its own particular charm.

Vibrant Milan – a city at the forefront of fashion and home to some of the world’s greatest art treasures. Cosmopolitan and lively, Italy’s second largest city is a great destination for a break.

Naples combines classical history with a charming character and vibrant culture. Overshadowed by Mount Vesuvius, it is not only a fitting base for visiting the ruins of Pompeii, but is also the self-proclaimed birthplace of the original pizza.

Nestling along the cliff-tops of the southern-most arc of the Bay of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula or Neopolitan Riiviera is the largest and most popular of the Campanian resorts. The scenery becomes yet more dramatic on the other side of the peninsular, where the Amalfi drive takes you around tortuous bends and through tunnels in the rocky cliff side to beautiful Positano

The ‘Eternal City’ of Rome lives and breathes history. Wherever you look there are reminders of a glorious past, yet it is also very much a city of today,

Sicily’s location has led to a wonderful blend of cultures, with an African influence and the evidence of numerous occupations being reflected in the island’s rich mixture of historic sites, architecture, cuisine and local wines. Sicily is still inexpensive in comparison to mainland Italy

The setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a romantic city with medieval squares and arched bridges. It’s also vibrant, prosperous and home to a world-famous opera festival.

Magical Venice, with its lattice-work of islands, canals and bridges, enchants all those who visit. Its labyrinthine streets, opulent palaces and tiny squares are fascinating to explore.