3. Catania: from £106 return with Easyjet
Not to miss: Mount Etna
It would be sinful to come to Sicily and not to trek Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano and Italy’s highest mountain south of the Alps. Do a walking tour or explore the smaller villages around the mountain such as the Alcantara gorges and Francaville in the ‘unknown villages’ tour.
To miss: Your flight
Italians are infamous for not being huge timekeepers and this is somewhat exaggerated in the south, where the pace of life is often slower and more calm. Although this may well be an unfair stereotype, you won’t want to run that risk when flying home to take that final exam, so perhaps leave yourself an extra hour or so ‘just in case’.
If you’re looking to go a little further south – where better to head than Sicily, where all day sun is a certainty. Although this part of the country is perhaps more focused on sunbathing and a little less on sightseeing, it is a total myth that there is less to do. Check out the vibrant market at Piazza Carlo Alberto or visit the neighbouring city of Palermo or the neighbouring small town Taormina – both of which are known to have some of the best restaurants in Italy. Check out Kursaal Kalhselah in Palermo for its culinary feats and outdoor bar.
4. Venice: from £105 return with Lufthansa
Not to miss: A gondola trip
This is certainly the best way to see Venice. Gliding blissfully through narrow canals in the late afternoon, accompanied by a glass of Venetian wine and a chatty Italian punter to guide you through the city is a true Italian experience that must not be overlooked, despite the sometimes pricey cost.
To miss: The crowds
Italian tourist cities can often become overcrowded during peak season and somewhat ruin the authenticity of the city itself. So try to avoid the height of summer, particularly the months of July and August where the Mediterranean heat coupled with the throng of bustling people can make for a less enjoyable stay.
Although a little more expensive than our other destinations, the extra money is certainly well spent visiting this breath-taking canal filled city. Certainly for couples, this should be the top choice, where romantic restaurants and moonlit strolls reside in abundance. More than this, however, there is a vast collection of art to be appreciated – a lot of which can be found in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
5. Naples: from £147 return with Easyjet
Not to miss: San Carlo opera
A pilgrimage site for opera lovers, this spectacular theatre will enthral even the least musical of all tourists. Regally gilded in gold throughout, the opera house is worth checking out simply to be observed for its sensational architecture and decoration.
To miss: Crime
Sadly the region of Naples has come to be known as one of the Mafias headquarters, and is subsequently rife with crime. Make sure to keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, and it is advisable to stay in lit areas after dark.
The ancient town of Pompeii is found a stones throw away from Naples and is utterly unmissable in terms of its fascinating cultural history, where many corpses have been incredibly preserved by the ash following an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Shuttle buses can be taken at 14 euros per head and are most certainly worth it.
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BY GRACE LEE