Also known as Abano Bagni, this town on the eastern slope of the Colli Euganei is famed for its hot springs and mud baths. The
18th C. cathedral and its older bell tower are worth a visit as are the nearby San Daniele and Praglia Abbeys. The Madonna della Salute church has a Baroque portal and notable friezes.

back to map

A real place of interesting contrasts - the capital city of South Tyrol is a German speaking area in the northern part of Italy. It is steeped in mountaineering history and is particularly well known for its Museum of Archaeology, home to ‘Ötzi’ the alpine Iceman and as the Italian capital of Christmas, thanks to its nostalgic ‘Christkindlmarkt’ on Walther Square. As well as a good crop of museums, nearby palaces and castles such as Runkelstein and Maretsch surrounded by vineyards, the centre itself is full of atmosphere and great shopping with its painted buildings nestling in small streets and around smart squares.

back to map

A miniature version of Venice, this coastal fishing town in the Veneto region is located on a small island at the southern entrance to the Lagoon of Venice and is connected to the mainland and Sottomarina by causeways. The Canale Vena is the main canal and there are lots of little narrow streets (calli) and a number of medieval churches to explore.

back to map

With great views across to the Alps, this resort is the place to be

on the southern sideof Lake Garda. It has three large
beaches - Desanzanino, Spaggia D’oro and Porto
Rivoltella - and numerous cafés and bars providing a lively nightlife. There is a castle, several Villa Romana and a
fine cathedral.

back to map

Situated alongside the River Arno, this town is at the heart of a rich agricultural area. Take a stroll in the Piazza dei Leoni (or Lions' Square) beside the historic buildings, porticos and
Neo-classical fountain. The Collegiata di Sant' Andrea with its green and white marble frontage dates from the 11th C. Inside is a significant art collection including work by Filippo Lippi and Francesco Botticini. Renowned composer and pianist, Ferruccio Busoni was born in the town in 1866, and his birthplace is now a museum with exhibitions and displays.

back to map

Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci - the beautiful city of Florence has inspired some of the world’s great artists. Cross the historic Ponte Vecchio, lined with jewellers’ shops and goldsmiths, to a maze of streets and piazzas, palaces, museums, churches and the vast 13th C. Gothic cathedral.
A climb up to the terracotta-tiled dome is a must for the spectacular views. Begun in 1560, the Uffizi once housed the prized collections of the Medici, and is now one of the world’s top art museums, including Botticelli’s ‘Primavera’. Remarkable Renaissance sculpture takes centre stage at the fortress-like Bargello, whilst the Galleria dell’Accademia houses Michelangelo’s masterpiece ‘David’. Michelangelo is buried along with many of the other great and good of Florence at the
fresco-adorned church of Santa Croce.

back to map

This colourful red-roofed town is surrounded by its ancient
16th C. walls, today a wonderful tree-lined promenade to cycle, walk or just enjoy the view. The centerpiece of Lucca is the
oval-shaped Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, former site of the Roman amphitheatre (scene of gladiator games and spectacles). The Roman grid pattern to the city radiates out from the piazza, with narrow, winding streets lined with fine examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the birthplace of Puccini, which brings alive his life and work - a statue of the great opera composer stands just outside in the square. At San Michele church, look up to admire the elaborate 12th C. façade and the top half seems somehow to float in mid-air. A climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower crowned by its shady oak tree is a must.

back to map

Located on the mainland, this city is connected to Venice by the Ponte della Libertà, a large rail and road bridge. These day’s it’s a popular place to stay for visiting Venice itself, although it does have some interesting landmarks of its own, including the
12th C. Tore dell’ Orologio, an imposing crenulated watchtower; the 17th C. St. Lawrence cathedral and two ‘Palazzo’.

back to map

Set in the heart of Tuscany, this beautiful place packed with Art Nouveau buildings, tree-lined avenues and colourful gardens owes its fame to the abundance of mineral springs found in and around the town. In the 18th C. numerous grand spas were created for the rich and famous to come and enjoy the therapeutic powers of the waters - just as you can today. The 19th C. funicular railway still transports visitors up the hill to the original settlement, now the pretty hilltop village of Montecatini Alto, a great place to browse around the artisan shops and take in the spectacular panoramas of the surrounding countryside.

back to map

Situated on the Bacchiglione River, this city, which claims to be the oldest in Northern Italy, is brimful of piazzas and bridges, arcaded streets and history at every corner. It was Shakespeare’s choice as the setting for most of The Taming of the Shrew and also famous for its 800 year old university which boasts scholars such as Galileo Galilei amongst its lecturers. The early 14th C. frescoes in the Cappella degli Scrovegni are a must, similarly the Palazzo della Ragione with its massive unsupported roof and open loggia. The Prato della Valle is perhaps one of Padua’s main icons: an elliptical square which combines garden, narrow canal, statues galore, bridges and piazza with the backdrop of the
15th C. Basilica di St Guistina. The city has a castle and the remains of both 13th and 16th C. city walls. The historic neoclassical Caffé Pedrocchi is the place to head for the ultimate art/coffee experience.

