Italy is a country of great contrasts, from the towering Alps and chic ski resorts in the north to the glittering Amalfi coast, and the ancient ruins of Sicilly. Food, gelato and coffee are treated with religious fervour, and in summer the weather tends to be glorious.
And that's not even getting to the cities – again, there’s great variety, so whether you are hoping to experience the country’s cutting edge fashion scene in Milan, the grittiness of Naples or the Renaissance-era splendour of Florence, there truly is something in Italy for everyone.
Best of all, you can get to all of the places we’ve picked from Dublin airport. Buona vacanza!
Rome
The Italian capital got its nickname ‘the Eternal City’ from poet Tibullus in the first century BC, when it was felt that if the seat of the Roman Empire fell then so would the rest of the world. Fortunately the city is still here, with its evocative mixture of classical ruins, elegant fountains and the opulent Vatican City.
You won’t want to miss the Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica or the Sistine Chapel, but make sure you take time to wander the streets and go exploring – your new favourite gelateria or trattoria could be just round the corner.
Milan
The northern powerhouse that is Milan is a mecca for fashion enthusiasts and soccer fans – AC Milan and Internazionale are two of Europe’s most iconic club side and the stadium they share in San Siro is an architectural marvel.
There’s premium window shopping to be done at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – Italy's oldest active shopping mall, with Prada, Versace and Louis Vuitton among the big names on offer.
Meanwhile, the city’s incredible cathedral inspires awe of a different kind – the monumental structure in Piazza del Duomo took over 600 years to complete. It was surely worth the wait.
Venice
Water, water everywhere - and plenty more to see. A gondola trip along some of Venice’s amazing canal network is a must. The Grand Canal is more like a major river and it is only traversed by four bridges, people tend to travel along it rather than across it.
That said, make time to visit the famous Ponte di Rialto and the much smaller Bridge of Sighs, which passes over Rio di Palazzo.
Other must-see sights include the sublime, thousand-year-old St Mark’s Basilica, spectacular St Mark’s Square and the art museum Gallerie dell’Accademia, where you can see one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous works, his drawing Vitruvian Man.
Naples
A visit to Naples can become three holidays in one – not only can you explore a chaotic, intense city that is enjoying a significant renaissance, Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and the idyllic island of Capri are all within striking distance.
Back in the city, don’t miss Castel Sant'Elmo, a 14th century fortess that offers fantastic views over Naples and its coastline. Piazza Bellini is a trendy square full of bars that also boasts an ancient ruin in its centre.
If you’re looking for something a bit more offbeat, check out Fontanelle cemetery – an underground chamber piled high with millions of human bones, that dates from a 17th century plague.
Oh yes, and Naples is the home of the pizza – you’re guaranteed to eat well here, and cheaply.
Florence*
At eighth in the list by population, Florence is by no means the largest metropolis in Italy, but it is one of the jewels in the country’s dazzling crown.
The Tuscan capital has been a major player on the European stage since the medieval era, when it emerged as a centre of trade and finance. Later, it became one of the most important cities of the Renaissance, and its architectural and artistic riches still bring tourists flocking to the city.
Feast your eyes on masterpieces from Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci at the Uffizi Galleries; take in the sights, smells and flavours of San Lorenzo covered market; or watch the world go by in the magnificent Piazza della Signoria – Italy at its best.
*There's no direct flight from Dublin to Florence, but you can fly to Bologna and transfer from there - a train between the cities takes 40 minutes.
