Tuscany

Even in a nation renowned for its beauty, Tuscany stands out. It’s the epitome of the Mediterranean and one of its most idyllic regions. Luxury vacations to Tuscany have long been favoured by those who enjoy the finer things in life, who come to enjoy its lush landscapes, beautiful hotels and villas, indulgent spa culture and celebrated cuisine.

Nature was kind to Tuscany. Its countryside consists of undulating emerald hills, snowy peaks and rolling cypress trees. There are herb-freckled meadows and scented citrus orchards, while churches adorned with frescoes and crumbling farmhouses pepper the landscapes. High up in the hills lie quaint medieval villages, where traditional lifestyles are still observed.

Away from the countryside, Tuscany is also home to some of Italy’s finest cities. There’s gorgeous Florence with its world-class art galleries like the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia. There’s also Siena, which is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, and Pisa with its famous inebriated tower.

A note on the food: Tuscany is one of the world’s foremost and influential culinary centres. Its food is simple and hearty and relies on the wonderful fresh ingredients yielded by its fertile soil. Rustic vegetable and seafood soups are popular, as are stews with cannellini beans. Meat is often kept simple like Florence’s favourite dish bistecca alla fiorentina (rare char-grilled steak), while rabbit and wild boar are popular in the rural villages. The hard cheese pecorino is also produced in Tuscany.

Meanwhile, vast swathes of olive groves produce some of Italy’s finest olive oil, while the idyllic vineyards and centuries-old wineries of Chianti, produce world-renowned wines.