In Chambéry's palatial fine arts museum, housed in the former corn exchange building, you’ll find many 14th- to 18th-century Italian painting by such luminaries as Caravaggio, Titian and Ghirlandaio. Also worth a look is the collection of paintings depicting the dramatic landscapes around Chambéry and the Alps painted between 1799 and 1975.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a key figure of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution and he lived  here at Le Charmettes with his lover and mentor, Madame de Warens, between 1736 and 1742. It’s rural setting and plethora of original features makes for a fascinating insight into the life of this Geneva-born philosopher, composer and writer.

Turin's pioneering food scene is a haven for vegans and veggies. You can find plant-based versions of traditional Italian cuisine, including dishes typical of the Piedmont region, and even gelato made from rice milk – a nice change from a sorbetto every now and then.

Among Turin's many fantastic art galleries, the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo stands out for its exclusive focus on contemporary art. Temporary exhibitions are varied and interesting, featuring a mix of Italian and international artists.

Turin's Museo Egizio is the world's oldest museum devoted to Egyptology, and it holds some of the most important archeological pieces that can be seen outside of Cairo. See the website for temporary exhibitions and special events.

Admire the Castello Normanno-Svevo on the edge of Bari's old town alleyways. The imposing fortress is now home to a museum displaying art and archaeological finds, and there's a walkway along its exterior walls.

Explore the stunningly beautiful Basilica San Nicola, an imposing Norman building that houses the relics of its namesake St Nicholas (better known as Father Christmas).

Between 1944 and 1985, Albania's leader instructed over 700,000 bunkers to be built in the case of invasion during the Cold War. In Tirana, two old bunkers have now been opened as sobering museum exhibitions, Bunk'Art 1 (on the outskirts of the city) and Bunk'Art 2 (a short walk from Skanderbeg Square).

A landmark concrete pyramid that originally opened as a museum dedicated to dictator Enver Hoxha. These days, people climb to the top of the squat brutalist building at sunset for wonderful city (and mountain) views.