Two years ago today Greg and I arrived in Italy. When we landed in Bologna on that hot August afternoon we were excited at the prospect of what lay ahead, but the past couple of years have delivered much more than we ever imagined.

People often ask what’s been our favourite location, but it’s impossible to choose just one. There have been so many remarkable places that the best we can do is come up with the highlights. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and not in any particular order, but these are places we’ve really enjoyed on our travels so far. Let’s start with Italy.

Puglia
The little fishing village of Monopoli is hard to beat but the Salento coast – around the bit that is the heel of Italy’s boot – is simply spectacular. Sandy beaches, rocky coves, and boats bobbing on crystal clear water.

Sicily
‘Sicilian first, Italian second’ is how people in this island region describe themselves, and it does feel a bit like another world down here in Italy’s south. History, culture, food and the most laid-back locals you’re likely to find.

Tuscany
Think Tuscany, think Florence. Think Florence, think masterpieces to make you weep, literally. We also have vivid memories of the Casentino Valley east of Florence, shining bright red and yellow in its autumn colours. And the walled city of Lucca which we enjoyed so much we went back for more.

The Big Cities
Rome – empires may come and go, but surely the magnificent eternal city will live forever. Turin – so elegant and refined, yet with a beauty powerful enough to stop you in your tracks. And Milan – there’s so much more to this city than shopping; culture, history and wonderful architecture abound.

The Northern Lakes
Garda, Como, Maggiore, Orta, Iseo. Warm spring sunshine, bright blue sky reflected in deep blue water, an old wooden ferry chugging across the lake. A day like that can feel about as close to heaven-on-earth as it’s possible to be.

Ortisei
The Dolomite Mountains. Christmas snow. A steaming mug of spritz caldo. Stille Nacht at the end of midnight mass. Nothing more to be said really.

Fezzano
This little village on the shores of Liguria’s Gulf of Poets holds a special place in our hearts. We arrived here almost by accident (‘Okay, we really do need to find somewhere to be on Monday … where will we go?’) and ended up not wanting to leave.