I came back home recently from a tour of Europe that had always been on my bucket list.

I started off in Spain and continued with adventures in neighbouring Switzerland and Italy. But being an art and history buff, it was in Italy where I stayed the longest.

On August 24, this beautiful country was shaken to its core by a powerful earthquake. Heart-rending images of the devastation made rounds on social media in its aftermath.

So in an attempt to brighten the spirits, I'd like to take you through my journey in Italy.

Cinque Terre will steal your heart

Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is a set of five pint-sized villages (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) on the Italian Riviera coastline.

These five places are strong contenders for Italy’s most picturesque destination.

The houses are painted with a variety of pastel hues, mainly tea pinks, banana-yellows, and shades of orange.

With the grandeur of mountains set calmly alongside the soothing water, the whole experience is a sensuous delight.

Cinque Terre is rightfully a UNESCO Heritage site.

The streets of Milan have got passion

The first thing that comes to mind about Milan is the glorious Duomo di Milano, the city’s main cathedral and one of the world’s finest Gothic structures. It was at the square outside the cathedral where I witnessed the raw talent of street performers.

Usually with just a guitar or pocket stereo for bass, these buskers, mostly musicians and dancers, keep the atmosphere alive and kicking with their passion. I imagine some of them make decent money too!

Street entertainment is a fixture in almost every city, but I was most dazzled by it in Milan. Whether it was the shiny shopping arcades in the backdrop or the flapping pigeons at the piazza, I will never know.

Tirano is out of this world

Tirano, located in the Sondrio province, is a quintessential Italian village.

With its surreal, mural-like mountains, streams, food, and fresh air, you might as well be strolling in paradise.

No place like Venice

With water canals and gondolas instead of roads and cars, Venice, the Floating City, is fantasy come to life.

And when take your eyes off the water and the architecture, the city’s two other trademarks are there in waiting: the Venetian masks and the Murano glass.

The world famous masks form part of the annual Carnival of Venice, whereas the Murano glass — made on the Venetian island of Murano — carries with it centuries-old glassmaking techniques. The intricacy of the mask and glass designs complement the complexity of the city itself.

Timeless Rome

The Italian capital is a city like no other.

Full of history, the city’s architecture carries the legacies of master artists such as Bernini, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

I felt I was reliving the past as I strolled down the Eternal City's alleys paved with cobblestone.

The bells of St Peter’s Basilica stir your soul.

The Colosseum still smells of gladiator blood.