If you are not a fan of bus or car tours, take a leisurely bike tour from Parma city centre to a cheese factory to see how the city’s eponymous delicacy is made. Explore the variety of this classic cheese by sampling three agings of Parmesan: 12, 24 and 36 months. Follow your friendly guide through small, quiet roads and stop at a local osteria — a small restaurant that serves wine and simple, honest food, including Parma ham.

This is a beautiful medieval structure, first built at the end of the 13th century, and the subject of many additions and alterations over the years. Head up the stairs in Piazza IV Novembre and into the Sala dei Notari – completely covered in allegorical and biblical frescoes that date from the 13th century. Entering the palazzo from Corso Vannucci takes you to the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria and to two further rooms: the Collegio della Mercanzia and the Collegio del Cambio. The Collegio della Mercanzia is beautifully panelled in wood, probably done by German craftsmen in the 15th century. The Collegio del Cambio has two rooms, the second with stunning late 15th century frescoes by Perugino.

The memorial sits on the Minsk-Moscow highway, a 30 minute car ride from Minsk. The monument itself was built in 1969, 25 years after the liberation of Belarus from the Germans, to honour the soldiers that fought against the Nazis in World War II and those who lost their lives. The view from the top of the hill makes the climb worthwhile.

Musica a Palazzo is a cultural association created in 2005 and housed within the elegant Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto. Its primary goal is to convert this historic palace into a captivating and intimate setting, perfect for delving into the rich world of opera culture. If you plan to visit, be sure to visit their website to discover the program offerings.