Spread out along nine miles (15 km) of the rugged Ligurian coast, wedged between the Apennine Mountains and the Mediterranean, the five medieval villages collectively known as Cinque Terre are a testament to the communities who for centuries have made their lives in this beautiful yet inhospitable stretch of land.

Here is a guide to help you explore Venice from a more local perspective, visiting places off the beaten path, where you can engage with the living and breathing culture of the city.

Bari has a fascinating history as a melting pot of Mediterranean cultures.

Milan is alive with culture, with a vibrant, modern energy unlike anywhere else in the country.

Florence has much more to offer than just the well-trodden tourist itinerary. Here is a local's guide to the city.

Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital, is a stunning fusion of cultures shaped by centuries of conquests.

Situated at the foot of the imposing Mount Etna is Catania, Sicily’s second city. Though not quite as grand as Palermo, the city’s...

Perched atop the rolling hills of Tuscany’s Val d'Orcia, Siena is a beautifully preserved Gothic city.

A picturesque city with exceptionally preserved Renaissance as well as ancient Roman architecture, Verona makes for a perfect day trip...

Known variously as la grassa  (the fat), la dotta (the learned), and la rossa  (the red), Bologna is famous throughout Italy for its rich...

Venture through the beautiful and historical streets of Genoa with our comprehensive walking tour.