The mercurial home of passion, Italy is a costal finger of beauty and romance. Roman history shaped the world and Italian culture still has a profound impact on modern life.

Starting in the north Milan is the worldwide epicentre of fashion and design. An industrial city, which lacks some of the grace of Italy’s southern towns, Milan is a contrasting place. Football is the city's true religion whilst the Duomo gothic Cathedral is a magnificent shrine to the supposed one.

To the east lies Venice, the most romantic place on the planet. Intricate waterways cut through white marble renaissance architecture. Stunning food and wine all interspersed with true Italian magic – from the traditional glass blowing shops to the opera, Venice is pure Italy.

Further south Florence is an artistic feast. The home of the Renaissance, art runs through Florence’s veins. From Cathedrals to galleries, to the streets itself. Florence’s artistic beauty is hardly matched anywhere in the world.

Fairly central lays Rome itself. The seat of the greatest empire of all time and home to the leader of one of the world’s biggest religions. Rome is a seemingly endless collection of treasures. St Peters Square, the Colosseum and the Vatican are breath taking, whilst the Sistine Chapel's ceiling is a beauty like no other. Rome is modern as well and home to big night clubs, coffee bars and new business which all give the ancient Roman magic a modern spring.

Finally, nestled on the south eastern coast, lies Naples. Naples doesn’t have the shine or glitz of the northern cities; in fact many see it as run-down. However, Naples provides a true taste of modern Italian culture, its architecture can compete with the best and its food is the best. Naples provides a proper example of real Italian life which, whilst loosing no romance or charm, doesn’t have the wealth or status of some of Italy’s previous inhabitants.

Italy has seemingly endless wonders and this blog does it no justice. The best way to see it is to tour it. There can be nothing better than cruising around Tuscany in a beautiful car, rent yours with Green Motion.