What is a visit to a French city without seeing some fine art? The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon has 70 rooms to explore, from classic European artists such as Cézanne to Egyptian relics.

Enjoy a walk around the pedestrianised streets of Old Lyon with its courtyards and narrow alleys, Renaissance architecture and great choice of cafés and bars.

Visit the striking Castello Sforzesco (Sforza's Castle) and the surrounding Sempione Park for a peaceful afternoon wandering through vast castle rooms and relaxing by the lake.

One of the most iconic artworks of all time, Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is one of Milan's must-see attractions. The painting is still in its original position, painted on the wall of the Santa Maria della Grazie convent building, which is now part of the Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy a day relaxing at the luxurious QC Termetorino spa, set in a 19th century palace. It's a beautiful spot, with manicured gardens, outdoor and indoor pools and saunas. You can book extra treatments, too.

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.

Take a day trip to the Alps and go hiking in the mountains. The best access by public transport is via train to Bardonecchia, a mountain resort with trails for every ability (and skiing in winter).

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.