Columbus Urban Resort, Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Whilst public transport is easily possible, the half-hour walk into the historic centre of Florence is a lovely way to arrive at this scenic and bustling city. Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, walking through the city is like walking through a painting, with rustic cobblestone streets at one turn and elegant archways and piazzas at the other. Some of the most world-renowned artworks are on display here – a must-see is Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia.

Cross the river to see the Boboli Gardens, a lush green expanse with Renaissance statues that functions like an open-air museum. Marvel at rare flowers and stone-chiselled faces, and if you’d like to take a piece of Florence home with you then be sure to stop off at San Lorenzo market, brimming with culinary treats and Florentine leather goods.