Top Ten Italian Destinations 1 To 5

Italy is one of the most popular destinations on the tourist trail, known for its exsquisite fashion, historical buildings and it's fabulous food.

What does Italy hold for the visitor that will make it a memorable once in a lifetime destination, try our ten top places.

The capital Rome

Look down from Palatine Hill, and take in the sights of historical riches of Rome the Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum. This is ancient origin of the great city, according to the history books Rome was founded by Romulus in 753BC. Rome a city of two characters, the modern, bustling streets roaring cars and motorbikes, high fashion and fabulous food. Now intertwine this with some of the world's best preserved ancient monuments from previous centuries. Best-known landmarks include the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the best baroque site, the Spanish Steps.

Italys second city Florence

Michelangelo's David tops the bill in Florence, it is in fact overshadowed by the streets of the city which are the birthplace of the Renaissance and are lined with some of the world's finest art and architecture works by Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Titian and Raphael. The skyline is dominated by the Duomo of Florence, the fourth largest cathedral in the world. Florence was founded in 200BC, but reached its height under the rule of the Medici family in the 15th century. The city is perfect to visit in April or October, when the summer heat and many of the tourists have disappeared. In those months, a seat can easily be found at a cafe beside the Piazza del Duomo, and a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio can be enjoyed in an unhurried manner.

The independent State Vatican City

IN 1929, Mussolini gave the Pope full legal sovereignty over his home and surrounds, thus creating a separate region outside Italian rule known as the Vatican City. But while it may not be officially Italian, the best of Italy's art and architecture is preserved within the city.Wander through the 16th-century St Peter's Basilica and Bernini's Piazza San Pietro, which was built in the 17th century as a gathering place for Christians. And gaze in awe in the 15th-century Sistine Chapel, soaking in the beauty of Michelangelo's magnificent fresco, The Last Judgment.

Pisa

Pisa has been overrun by tourists for the past century all focused on one thing, as every year, millions trek through the Piazza del Duomo, or Piazza dei Miracoli to see an eight-storey campanile, better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built in 1174, the tower sits on a base of water-logged clay and, as a result, has leaned over to 4.2m from a perpendicular position. There is debate about whether it was actually designed to lean. Now it has inclined far enough to be in danger of falling, so the Italian Government desperately try to maintain the country's most famous landmark. The other two buildings in the piazza the Duomo of Pisa and the baptistry are so beautiful yet are often missed.

Ligurian Coast Cinque Terre

Set on the Ligurian coastline, five villages make up Cinque Terre as they cling periously to the rock face, multi-coloured buildings and ancient forts stretch down towards the ocean below. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are connected by a 5 mile 1000-year-old, track that takes hikers from one village to the next, past grape vines and olive trees, and through and chestnut groves, or for the sea lovers take the ferry service from town to town. Wine grapes and anchovies are the area's main produce. The region recently achieved national park classification with the surrounding ocean and now this is a protected marine area.

Destinations 6-10