Italy has fascinated the world for centuries with the grandeur of its cities, the beauty of its coastline and the politics of the ancient Roman Empire. Known for its food, fashion and culture, it’s a country that draws millions of tourists every year. I’d always wanted to go.

Rome was, and currently remains, my only taste of this wonderful country in Southern Europe to date. It quickly became my favourite city on Earth. Steeped in history with ancient monuments, beautiful plaza’s and flowing fountains, it’s a city like no other. Of course, it’s also home to the incredible Roman Colosseum which ticked off the second venue in my quest to visit all Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Vatican City is another extraordinary location; a city-state in it’s own right, full of pomp and splendour. Then there’s the cuisine; unmatched by anywhere I’ve ever been. From the delicious pasta’s to the mouth-watering gelato’s, every meal was made with pride and care.

My business with Italy doesn’t end here though. I have aspirations to visit Turin to watch Juventus. I’d love to travel along the Amalfi Coast taking in the resplendent pastel-coloured fishing villages. Venice, Florence and Milan all await to be discovered. Yet, it’s Sicily that really calls my name. A dream would be to hire one of the old, vintage Lambretta scooters and ride through the hills and vineyards.

In the words of Goethe, the German Poet, “visiting Italy without going to Sicily leaves no image in the spirit. It is Sicily that is the key to everything.”