Portofino: this coastal village is nestled into an inlet on Italy’s Mediterranean coast, and has long been the haunt of the rich and famous, attracting Hollywood stars and international celebrities. The scenic area surrounding Portofino can be explored, beginning at a nature reserve of olive and cypress groves.

A trek of around 90 minutes will take you to San Fruttuoso; and a two hour hike winds it way to Santa Margherita. Other attractions in Portofino include the castle and also the lighthouse, boasting a breathtaking view of the sea and the Mediterranean coastline.

The largest of the towns is called Monterosso, which is recognisable by the huge statues that are carved in the rocks here. The village of Riomaggiore boasts a small harbour packed full of various fishing craft - linked by ‘lovers lane’ to the charming and idyllic village of Manarola.

Corniglia is perched on a steep mountainside and by land can only be accessed by an arduous climb; and the fifth ‘cinque terre’, Vernazza, features a lovely piazza and promenade from which you can enjoy panoramic sea and coastline views.

There’s more to Cremona than its violins: its central Piazza del Commune is one of the loveliest and largest in Italy. Situated around the piazza are some remarkable structures, including the 12th-century Duomo, in pink marble and boasting Italy’s tallest campanile. The Palazzo del Commune is also located here, a magnificent Gothic structure embellished with terra-cotta panels.

Brescia: as it is surrounded by industrialised suburbs, Brescia (60 miles from Milan) doesn't look to be very appealing. A stop here, however, is quite worthwhile, as Brescia boasts a centuries-old town centre, which features Roman ruins, two duomos and medieval palazzi, all to be found among the narrow, winding streets and facing the beautiful piazzas.

If you follow the via dei Musei from the piazza, you’ll come to the Capitolino, which is a temple that was erected in 73AD; and the remains of the Teatro Romano (Roman Theatre) can still be seen here. A bit farther along you’ll come to the Monasterio di San Salvatore e Santa Giulia, which incorporates several churches and museums, housing a well-documented, wide-ranging collection of prehistoric, Roman, and medieval objects.