The rolling hills of Tuscany are known for their lush vineyards and olive groves. The land is rich and fertile, producing some of the world's best food and wine.
The Chianti in particular is best enjoyed in a quaint local taverna. If you can tear yourself away from the rolling hills, lush landscapers, vineyards and olive groves for long enough, your home is a short drive or train ride from some of the most famous artworks and monument the world over.
Pisa is famous for its leaning tower but also is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Be sure to visit the Piazza die Miracoli - the UNESCO World Heritage site for your souvenir photo.
In nearby Florence you must visit the Uffizi Gallery, housing some of the most important artworks in history from Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Botticelli and Da Vinci. Perfect for aesthetes and Dan Brown fans alike.
The hills, along with the beautiful scenery, make this a great place to cycle. If you prefer not to ride, there are bus tours that take visitors to towns like Volterra and Montepulciano (the birthplace of Brunello wine). Saluti.
When to go
If you want the convenience of peak season but with pleasant weather then April, May, June, September and October are the best months. July and August are perfect for hanging out at your country estate by the pool, but less for sightseeing in the middle of the day in town.
How to get there
Tuscany is easy to travel to. There are flights to the international airports of Pisa and Florence from the biggest UK cities, London, Birmingham, Manchester, all year long.