Perfect Italy

The heart of medieval Genoa – bounded by ancient city gates Porta dei Vacca and Porta Soprana , and the streets of Via Cairoli, Via Garibaldi and Via XXV Aprile – is famed for its caruggi (narrow lanes). Looking up at the washing pegged on lines everywhere, it becomes obvious that these dark, cave-like laneways and blind alleys are still largely residential, although the number of fashionable bars, shops and cafes continues to grow. Then take the train to Sorrento. An unashamed resort, Sorrento is nonetheless a civilised and beautiful town. The town straddles the cliffs overlooking the water to Naples and Mt Vesuvius.Sorrento makes a good base for exploring the region's highlights: to the south is the best of the peninsula’s unspoilt countryside, to the east is the Amalfi Coast, to the north lie Pompeii and other archaeological sites, and offshore is the fabled island of Capri. Can't miss Positano. Positano is the coast’s most picturesque and photogenic town, with vertiginous houses tumbling down to the sea in a cascade of sun-bleached peach, pink and terracotta colors. A must see!!