Tuscany: profile

Compelling architecture, seductive cities of art, evocative landscapes, spas and soft red wine form an essential part of Tuscany's appeal.

Tuscany's highlights

Florence lies at the heart of the northern Apennines, in a basin of the Arno River that runs out to Pisa and the sea. Siena, its proud historic rival, dominates the Tuscan hill towns to the south, while the university towns of Perugia and Assisi are the keys to Umbria’s luminous beauty. With some careful timing, today’s visitors can capture a glimpse of that miracle of light. Arrive early in the morning for your first look across the hills from the grey-stone towers of San Gimignano (sometimes called a ‘medieval Manhattan’), or visit Siena’s Piazza del Campo at sunset. The dazzling white marble of Pisa’s Duomo and leaning campanile is breathtaking in the noonday sun, but late afternoon is the blessed moment for the brilliant mosaic facade of Orvieto’s cathedral.

Tuscan lifestyle

The Tuscan lifestyle is arguably the greatest lure, with villa-living or farm stays the ideal way of appreciating the landscape. The Tuscans seem to have found a perfect balance between country and city living. As well as pampering in olive oil treatments and wallowing in hot springs, you can enjoy pasta feasts and gorgeous views. That’s in addition to visiting the cities of art, from Siena to Lucca, Pisa and Arezzo, as well as the Etruscan sites around Volterra and Chiusi.