Florence

Florence was founded by Julius Caesar on a major road from Rome to France. In the middle ages, Florence became a very wealthy city, as a thriving trade centre for wool and silk. Finance was also big business in Florence - Florentine bankers issued the first monetary bills, and also the well-known florin. The most famous family dynasty of Florence, the Medici, were pre-eminent in the banking world. With their power and money, they commissioned artists, architects and craftsmen from all over Europe to satisfy their taste of style and grandeur.

The most popular place to visit in Florence is the iconic Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. Its impressively massive octagonal cupola is actually 2 domes, one inside the other Next door is the Baptistery - its large doors are faced with an intricately detailed bronze relief.

Another must-see is the Ponte Vecchio over the River Arno. This much-photographed bridge was originally constructed in Roman times. Modern bijou shops occupy the ancient buildings lining the bridge.

To escape all the sunshine, consider a trip to the Boboli gardens with its beautifully cool tree-arched walkways.