Visit Zurich's Opernhaus, the city's first permanent theatre opened in 1834 with Mozart's Zauberflöte and is now the main venue for opera and ballet in the city. 

Spend some time wandering round Zürich's old town, along the historic streets of Rennweg and Augustinergasse, home to pretty buildings, shops and cafés, or walk to Lindenhof for views over the river and city. Visit the Fraumünster, a former abbey famous for its stained glass windows, then finish off with a visit to Café & Conditorei 1842 for a hot chocolate (or tipple) and cake in elegant surroundings. 

For a wonderful way to see the city, take to the water. Head out on a boat trip on Zürichsee, the city's namesake lake, or a flat bottomed boat tour of Limmat river from Landesmuseum station.

For a relaxing way to take in the spectacular mountain scenery, take a boat trip out onto Lake Lugano. Choose between gastronomic tours, a multi-stop daytrip or a fully electric scenic ride.

Take a gentle wander along the Olive Tree Grove Trail which passes through the remains of ancient olive trees as well as newly planted trees have been reintroduced.

The best way to experience Monte Bré is to take the funicular to the top. From here you can choose between a range of hikes around the summit and in the surrounding woodlands.

From Cassarate on the edge of the city, board the funicular up to the peak, changing at Suvigliana. Once you've reached the top, enjoy the views over a drink and bite to eat from the roof terrace of the Osteria Funicolare restaurant. If you're feeling adventurous, you could hire mountain bikes from one of the many rental shops at the summit before heading back down on the funicular.

The walk back down to Lugano is around 5km.

No visit to Florence is complete without catching a glimpse of Michaelangelo's David. Seeing him in person is a completely different experience to just looking at pictures – you'll undoubtedly observe the inconsistency in the size of his feet and limbs! You can of course see a replica of the masterpiece in the Piazza della Signori, but the original is now housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia.

Eating vegan in Florence is easier than you might think. Enjoy plant-based takes on traditional Italian dishes, raw-food restaurants, and gorgeous patisseries. There are even vegan supermarkets where you can stock up on goodies.

One of the world's most iconic museums, the Uffizi is a treasure trove of masterpieces from the Renaissance to the present day. Exploring its galleries, you'll come across the likes of Botticelli, Giotti, Caravaggio, Piero della Francesca and Filippo Lippi, among many, many others.

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. 

Head to the outskirts of the city to visit La Vigna di Leonardo, Leonardo Da Vinci's small vineyard, which is housed in the peaceful gardens of Casa degli Atellani, a 15th-century mansion.

Milan has a long artistic tradition and there is no shortage of places to see it. From the oldest collections of Italian Masters at Pinacoteca Ambrosiana to the more modern at Galleria d’Arte Moderna as well as cutting-edge contemporary art at Fondazione Prada, there's something for all tastes in this creative and cultural city.

Take a wander through Geneva's exquisite botanical garden and conservatory, Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques - the largest in Switzerland.

Take a trip out to the Jardin Albert Kahn and immerse yourself in orchards, rose gardens and forests that combine French, Japanese and English garden design. They were originally created by banker Albert Kahn before the Wall Street Crash, after which he lost his bank and his fortunes – including this garden.

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

The palatial Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris's Sixth Arrondissement is a 57-acre garden commissioned by The French queen, Marie de Medici. Kick back under the shade of horse chestnut trees or on the low-slung chairs surrounding the fountain, and in springtime, admire colourful flowers and fragrant orchard fruit trees.