The regions of Liguria and Tuscany vie with each other to win you over to their cuisine, fine wines and natural beauty. So, if you've got time you might want to visit both.

Just under three hours by car or train will get you from Milan to Monterosso, the "capital" of the five famous fishing villages known as the Cinque Terre with their pretty pastel-coloured houses that seem to tumble into a crystal-clear sea.

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is where you can next enjoy some of the most inspiring works of art produced during this golden age. But it's also a great place to enjoy some shopping for that special leathergoods item or to enjoy some delicious gastronomical experiences.