The Collezione Peggy Guggenheim comprises some of the most important European and American modern art of the twentieth century. It's housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Peggy Guggenheim's former home, and you can see works by Modernist masters like Kandinsky, Picasso and Pollock as well as regular exhibitions revealing the lesser-known painters and sculptors represented in the collection.

Walk to the famous Bridge of Sighs which was once part of the Doge Palace's prison. The bridges formed the passageway prisoners walked down to enter their cell after hearing their sentence. Locals often heard their sighs as they crossed the bridge, hence its name (Ponte dei Sospiri in Italian).

Adopt the local habit of an aperitivo – an evening drink, usually Campari or Aperol, accompanied by a few snacks to start the night.

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.

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.

A visit to the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly called Il Duomo, is an essential part of any trip to Florence. The cathedral is Florence's most prominent landmark, looming over the city, and has the largest masonry dome in the world. This architectural masterpiece features the famous bronze doors named 'the gates of paradise' by Michelangelo. Admire the religious relics and let yourself be enchanted by the famous paintings, sculptures and marble facade.

The Erna Piani is a mountain resort accessed by cable car (the base of which can be reached by bus number 5 from Lecco). There's a stunning viewpoint at the peak and hiking trails – in winter there's sledding and snoeshoeing.

This lakeside town has a rich history and you should seek out the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Visconti Bridge and the Bell tower of Basilica San Nicolò. (Italy's second highest). Stop in the principal square, Piazza XX Settembre, for a bite to eat or coffee.

Lecco is on the eastern branch of Lake Como and the area's beaches are a welcome escape from Lake Como's busier shores. There are public beaches close to town: Orsa Maggiore is the closest (next to the road, fairly busy with a beach bar and wakeboarding), others can be reached by train.

Visit the Roman remains in Chur, open to the public (get the key from the tourism office) and covered by a shelter.

Hike to St Luzikapelle, or St Luzi’s Chapel, built into a cave about 45 minutes' walk from Chur's old town. It's a scenic spot, ideal for some peaceful reflection.

Wander around the Altstadt with its web of alleys and historic architecture. You'll find everything you need in this central hub including restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries.

Stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin, for boutique shopping by day and buzzing bars and restaurants by night.

Wander through Montmartre and make the climb up to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Be sure to linger over the spectacular view at the top; at sunset, you'll get the best light as the sun dips below the city skyline.

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