La Dolce Vita in Venedig & Mailand

About the destination: Venice is a city like no other: a labyrinth of canals, marble palaces, and hidden courtyards floating on the Adriatic. Built on more than 100 small islands, it has no roads—only waterways and narrow alleys that suddenly open onto breathtaking piazzas. At its heart lies St. Mark’s Square, framed by the dazzling Basilica di San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and the iconic Campanile. From here, you can wander under arcades lined with cafés and listen to live orchestras as the sun sets over the lagoon. The Grand Canal is Venice’s main thoroughfare, curving through the city like a glittering highway of water. Riding a vaporetto (water bus) offers a front-row view of Gothic and Renaissance palaces, their facades reflected in the rippling surface. For a more intimate experience, slip into one of the smaller canals on a gondola and glide beneath low stone bridges, passing quiet neighborhoods where laundry hangs over the water and church bells echo between the walls. Beyond the famous sights, Venice rewards slow exploration. Lose yourself in the districts of Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, where local bacari (wine bars) serve cicchetti—small Venetian tapas—alongside spritz and local wines. Cross the Rialto Bridge to visit its bustling market, where fishmongers and fruit vendors supply the city’s kitchens, and artisans sell Murano glass and traditional masks. Each sestiere (district) has its own character, from elegant San Marco to the more bohemian, artsy feel of Dorsoduro. Venice also makes an ideal base for exploring the lagoon islands. Take a short boat ride to Murano, famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition, where you can watch master glassblowers at work. Continue to Burano, a photographer’s dream with its brightly painted houses and lace workshops, and then on to Torcello, a peaceful island with ancient churches and a rare sense of quiet. Whether you come for art, history, or romance, Venice offers a dreamlike atmosphere that lingers long after you leave.

About the destination: With something almost Northern European in the air, yet exuding Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both hardworking and glamorous - powerful in businesses from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its certain something is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashionistas, designers, supermodels and paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is certainly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or windowshop. Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy and as such, is unsurprisingly business-like in appearance. At first glance, it lacks the wow factor, but if you take time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll access its aesthetically appealing gems – and they do exist. Cut through the modern metropolitan bustle, and you will stumble across impressive churches and palaces, the pretty Navigli area, the chic Brera district and lively university quarter, and no need to mention a landmark such as the Duomo, or that the city is impressively home to Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be faulted when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to party – 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 nibbles before heading home is the rule rather than exception. So whether you’re looking for cut-price fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.