Brescia, Italy

Surrounded by vine-covered hills, the ancient settlement of BRESCIA is a wealthy city, boasting Roman remains, Renaissance squares and a medieval city centre juxtaposed with important twentieth-century architecture. Yet for all this, it lacks the elegance and charm of other northern Italian cities and you'd do best to visit its sights in a day and then head on your way – easy, as the town is well connected by road, rail and bus.