Beneath the striped awnings, immerse yourself in the bustle of Old Nice’s Saleya flower market (which also sells fruit, vegetables and local street snacks). The fruit and veg stalls tend to pack up by lunch time, but flower stalls are there until around 5pm.

Rent a bike to explore Villa Borghese, an elegant 200-acre park full of tree-lined paths, Classical sculptures, a large lake, and beautiful buildings. The most impressive are the 17th-century Galleria Borghese, and a reconstruction of Shakespeare's globe.

It’s impossible to visit Rome without stumbling across the city’s impressive Roman ruins. The many magnificent structures magic visitors back to the Roman era and can be found dotted across the city. Imagine the life of gladiators in the Colosseum, emperors at the Temple of Caesar and merchants at the Roman Forum.

Cross the River Tiber and walk down the famous Passetto di Borgo to the Vatican City. Take the unique opportunity to look inside St. Peter's Basilica, the vast cathedral that can hold up to 20,000 people. You can also climb to the top of the basilica’s famous dome (up a whopping 551 steps) for stunning views across the city.

As one of the oldest and largest archaeological museums in the world, here you can see a vast array of Roman and Greek artefacts. Admire the intricate mosaics, frescoes and marble statues from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Stroll along the gravel paths and admire the beautiful towers of one of Naples' main attractions: the Castel Nuovo. This medieval and renaissance castle features a central courtyard where you can gaze on the magnificent painted ceiling of the Baron’s Hall.

Take a day trip by ferry to the dazzling island of Procida – you’ll arrive into the bay by boat to a breathtaking view of colourful houses, arguably one of Italy’s finest sights.

For something a little unusual, explore the 16th-century Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio. This beautifully preserved building was formerly used by Bologna's medical school, and is now a fascinating public museum. As the home of the world's oldest existing university, Bologna is filled with fascinating and quirky museums like this, each highlighting a different part of the city's academic legacy.

Marvel at the view from the rooftops of the Duomo di Milano – the largest church in Italy. No visit to the city is complete without experiencing this iconic cathedral, built over centuries in an overwhelming mix of grand Gothic styles.

Spend an evening at the Teatro alla Scala – better known as La Scala. One of the world's most iconic theatres, the Neoclassical building provides a suitably graceful setting for opera and ballet performances. 

Visit the shop of Patrick Roger, the famous Parisian chocolatier, who takes the art of chocolate to another level. Marvel at his sculptural creations and taste some of France’s most unusually flavoured and exquisitely crafted chocolate.

Spend an afternoon relaxing by a fountain on the public chairs in one of Paris' many parks – the Jardin du Luxembourg is particularly peaceful.