ITALY, FRANCE AND SPAIN

Allow yourself to be awed by one of Tuscany’s Renaissance treasures, Florence. With red tiled roofs, tiny shops and magnificent architecture, this is the romantic capital of Italy. Marvel at the mosaic façade and stained glass of the Duomo, gaze up at the tilting bell tower of Pisa and soak up the sight of the beautiful gold and silver workshops huddled together over the River Arno.

Set within a beautiful natural bay, Villefranche is a step back in time. The charm and romance of its old town lies in the colourful buildings and peaceful pace of life. The public gardens of the Citadelle, art museums and cafes cast a laid-back spell, while the Riviera's grand names of Nice, Antibes, Cannes and Monte Carlo are all within easy reach.

Ajaccio offers the chance to retrace the renowned footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte. Visiting the house where he was born, brimming with Bonaparte family documents and portraits, you can ponder the journey that made him one of Europe's most feared and notorious leaders. Admire Tino Rossi harbour - a postcard scene of pastel façades, brightly painted fishing boats and rustling palms - named after the local tenor and film star.

An ancient city, Valencia is an exhilarating mix of history, art and intellectual activity. Brave the 200 steps to the summit of the amphitheatre and you'll be rewarded with a scene of orange rooftops and blue-domed churches. Valencia's rich Hispanic culture is visible everywhere in art and architecture reflecting Roman, Visigoth, Moorish, and Aragonese traditions.

Delve into the Picasso Museum or Miró Foundation. Explore the genius of Gaudí too, as you survey the city from Parc Güell, witness the extraordinary Casa Mila and Casa Batlló, and marvel at his unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. After all that sight-seeing a shady spot in one of Barcelona's numerous cafés provides the perfect vantage point for watching the colourful street performers on Las Ramblas.