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On a holiday in Tuscany you can combine many different things. From art, history and culture, to great food, wine and a stunning landscape. Its rich history spanned the mysterious Etruscans who first inhabited the region, the Romans who presided over countless wars and sieges and then saw the birth of Renaissance from the 14th to the 16th century.

Even today, the legacy of the Etruscans can be seen in the pretty hilltop villages studded with imposing fortresses and fortified city walls. During the Renaissance period, Florence was the capital of Italy and spearheaded advances in architecture, science and philosophy. The great masters Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci first rose to fame in Florence and left an indelible mark in the world of art.

The octagonal dome of the Florence’s Duomo, Siena’s Gothic churches and Pisa’s Leaning Tower are the architectural highlights in Tuscany. But step outside the cities and you will discover that rural Tuscany is just as enchanting.

Rolling hills covered with olive groves, vineyards, sunflowers and the striking cypress trees make for a stunning landscape. The fertile region of Chianti produces some of the finest wines and you can visit its vineyards for wine-tasting tours.

The countryside is dotted with medieval hilltop towns like San Gimignano and Montepulciano which invite you to have a relaxed lunch and to explore its churches and museums as you walk down narrow, cobbled streets. Because of their hilltop locations, the towns provide incredible views of the countryside.

When it comes to cuisine, you will be spoilt for choice. Wild game, cured meat and homemade sausages, including those made with wild boar, are common. Tuscany is famous for its Bistecca alla Fiorenta or Steak Florentine. Porchetta or roast suckling pig, fritto misto - small pieces of fried meat or vegetables, truffles and Pappardelle which is a flat homemade noodle often served with a hare, duck or wild boar sauce are some of the other specialties. No meal is complete without a Gelato (ice cream) or Grappa (Italian brandy made from leftover grapes).

Whether you go on a walking or cycling tour or hire a car, the best way to explore Tuscany is at your own pace, without rushing from one city to another.