Italian west coast. From Milan to Rome on the road.

About the destination: With an almost Northern European feel, yet radiating Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both industrious and glamorous - influential in industries from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its unique charm is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashion enthusiasts, designers, supermodels and paparazzi flock to the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has meticulously maintained its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is undoubtedly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or simply window shop. Milan is the primary industrial, commercial and financial hub of Italy and as such, it unsurprisingly has a business-like appearance. At first glance, it may lack the wow factor, but if you take the time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll discover its aesthetically pleasing treasures – and they do exist. Navigate through the modern metropolitan hustle and bustle, and you will stumble upon impressive churches and palaces, the charming Navigli area, the stylish Brera district and vibrant university quarter, and it goes without saying that the city is home to landmarks such as the Duomo, and Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be criticised when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to celebrate – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and snacks before heading home is more the norm than the exception. So whether you’re looking for affordable fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.

About the destination: Genova is a city of contrasts: it's a city of art as well as an industrial city. It has glass skyscrapers and medieval towers, business centres and unspoiled historic sites. Genoa is one of Italy’s most important ports that now accommodates Europe’s largest aquarium and the largest maritime history museum in the Mediterranean. Strolling down its narrow, twisting lanes, known as caruggi, visitors will discover architectural gems, some excellent museums and art galleries. Porta Soprana, the best known gate in the ancient Genoa city walls, gives way to the Piazza de Ferrari, with its Palace of the Doges and the Opera House. Along the Strade Nuove, a stunning avenue listed as a World Heritage Site, is where we find the Palazzi dei Rolli, a roster of aristocratic homes that are a reminder of the city’s imperial past. Genoa is an elusive and secretive city, it will take you to great bars, share its cuisine and give you a glimpse of culture, but it’ll have to get to know you first.

About the destination: The city of Livorno is located in Tuscany. Today the city is presented as an industrial centre located on the shores of the Mediterranean, its productive activity is focused on metallurgical and chemical sectors although it also has a major oil refinery. Although the city also has a tourist attraction throughout the history that happened and the circumstances that it has gone through. Initially, Livorno was born as a small fishing village. But the city was very important for the Medici family as a strategic point and declared the port as a free port from 1590 until 1860. The city could develop through all of this development with the second world war is already lost the city suffered extensive damage above all its historic Cathedral and the synagogue.

About the destination: The area of modern Piombino was settled since ancient times. During the Etruscan era the main city in the area was Populonia, now a frazione within the comune of Piombino. The name Piombino derives almost certainly from Populino, meaning "Small Populonia", which the refugees gave to a small village where they had taken refuge after the city had been attacked by Greek pirates (9th century). It is also probable that Piombino had already been founded during the Ostrogoth domination. In 1022 the Monastery of San Giustiniano was founded in the area, boosting the activity of fishermen, sailors and workers. In 1115 Piombino submitted to the Republic of Pisa, becoming its second main port: authority was exerted by a Capitano ("Captain"). During the conflicts between the Pisane and the Genoese (12th–13th centuries) the city was sacked various times. In 1248 the Capitano Ugolino Arsopachi built the Channels.

About the destination: Modern and old, past and present go hand in hand, all the time. Whether you're in Rome for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months, be ready to step into the world’s largest open air museum. Rome will charm you and it will hardly leave you unmoved. It will surprise you, as it has so much to offer to any visitor, and its beauty has merely been slightly obscured by the passage of time. Rome is one of the world's most photogenic cities - not surprising when you remember what's here - The Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, St Peter's Square, Spanish Steps, Colosseum... Whether you spend your time sightseeing, or lounging in cafés watching the world go by, it will be your turn to star in your very own Roman Holiday. If you can plan to stay for as long as a week, you won't run out of things to do and you'll still feel like you're leaving too soon.