Valle d'Aosta

Located on the borders of Switzerland and France, this is the smallest region of Italy’s regions. The capital, Aosta, is known as the ‘Rome of the Alps’ due to its extensive Roman remains and history.

This valley region has access to the highest mountains in Europe, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, skiing is popular here. However, this is a region that can be visited all year round as there are numerous castles in the region to visit, monthly folk festivals, hiking trails and open-air markets in the villages.

The cuisine here is hearty with soups and stews favoured. Grappa spirit is produced here and a local favourite dish is venison stew with grappa.

Piemonte

Located at the foot of the Alps this large region borders mainly France but also Switzerland. The capital, Turin was once upon a time the capital city of Italy and this baroque city contains good museums and lovely architecture and is also known as the car capital of Italy.

Well know for its cuisine, the region is famed for truffles, wines and cheese.

Beautiful lakes are also here, Lake Orta and half of Lake Maggiore is centred around the town of Arona.

Lombardia

Situated at the foot of the Italian Alps and bordering Switzerland, this region contains the most beautiful lakes in the country. Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda are all in this region with their stunning backdrop of the Alps.

Milan is the capital of the region, a city famed for its fashion and opera as well as being the economic hub of Italy.

Cuisine wise the region is famous for risotto and is a rice growing area, it is also known for its Gorgonzola cheese and Pinot Grigio wine.

Liguria

The only coastal region in the north west, this region is also known as the Italian Riviera.

The geography of the coastline includes mountains and secluded fishing villages including the lovely Cinqueterre (five lands) and Portofino as well as resort towns such as San Remo.

The capital of the region is Genoa a busy port city but also has numerous medieval and rococo sights. Liguria thrives on seafood due to its proximity to the sea, however it is most famous for its pesto sauce.