The Essential Online: Italy Index

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The cultural and historical impact of Florence (or Firenze) is overwhelming. Close up, however, the city is one of Italy's most atmospheric and pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the small late-medieval centre that contributed so much to the artistic and political development of Europe.

Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches attest to the Florentine love of display. Even long after it had set on the political and economic horizon, Florence upheld its elegant appearance: its skyline, all russet rooftops and lofty domes, is indeed picturesque.

It's hard to say what you'll find most breathtaking about the Eternal City - the arrogant opulence of the Vatican, the timelessness of the Forum, the top speed of a Fiat Bambino, the gory resonance of the Colosseum, trying to cross a major intersection, or the bill for your caffe latte.

Make like the locals and souse your senses in the glut of pleasures the city has to offer, from the grandiose thrill of feeling centuries of turbulent history under your feet to the small but potent intoxication of eating chestnut gelati on a hot day.

An unashamed resort town, Sorrento lines the cliffs that look over the water to Naples and Mt Vesuvius. According to Greek legend, it was here that the Sirens, those mythical provocateurs of pure voice and dodgy intent, lurked, trying to lure Homer's Ulysses and his men.

Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are well known for its splendid big lemons. Typical products from Sorrento are produced with these "Limoni": Limoncello, a very tasty lemon liqueur, lemon chocolate, colorful ceramic articles with lemon motives or lemon soap. One should also try the over 70 different ice cream flavours of Gelateria Bougainvillea. One is tempted to shop by the small street Via S. Cesareo, the heart of Sorrento. In addition to this there is the weekly market that takes place on Tuesdays, where one can buy real bargains.

Sorrento is also very popular due to its good location as starting point to all the important surrounding sights. The summit of the peninsula of Sorrento is only about 5 km away from Capri, which can be easily reached from the Harbor Marina Piccola. Also Ischia and Procida, of which the silhouettes can be seen on clear days, can be reached very quickly per speedboat. Sorrento is also the terminus of the Circumvesuviana, a small train with its start in Naples. One can reach Pompeii and Herkulaneum by this rail in about thirty minutes and Naples in circa one hour's time.

Like the other northern Italian lakes, Lake Maggiore's credentials as a tourist destination go back a long way. The early twentieth century saw a spate of illustrious visitors enjoying themselves in luxurious lakeside villas and verdant gardens.The most popular Lake Maggiore resorts are on the western shores of the lake. Stresa is a lovely town with beautiful villas and gardens (some open to the public), a good climate and lake views. From the town a cablecar takes you up Monte Mottarone, where from a height of over 4,000 ft you can enjoy views of the Alps and the other lakes.If you spend time at Lake Maggiore, you will soon become familiar with the name of the Borromeo family, who still own the islands named after them. Their most celebrated scion, St Charles Borromeo, was born in the castle in Arona, at the southern end of the west shore. A gigantic statue in the town celebrates San Carlo; if you climb up inside the hollow structure, you can admire the view through the Saint's eyes.The Borromean Islands are unmissable Lake Maggiore tourist attractions. There are three open to the public, containing beautiful gardens, small settlements and restaurants.