As the cradle of the Renaissance, Tuscany is unparalleled in laying the foundations of modern European culture. Cities like Florence, Pisa and Siena produced great artists such as Michelangelo, Benvenuto Cellini, Fra Angelico and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as researchers like Galileo and others who played a large part in the development of modern science and technology.

Equally important is the influence of the writers Dante, Boccaccio and Machiavelli. In the world of music, Boccherini and Puccini are listened to around the world.

The wines of Tuscany including Chianti, and Montepuciano are much enjoyed. Although Tuscany is one of the few regions of Italy so well-known to Americans that they know it by its name, that is not to say that the whole region is as well-explored as the famous cities of Florence, Siena and Pisa, with its leaning tower.

Every city and town in Tuscany is blessed with the finest monuments of art. The best of the artistic world from the 13th and 16th centuries is found in Florence, Siena, Pistoia, Lucca and Pisa. But the region is not only known for its art.

Across Tuscany are many attractive farmhouses and villas, nestled in the Tuscan hills, which provide opportunities to enjoy local cooking, wines, and to explore small villages, each with its own treasures. Olive groves, vineyards and hidden Roman ruins rest among the picturesque old villages of Tuscany.

The famous Tuscan festivals include the Siena Palio (the bareback horse races through the streets of Siena), the Jousting Tournament (Giostra del Saracino) at Arezzo and the Gioco del Ponte in Pisa. For those interested in handicrafts, Tuscany is known for its ceramics, wrought iron, leather goods, and raffia works.

Click here to view a wedding in Lucca