Finding Little Italy

Liguria is more than just a glamorous stretch of Riviera coastline; it is a land of picture-perfect villages, atmospheric ghost towns, elegant seaside gems and grandiose villas.

The word Tuscany conjures images and ideas that no-one can deny. From the wines of Chianti to the great artistic cities of Florence and Siena, Tuscany is the most Italian of regions. But there's much more to it than that.

Umbria, the 'green heart of Italy', the 'wilder Tuscany', is an area not hindered by grand centres of tourism. This is little Italy in its purest form. An attractive region of hills and mountains stuffed to bursting with hidden treasures.

Lazio is more than just Rome. It is an ancient land of Etruscans and Romans, of burst open volcanoes and forgotten coliseums; Lazio is an enormous and complex region that comprises medieval castles, pretty villages and shimmering lakes.

What do Parma ham, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar and Bolognese sauce all have in common? They are all from the agricultural area of Emilia-Romagna, a vast region that hugs both the Apennine mountains and the Po Valley.

Piemonte is a land full of culinary riches. From arguably the finest Italian wines to those nuggets of delight, the truffles, this wealthy region is an epicurean's dream.