Viva Italia!

Italy's historic cities are teeming with art and architecture and have been a favourite with the British since the 17th century.

- Gillian Thornton

Renaissance Jewel 

Back in the late 17th century, the Grand Tour was the term given to travel undertaken by privileged, wealthy young men who would tour Europe, visiting the classic cities to wonder at ancient antiquities and works of art. Today, things are very different – we can all access these wonderful treasure troves of art and culture.

Florence is a case in point and though the traffic may have increased, you can still get a tangible sense of the historic Grand Tour in the atmospheric streets of this ethereal city.

If you’ve a head for heights, make for the Duomo, an extravagant confection of pink, green and white marble, then take in the view from the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome or perhaps Giotto’s separate but coordinating Bell Tower.

Easier on the legs is the panorama from Piazza Michelangelo across the River Arno. There’s a bronze copy here of Michelangelo’s famous David and another one outside the Palazzo Vecchio, or town hall, where I really enjoyed the Secret Passages tour. Best tip for any city break is to book museum and event tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment – for more information, visit italia.it/en/ useful-info/museums-buyyour-tickets-online.html.