When in Italy, visiting Florence is an absolute must. I cannot begin to describe the wealth of history and culture that awaits you – although I will certainly try my best.

The Italian Renaissance was one of the most prolific periods in all of art history and much of it is still to be found today in Florence. You will not fail to be amazed by some of the world's greatest masterpieces such as Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Venus and the numerous Madonnas with babies which adorn nearly every room.

For the first time, figures in the sculptures and paints were portrayed as life-like rather than as a symbol and we can see the painstaking effort that goes into the works. We have seen these works so many times before in magazines and posters, yet to see them first hand still takes your breath away.

Then you have the city itself. Even if it were not for the works of art it would still be worth spending a week or two to explore. The incredible and iconic cathedral, or Duomo, with its bell tower is known by so many, with its red dome and black and white decorated brickwork.

And the Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, built in the fourteenth century and which has amazingly survived all this time. A whole bridge lined with shops and workshops just as it was hundreds of years ago, when it was home to goldsmiths and jewellers.