The city of Michelangelo, Giotto and Botticelli -- not to mention Macchiavelli and the Medicis -- is one great revelation of the Renaissance. Florence has more eternal art per square mile than anywhere else on earth. You will want to take time out-strolling the Boboli Gardens, shopping on the Ponte Vecchio, sipping a cappuccino in the Piazza della Signoria, digging into a steak alla fiorentina. Easy daytrips take you to the highlights of Tuscany-Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena and Lucca.

The charm is eternal but Paris is on the move, changing graciously with the times. A glass pyramid reflects the Louvre in brilliant, luminous style, Place de la Concorde has been spruced up, and old districts have been revitalised. Thanks to the legendary Parisian elegance, the modern and the historic happily coexist in the city on the Seine, as romantic as ever. This little guide is crammed with addresses -- priceless recommendations and practical hints, perfect for a weekend break or a fortnight's adventure.

Ever had trouble trying to make yourself understood? No more frustrating struggles with the menu, no more battles with the hotel concierge or the hairdresser. This little guide has been specially designed to help you handle every common situation and feel at ease in unfamiliar surroundings. Light to carry and easy to use -- don't leave without it!

More than 400 bridges stitch together the islands that make up this dream of a city. The sublime setting ennobles Venice's palaces, churches and canals. For art lovers, a survey of the local talent -- Titian, Bellini, Tintoretto, Lotto and Canaletto -- is worth the trip. Take a cappucino break in Piazza San Marco, Europe's most sumptuous square. This little guide is crammed with addresses -- priceless recommendations and practical hints, perfect for a weekend break or a fortnight's adventure.