The Tremiti Islands sit in the Adriatic Sea, around 22 kilometres off the Gargano coast in Puglia.

In one Italian village, houses, stairways and bell towers follow the mountain ridge as if they are trying to reach the sky.

Golden hills, thermal steam rising at sunset and vineyards turning ruby-red: autumn in Tuscany creates a natural setting that seems to have stepped out of a painting. At this time of year, villages and lesser-known small towns show a more authentic side, with museums, Renaissance squares and artisan workshops. Grape harvest and truffle season add solid reasons for a trip, bringing together food, scenery and history.