AddictedToTravel.com

So, with Italy, just where do you start? From the north and the Alps and Dolomites, Venice and Verona to the delights of Sardinia - and everything in between - there's sooooo much to see and so.

Well, we stuck a pin in the map and decided to concentrate on Tuscany, the Bay of Naples and the dramatic island of Sicily - as a start.

Tuscany
If you've ever been to Tuscany you'll already know it's the place to go to enjoy stunning rilling hills and Renaissance art and architecture. Towns such as Florence, Siena and San Gimignano attract people in search of an injection of beauty and culture. Most stay in hotels but there are a huge number of agriturismos (smallholdings and farms offering accommodation of all types, from basic to luxurious) out there too. Watch this space....

In the north of the province close to the towns of Lucca and Pisa is the Garfagnana Valley. Perfect for walkers the Apuane Alps and Apennine mountains fold the valley between them. It's just wonderful and you can hike on trails that are easily followed on good maps of the area.

The Bay of Naples
The Bay of Naples was our second choice as it has a little bit for everyone, like Tuscany. From the home of the pizza, Naples, head south on the Circumvesuviana to Mt Vesuvius. Climb to the top and look down to where Pompeii and Herculaneum stand, revealed again from beneath the mountain of ash that followed the eruption of AD79.

Continuing south you come to Sorrento and its peninsula - perfect for walkers, relaxing or visiting the idyllic island of Capri - keep your eyes peeled as the island is still a favourite of holidaying celebs.

Around on the south side of the peninsula lies the Amalfi Coast, where twons and villages tumble down steep cliffs to the sea - perfect for walks who can follow easy paths through village vineyards and stands of citrus trees.

Sicily
Quite rightly a destination in it's own right Sicily has just about everything you want, from history (think amazing Greek towns like Taormina and Syracuse) to art and architecture (Ragusa and Noto have some of Euorope's best examples of the Baroque style), beaches, walks on voolcanoes - Mt Etna is a must. Add in cooking holidays, walks through medieval mountain villages and even a chance to visit the mafia town of Corleone and, well, you can see why it's so popular.

We'll be adding lots of exciting Trips, Tours, Activities and Accommodation for each of the three regions over coming weeks and months, as well as adding new regions in the future, so keep on coming back and see if Italy can offer you a touch of la dolce vita!

Cheers

Carl