Public Servant Lifestyle

In terms of population and size, Italy is very similar to the United Kingdom. However, that is where the similarities end. In the country that has Rome, Milan and Florence, any visitor is almost spoilt for choice with famous sights. Couple this with great weather, a vibrant lifestyle and wonderful areas of natural beauty from mountains to beaches, Italy captures the imagination and the heart.

Assisi

Assisi was once a walled stronghold, and has a heavy tourist presence. The atmosphere here is one of calm, and the impact of the view from the hill fortress, the Rocca Maggiore, as you gaze down on the valley below, all the way back to Perugia, cannot be underestimated.

Among the many beautiful churches, many of the structures are still standing on Roman-built foundations.

Florence

Florence has been, for many years, one of the most enchanting places in the world, with beauty, culture and charm around every corner. The sights are simply breathtaking, but the gift shops and tourist-centred way of life seems to have taken away just a little of what made it so magical. Florence is a city of massive cultural and historical importance, the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery and the Piazza della Signoria are simply unforgettable and unmissable.

Milan

Milan is almost the second capital of Italy. Milan is the commercial and financial centre of the country and tourism here gives way to big business. Food and fashion are huge, and the nightlife almost legendary.

Milan does offer historical value; a trip to the unfinished duomo or Sforza castle will prove rewarding, as will the Vinciano Refectory: home to the Last Supper. Lovers of sport should make the effort to take in the San Siro stadium, home of Inter and AC Milan.

Napoli

Napoli, set in the Bay of Naples, shadowed by Mt Vesuvius, is a densely populated city and is buzzing with activity at all times. In terms of history there is much to see, including the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, the duomo, the Castel Nuovo and the San Carlo Opera House.

The National Archaeological Museum is home to priceless artifacts found at Pompeii and Herculaneum, and is definitely somewhere that you must go.

Pompeii is near to Napoli, and the site of legendary ruins and artifacts. Once the holiday retreat of the rich and powerful of Rome, after the eruption of Mt Vesuvius, late in the first century, the city was buried and is now home to incredibly preserved fabulous ruins, including the amphitheater, palaces and temples.

Rome

The capital of Italy is Rome, and it is so much more than just the capital in name. Everyday activity collides head on with the culture, history and legends of the past.

The River Tiber splits the city in two. The two sides make for contrasting experiences – the east is where the remains of Imperial Rome can be found, and the west is home to such sights as the Vatican, the Coliseum and the Forum.

Rome is packed with fabulous architecture and steeped in history, with an abundance of churches, temples and palaces. Fortunately, the ‘must sees’ of Rome are not too far apart, and it is possible to take them all in in a day if you are not staying there, or are short on time. To get a real appreciation of Rome, however, you should allow yourself a few days to explore and get lost in the winding streets with their pretty squares and fountains or idle away parts of the day in one of the quaint little cafes.

The cost of life here is a pleasant surprise, as you will find that there is good quality food and drink to be had without the need for taking out a second mortgage. For truly great food and drink at the best prices, all you have to do is search a little off the beaten track, Trastevere is a good place to begin with.

Sienna

Sienna is a throwback to times of medieval prosperity. The Piazza del Campo is one of Europe’s finest medieval squares and the town hall and nearby tower do much to enhance the elegance of the area. The majority of the sights, ranging from museums and churches to squares and Sienna’s fabulous duomo, are all close together making this an ideal destination for the culture vulture to explore in a single day.

Venice

Venice it is undeniably one of the most outstanding places in the world: practically no cars and major roads, just waterways and small narrow streets. The city is made up of 120 small islands, which connect to the service town of Mestre.

Encircling most of the city is the Grand Canal, which eventually leads you to the Piazza San Marco where you will find Doges Palace and St Marks Basilica. The world famous Bridge of Sighs links the palace and the prison and is a dazzling sight.

Gondola rides around the city are an absolute must, and any trip will bring you under the gaze of one of the impressive churches, such as the San Giorgio Maggiore.

The Accademia Bridge, leading to the Galleria dell'Accademia and the nearby Peggy Guggenheim Gallery, represents a more sedate part of Venice. These artistic centres will allow the mind to expand in a tranquil atmosphere.

Full information about the single currency - the Euro - is available here.

More information available in Europe