Italy's northern autonomous region of Trentino is a place where two European cultures meet. "We are a mix of Austrian mentality and Italian mentality. So I hope we get the best of them both," says Mirta Valentini, Head of Sales Support for the Trentino tourist board.

Once part of Austria, the region is renowned for its lakes, mountains, castles and rich culture and traditions. These include the Ladin ethnic group, which has its own language, derived from a "Vulgar Latin" language left over from the Romanized Alps.