Tuscany, with its captivating countryside and ancient cities, has been celebrated in art and literature for centuries. Few who visit here can resist the endless beauty of its landscapes, the intense flavors of its cuisine, or its abundance of artistic and architectural treasures. This, after all, was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and its history can be explored in dozens of museums, the most famous of which is the Uffizi in Florence.

Located in central Italy, bordered by Umbria and Marche to the east and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, Tuscany is among the most well-traveled regions of Italy. It abounds in popular destinations, from cosmopolitan Florence – with its exceptional museums, fine shops, bustling markets and restaurants – to the medieval cities of Siena, Lucca and Pisa.

Twice each summer, Siena draws thousands of spectators to its world-famous horse race, the palio delle contrade, preceded by a spectacular pageant. The city’s historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While Pisa is best known for its famous Leaning Tower, it has many other important sites well worth a visit, most of them located in the city’s Campo dei Miracoli, or “field of miracles.” Puccini’s birthplace, the town of Lucca is distinguished by its fully intact ancient walls, now a pedestrian promenade. Roman ruins can be found in the town of Saturnia, famed for its natural spas.

The Tuscan countryside enchants with its rolling hills, stately rows of cypress trees and vineyards. These produce some of the world’s most legendary wines, including Chianti, Morellino di Scansano and Brunello di Montalcino.