Woof. I’m takin my girlfriend over to italy in september, from rome through tuuscany and umbria to pisa. Now I’ve never been anywhere near italy, and I’ve just finished my degree and haven’t even been outside for five months – i need a wee bit of help…

From previous experience I’ve found that guidebooks are generally written by slightly older and less adventurous types – they’re useful but not amazing – and that the only way to find the truly sweet spots in a place is through word of mouth. So roll up please people, lend me your pearls of wisdom, and I will gratefully exchange similar pearls…