Bologna

While you probably know that it was Bologna that gave the world Spaghetti Bolognese, you might not be so familiar with the many other facets of this stunning central Italian city. Food does feature boldly on the list of highlights to experience while you're in Bologna - it's widely regarded as one of Italy's gastronomic centres and home to some of the country's best restaurants. Fill up on tasty tortellini, snack on flavoursome meats such as mortadella and salami and sate your thirst with a bottle of Sangiovese wine. But in between the eating, make time for the many sights that this elegant regional capital houses. Start your exploration in the Piazza Maggiore and then wander through the network of cobbled streets that criss-cross the city, taking in medieval palaces, Neptune's Fountain in Piazza Nettuno and the city's two medieval towers, the Torre Asinelli and the Torre Garisenda.

One feature you can't miss while walking through the city are the elegant porticos that cover some of the shop fronts. These covered walkways give shade during the intense heat of an Italian summer and shelter from rainy days at other times in the year - stop at a cafe for a cappuccino and watch the elegant Bolognese go about their business before you continue your exploration through this captivating city.