Siena, San Gimignano and Montepulciano compared on crowds, views, food, transport and day-trip logic, with a workable plan for combining them.

Match your trip length and interests to one Italian city — Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples or Bologna — instead of trying to see them all at once.

A practical comparison of Rome's three most popular bases — Centro Storico, Trastevere and Monti — covering atmosphere, transport, food, noise and budget.

November brings Venice fog, rain and low light, plus thin crowds and locals back in the bars. Here's what to expect and what to book before you leave.