Tuscany (Toscana) is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Italy, and is located in central Italy, along the Mediterranean coast. Tuscany is a gently hilly region, known for its vineyards and olive groves, with large houses or small settlements scattered around the low hills. Its rich rolling landscape is complemented by towns overflowing with Renaissance art and architecture.

Florence is Tuscany’s unmissable crown jewel, with its beautiful buildings, colourful history, priceless art and unique atmosphere. But Tuscany is one of the few Italian regions well-known to foreigners as a tourist destination in itself. For decades a Tuscan villa has been the dream holiday for many travellers. And amongst the vineyards and hills of Tuscany are other lovely historic towns – not as packed with attractions as Florence, but not as packed with tourists either. Siena is a patrician hilltop town with a past to rival that of Florence, famous for the rivalry between its districts (called contrade) which climaxes in the Palio. Pisa boasts not just the legendary leaning tower, but also several other attractions, and good transport links to other parts of Italy. Smaller Tuscan destinations which are popular with holidaymakers include Lucca, San Gimignano (a forest of medieval towers on a hill) and the wine-producing Chianti area.

The coastline is mostly visited by holidaying Italians, with Forte dei Marmi, the Monte Argentario promontory and the Isle of Elba among its most popular seaside destinations. The region’s thermal springs at Chianciano and Bagni di Lucca are also popular.