back to map

Lying on the banks of the River Arno and noted for its rich maritime origins, this lively university city is crammed with historical art treasures and monuments. The world famous leaning bell tower (began in 1173) stands proudly overlooking the immaculate green lawns of the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the splendid marble cathedral, monumental cemetery and circular baptistery, the largest of its kind in Italy. These collectively make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An exploration of the narrow streets of Pisa is like stepping back in time - the fine
Renaissance-style Piazza dei Cavalieri was once the political and social centre of the city, whilst a walk along the avenues of the river front under ornate lamps and medieval arches leads to the Gothic gem of Santa Maria della Spina.

back to map

At the foot of the Pistoiese mountains, this well-preserved medieval city was originally a 6th C. Roman settlement. Attractive Romanesque and Gothic buildings overlook the large Piazza del Duomo including the Cathedral of San Zeno (dating from the
10th C.) and the white and green marble decorated baptistery. The piazza is the scene of the annual ‘Bear Joust’ in July. There are several interesting museums to explore, such as the one dedicated to sculptor Marino Marini who was born in the city in 1901. Look out for the modern ‘Moon in the Well’ artwork
in the Piazza Giovanni.

back to map

With Mount Rochetta rising steeply to the west and Monte Baldo to the east, this is one of the most spectacular spots on Lake Garda, also known as Benaco. The Rocca, a medieval fortress on the lake, is home to the town's museum, but the main concentration here is on watersports and rock climbing, or just sitting in a lakeside café simply drinking in a glass of local wine and the amazing views.

back to map

Although much developed in the latter part of the 20th C., there are plenty of historic gems in this bustling town with architecture revealing both Venetian and Ferrarese influence. Two towers remain from the 10th C. castle. The cathedral was originally from the same era, but rebuilt in the 15th and 17th C. and amidst the crop of Palazzo and the host of churches La Rotonda deserves perhaps the most attention for its amazing paintings.

back to map

One of the richest and most prosperous in Italy, this university city has a vibrant, cosmopolitan feel with an interesting mix of Italian Renaissance and Germanic influences. The Castello del Buonconsiglio is the city's main icon with its austere walls and round tower, although the frescoes on the Case Rella in the Piazza Duomo alongside the late Baroque fountain of Neptune are incredibly impressive, if more mellow. Many of the late Medieval and Renaissance buildings have been restored to their original pastel colours and wooden balconied facades, contrasting with the solid Romanesque Gothic cathedral.

back to map

This amazing city and World Heritage Site stretches across
117 small islands in a marshy saltwater lagoon between the Po and Piave estuaries on Northern Italy's Adriatic coast. Massively wealthy through its rich trading past, it oozes Renaissance achievements. Tiny alleys and the narrowest waterways, such as the Rio della Verona, delight as much as the impressive showpieces of the Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) and the Doge's Palace. Gondala rides, the Campanile, bridges and basilicas and plenty of Palazzo - Venice is a colourful spectacle everyday of the year and a great place to explore by boat, by bike or both.

back to map

Verona is best known for its musical spectacles, which take place in the stunning Roman arena - the third largest in Italy. Other Roman monuments include the theatre and stone wall bridge (Ponte di Pietra). The 12th C. Basilica San Zeno Maggiore is an astounding example of Romanesque architecture, whilst the massive red 14th C. Ponte Scaligero leaves a lasting impression. Renaissance gems are everywhere, overtones of Shakespeare's inspiration, including Juliet's balcony perhaps at the Casa di Giulietta. Head up the Lamberti tower for fantastic views and take a short walk to Castel San Pietro to get more amazing panoramas of the outstretched city.

back to map

Known as 'the City of Palladio', Vicenza is a World Heritage Site with the richest of histories and culture. Piazzas, museums, villas, churches and art galleries abound, and there are some
23 buildings designed by the great master to choose from. Villa Almerico Capra (La Rotonda), the great Basilica Palladiana and Teatro Olimpico with its three dimensional staging are generally a must, but it's worth getting out of town to visit the villas in the surrounding Berici countryside too. The earlier Torre Bissara clock tower is one of Vicenza's tallest buildings and there are other more austere landmarks such as the Porta Castello tower.

back to map

Set deep amongst vivid green hills of olive groves and vineyards, this small hilltop settlement consists of narrow, meandering lanes and a main square with breath-taking views. In 1452, the great artist, scientist and engineer Leonardo da Vinci was born in a little farmhouse (which can be visited) just outside the town. Celebrate his life, work and amazing inventions amongst the machines and models of the excellent museum housed in the 12th C. castle. Close by, the Renaissance-style church of Santa Croce claims to be the site of  Leonardo’s baptism.

back to map