Treasure of Italy - Valerie Oyler

About the destination: Modern and ancient, past and present coexist, constantly. Whether you're in Rome for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months, be ready to step into the world's largest open-air museum. Rome will charm you and it will hardly leave you unaffected. It will astonish you, as it has so much to offer to any visitor, and its beauty has merely been slightly obscured by the passage of time. Rome is one of the world's most photogenic cities - not surprising when you consider what's here - The Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, St Peter's Square, Spanish Steps, Colosseum... Whether you spend your time sightseeing, or lounging in cafes watching the world pass by, it will be your turn to star in your very own Roman Holiday. If you can plan to stay for at least a week, you won't run out of things to do and you'll still feel like you're leaving too soon.

About the destination: Venice is a city like no other: a labyrinth of canals, marble palaces, and hidden courtyards floating on the Adriatic. Built on more than 100 small islands, it has no roads—only waterways and narrow alleys that suddenly open onto breathtaking piazzas. At its heart lies St. Mark’s Square, framed by the dazzling Basilica di San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and the iconic Campanile. From here, you can wander under arcades lined with cafés and listen to live orchestras as the sun sets over the lagoon. The Grand Canal is Venice’s main thoroughfare, curving through the city like a glittering highway of water. Riding a vaporetto (water bus) offers a front-row view of Gothic and Renaissance palaces, their facades reflected in the rippling surface. For a more intimate experience, slip into one of the smaller canals on a gondola and glide beneath low stone bridges, passing quiet neighborhoods where laundry hangs over the water and church bells echo between the walls. Beyond the famous sights, Venice rewards slow exploration. Lose yourself in the districts of Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, where local bacari (wine bars) serve cicchetti—small Venetian tapas—alongside spritz and local wines. Cross the Rialto Bridge to visit its bustling market, where fishmongers and fruit vendors supply the city’s kitchens, and artisans sell Murano glass and traditional masks. Each sestiere (district) has its own character, from elegant San Marco to the more bohemian, artsy feel of Dorsoduro. Venice also makes an ideal base for exploring the lagoon islands. Take a short boat ride to Murano, famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition, where you can watch master glassblowers at work. Continue to Burano, a photographer’s dream with its brightly painted houses and lace workshops, and then on to Torcello, a peaceful island with ancient churches and a rare sense of quiet. Whether you come for art, history, or romance, Venice offers a dreamlike atmosphere that lingers long after you leave.

About the destination: With an almost Northern European ambiance, yet radiating Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. This capital of Lombardy is both industrious and glamorous - a powerhouse in sectors ranging from finance to fashion, and of course, football. However, what sets Milan apart is its standing as the hub of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashion enthusiasts, designers, supermodels, and paparazzi flock to the city biannually for its spring and fall fairs: Milan, which has meticulously maintained its reputation for flair, drama, and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. Undoubtedly, it's one of the best places in Italy for shopping, or even just window shopping. As Italy's primary industrial, commercial, and financial center, Milan unsurprisingly has a business-like demeanor. At first glance, it may not seem impressive, but if you take the time and make an effort to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll discover its aesthetically pleasing treasures – they do exist. Navigate through the modern metropolitan hustle, and you'll find impressive churches and palaces, the charming Navigli area, the trendy Brera district and vibrant university quarter, not to mention a landmark like the Duomo, or the fact that the city proudly houses Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century masterpiece, The Last Supper. Milan leaves no room for criticism when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to celebrate – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife usually begins at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo, where locals relax with after-work drinks and snacks before heading home, is more the norm than the exception. So, whether you’re in search of affordable fashion, an alternative city getaway, or an opportunity to paint the town red, Milan undoubtedly has it all.