10 days- Milan, Nice & Monaco

About the destination: With something almost Northern European in the air, yet exuding Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both hardworking and glamorous - powerful in businesses from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its certain something is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashionistas, designers, supermodels and paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is certainly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or windowshop. Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy and as such, is unsurprisingly business-like in appearance. At first glance, it lacks the wow factor, but if you take time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll access its aesthetically appealing gems – and they do exist. Cut through the modern metropolitan bustle, and you will stumble across impressive churches and palaces, the pretty Navigli area, the chic Brera district and lively university quarter, and no need to mention a landmark such as the Duomo, or that the city is impressively home to Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be faulted when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to party – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and nibbles before heading home is the rule rather than exception. So whether you’re looking for cut-price fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.

About the destination: Nice weathers its storms of tourisms each summer with all the usual accoutrements of a Riviera town: Casual affluence, an ample beach, museums, flowery avenues but lack the affected aloofness of its neighbours. Furthermore, Nice is blessed with good public transport within the city and to all points on the Côte d’Azur, and makes it a good base for Riviera exploring. Nice’s long thin beach and bronzing guests are the city’s principal attractions for most visitors. Nonetheless, Nice’s vieille ville, the old town, is worth a visit. The old quarter is an unusual blend of glitter and a Mediterranean medieval quarter of tiny streets and outdoors markets. For a spectacular Riviera panorama, climb up to the top of the chateau. The city has several outstanding museums, such as the Musée Matisse, devoted to the work of French painter Henri Matisse, or the Musée National Marc Chagall, dedicated to the work of painter Marc Chagall. The majestic promenade des Anglais sweeps along the coast. This pedestrian zone swarms with boutiques, busy restaurants and all variety of tourists. The nightlife in Nice is effervescent, the labyrinth of tiny streets in the vieille ville hides restaurants and bars, and accounts for the city’s Mediterranean flair.

About the destination: Monaco evokes luxury and glamour. This small country, the world’s second smallest in fact, has a big personality. Its privileged geographical location on the French Riviera makes it a gem of a city. The oldest part of the city is known as the Rock. The Rock houses the National Council, the parliament of the Principality of Monaco, and the Prince’s Palace. The Palace is a major touristic attraction, even though from the outside there is nothing to suggest it is the home of the Royal Family. Its values resides on the inside, where magnificent rooms are filled with an impressive artistic assortment. Get there at 11.55am for the daily changing of the guard. The most acclaimed part of the city is Monte Carlo, with its majestic Casino. Monte Carlo oozes privilege and opulence, its streets are crowded by celebrities and the super-rich flashing its hedonist lifestyle. Gardens, fountains and contemporary sculptures embellish the streets. For visitors wishing to bask in some Monaco glitz, there are big annual events such as the Tennis Masters Series in April and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in May. Away from the glamour, we have La Condamine, the second oldest district in Monaco, with its simple and pleasant beauty. In this part of the city, visitors can enjoy scenic walking routes, pretty costal bays and al fresco cafés. Monaco is beautiful and chic, it is brimming with uber high end resorts and has got a great weather and even better food. If you do visit Monaco it won’t disappoint because in this city everything is there to please you.