Tuscany
The Italy of the imagination: Renaissance cities, vineyards, cypress-lined roads and hilltop towns.
Tuscany is, for many, the Italy of the imagination: rolling hills striped with vines and olives, cypress-lined roads, and cities that gave the world the Renaissance. Florence alone holds an astonishing concentration of art, from Michelangelo's David to the Uffizi.
Beyond the cities lie the wine regions — Chianti, and the Brunello vineyards around Montalcino — and the golden Val d'Orcia, whose landscapes are a UNESCO site. Medieval Siena, towered San Gimignano and the walls of Lucca complete the picture.
What to see and do
- Explore Florence's Uffizi, Duomo and Oltrarno district
- Taste Brunello and Chianti at family estates
- Drive the Val d'Orcia between Pienza and Montalcino
- Climb the towers of San Gimignano and walk Siena's Campo
- Enjoy a long Tuscan lunch in the countryside
When to go
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are perfect, with warm light and the grape harvest. Summer is busy; winter is quiet and atmospheric.