Christmas festivities in Milan began with the lighting of the Swarovski Christmas tree in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Europe’s oldest shopping mall, and home to Italian fashion brands such as Prada, Gucci and Armani.

The last time I was in Rome I stayed in Testaccio, as recommended by a Roman friend. You'll love it, she told me, and she was right.

If Rome has Testaccio, Milan has Isola. Both are areas that have been subject to renewed urban interest, and both have the atmosphere of a village where creatives and locals live side by side.

According to the Wall Street Journal, it's official. Milan is Italy's hottest new destination. Tourism figures show 2017 as a record year with over nine million tourists choosing to visit the city of fashion and design. Rachael Martin looks at what Milan has to offer this autumn.

The Italian Lakes: Como, Garda and Maggiore and the smaller of islands of Orta and Iseo that may be lesser known but are just as beautiful. They’ve provided inspiration for writers, artists and composers. (Photos Rachael Martin)