Tuscany is a region that reflects little change since Renaissance times and is one of Italy’s and indeed Europe’s most beautiful landscapes, synonymous with rolling hillsides blanketed with vineyards, olive groves, cypress tree-lined avenues and enchanting towns.

The city of Florence in the North of Tuscany is steeped in tradition and architectural splendour; Florence also offers the most diverse, cosmopolitan and glitzy experience that you could wish to encounter. Sophisticated fashion lines each street, the Ponte Vecchio houses highly regarded jewellery shops and exclusive, sought after designers can be found on Via Tournabuoni and Via della Vigna Nuova. Brunelleschi’s Duomo acts as the city’s undisputed centrepiece while Michalengelo’s David, is a must see and is one of the most authoritative pieces of sculpture ever witnessed. Florence encapsulates the perfect fit between decadent architecture and artwork that has defined an era; Florence is truly the gem in the Italian crown.

 Located south of Florence, the Chianti region is one of the most famous areas for wine production, olive groves and friendly market towns make way for an unflustered lifestyle. Greve is Chianti’s capital and along with Panzano, Radda and San Gimignano they are perfect for exploration with inviting shops, breathtaking views and astonishing architecture. San Gimignano is a medieval town dominated by towers which are centuries old and define the skyline. The imposing Torre Grossa is the tallest of the fifteen remaining towers built to defend San Gimignano in ancient times.

Siena is a further enchanting city which remains practically unchanged since days gone past, it is defined by 17 medieval neighbourhoods, each of which have their own church, museum and emblem. These neighbourhoods uphold their ancient traditions by way of the Palio, a centuries old twice yearly horse race around the main plaza. Like Siena, Lucca is a fortress town which is fully surrounded by 16^th century walls and is an area where some of Italy’s most elegant villas can be found. The towns Duomo is a fine example of Romanesque style and the city’s walls are topped with lawns and make for an enjoyable stroll.

To the south west of Lucca, Pisa can be found with its symbolic and easily recognisable, ‘Leaning Tower’. Pisa however is a city with much more to see, the Gothic Baptistery stands facing the city’s Duomo and is best known for having the pulpit carved by Nicola Pisano in 1260. In addition, the coastal towns of Forte dei Marmi, Castiglion della Pescaia and Pietrasanta are worth a visit for their vibrant promenades, nice shops and good fish restaurants.