Tuscany

Tuscany probably represents the most commonly perceived image of Italy, with its classic rolling green countryside, lush vineyards and olive groves with a backdrop of medieval hilltowns and historical cities, where Renaissance art and churches abound.

One of the most beautiful cities in Italy, much of Florence was rebuilt during the Renaissance, although there are parts which still retain a distinctly medieval feel. The city boasts a wealth of historical and cultural sights, including the Cathedral, the Baptistry, the Campanile, and the church of Santa Croce, to name but a few. It is also home to the Uffizi Gallery, which holds Italy’s greatest art collection. Siena is another popular draw. At the heart of the city is the Piazza del Campo, one of the loveliest Italian squares, which plays host to the famous Palio, a bareback horse race which takes place twice a year in summer. Overlooking the piazza is the Gothic town hall of Palazzo Pubblico and bell tower, which is the second highest medieval tower ever built in Italy.

Elsewhere in Tuscany, medieval San Gimignano is famed for its thirteen towers, built during the 12th and 13th centuries, which dominate the landscape. Lucca’s old town is set inside a ring of Renaissance walls fronted by gardens. Another medieval hill town, Monteriggioni also has beautifully preserved walls, while Volterra is dramatically sited on a high plateau, which offers fine views over the hills. And Pisa with its famous leaning tower needs no introduction.

Tuscany comprises of the following regions: Arezzo, Florence, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena.

Places of interest

Alpi Apuan Nature Park: Protected area with hiking trails through wooded valleys.

Arezzo: 13th-century San Francesco church houses famous frescoes by Piero della Francesca.

Bagni di Lucca: Spa town.

Cortono: Oldest hilltown in Tuscany with maze of old streets and medieval buildings.

Elba: Largest island off Tuscan coast with white sandy beaches and woodlands, good for walking.

Fiesole: Idyllic hilltop town offering superb views of Florence.

Viareggio: Coastal town boasting Art Nouveau architecture.

Vinci: Birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, with a museum celebrating his works.

Cuisine of the region

Soups are very popular, particularly ribollita (stew of vegetables, beans and chunks of bread) and the best place to try cacciucco (spiced fish and seafood soup) is in Livorno, the town of its birth. Meat is often grilled and kept plain. Local cheeses include pecorino, made with sheep’s milk, and marzolino from the Chianti region, which is also renowned for producing some of the best wines in Italy. Tuscan desserts include panforte (a dense cake full of nuts and fruit) and cantuccini (hard almond-flavoured biscuits), which are often served together with Vinsato, a traditional dessert wine.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Rare chargrilled steak.

Pollo alla diavola: Marinated chicken, grilled with herbs.

Scottiglia di Cinghiale: Wild boar chops.

Torta di Riso: Rice cake with fruit.