Italy

Elect's take

"Italy has a quality of life and a sense of beauty that pervades almost every aspect of travel here. Few countries make you feel more grateful to simply be present in a place."

What I find most remarkable about Italy is how every city, town and region has its own distinct identity. Rome feels ancient and overwhelming in the best sense. Florence is intimate and refined. Venice is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Naples is raw and energetic. Even smaller towns like Lecce, Orvieto and Lucca deliver experiences that would be headline destinations in many other countries. Italian cuisine and wine reflect this regional diversity. Each area has its own ingredients, traditions and specialities that reward curiosity. Italy also excels at luxury accommodation. From converted villas and historic palazzi to clifftop resorts on the Amalfi Coast, the country offers some of the world's most atmospheric and memorable places to stay.