Locality

The Tuscan countryside offers a wide variety of geography, from low-lying marshland to high mountain ranges.

The Maremma natural park has one of Italy's last stretches of unspoilt coastline. The river Arno gently runs throught the region.

The country also has lush olive groves, cypress trees and gently rolling hills.

The island of Elba lies just off the south coast of the region.

History

The region is one of Italy more prosperous regions. The main industry being agriculture, predominently wine, olive and cereal production. The glass industry has a major part in the region's history.

Tuscany was an Etruscan stronghold and also the birthplace of the Renaissance when this region of Italy led the way in a new era of scientific and artistic discovery.

The Medici family rules for around three centuries maintaining Florence promimence in the areas of culture, art and science.

The city of Pisa was another major power at the time.

Attractions

Florence is packed with an astounding wealth of treasures: The Uffizi art gallery, once a Medici palace houses a stunning number of Renaissance masterpieces including Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus", Caravaggio's "Bacchus", Titian's "The Venus of Urbino" and Leonardo da Vinci's "The Annunciation". The Duomo has spectacular views from the top. Florence also has Europe's first art school, The Accademia, which is home to Michelangelo's "David" and Botticelli's "Madonna of the Sea". The Maremma natural park is worth a visit.

Siena's Duomo is stunning. The city holds a medieval festival of pageantries in August (called the Palio).

The village of Vinci is the birthplace of Leonardi da Vinci. There is an excellent museum there with models of many of his inventions.

Food and Drink

Tuscan cuisine encompasses olive oil, fresh fish, meat (including wild boar) and aromatic herbs. Truffles can be found in the surrounding forests. The region is known for it's delicious soups based on vegetables and beans. Ravioli, tortelli and white rice are very popular.

Tuscany is famous for it's wine. The fertile soil and hilly land are perfect for many grape varieties. There are 30 DOC wine labels in the region. Chianti Classico and Chianti are two of the most popular wines from the region.

Major airports in the Tuscany region

Pisa has its own airport.

There is also an airport in Florence.