Toscana Endless green and rolling hills, wine and olive yards - the beauty of this region is hard to describe, harder to grasp. The birthplace to Leonardo da Vinci, and the city of arts - la bella città, Firenze, where I once spent four unforgettable weeks. And we have only begun to cover it.

Liguria Fantastic coast lines, picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, the sea and golden sunsets. This is where I find a rest from travelling. Aaaah.

Sicilia Strangely enough - because Sicily is an autonomous province and proud heir of an heritage that sets it apart from the mainland - this is where Italy seems the most authentic. With its sunsets, coastlines and volcanoes, it is a place never to forget, easily my favourite place in Italy.

Isole Eolie The Isles of the Wind with a very active volcano - Stromboli. I was lucky enough to be there and climb it at night (magic) before it really hiccupped in 2002 (since when the climb is rigidly controlled).

Roma The Eternal City. Do I need to say more? Well, there's the Colosseum, the Forum Romanum, the Vatican, and an atmosphere that's packed with history and vibrant with life. Paris may be my favourite city in Europe, but Rome has pretty much closed the gap.

Umbria A short trip to Perugia and Assisi.

Campania Ah, Campania. A coastline that you will never forget, and its capital Naples, albeit poor, that has sparked fascination across the world.