Northern Tuscany

Florence is undisputedly the star of Tuscany, and the city’s bold terracotta Duomo defines one of the most iconic skylines in all of Italy. The city may be small but with so much treasure packed into the Renaissance palaces, wonderful churches and incredible galleries it really takes some exploring. The world-renowned Uffizi Gallery is home to such treasures as Michaelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Adoration of the Magi amongst many other priceless pieces. One of Florence’s other pleasures is its cuisine: fiorentina dishes celebrate the best produce found in the region.

Stunning Siena is the embodiment of a beautiful Gothic city. Siena’s maze of medieval streets snake away from its central piazza, which fans out like a scallop shell; its dramatic cathedral wears its eyecatching stripes boldly both inside and out, and at every twist and turn towers soar into the skies. Despite having an incredible collection of unmissable art works within these ancient walls, Siena is no museum: this vibrant city buzzes with characterful restaurants, divine pastry shops and colourful boutiques.

The teetering towers of San Gimignano rise strikingly from the green, pastoral landscape. This walled Estruscan town is one of the most photogenic in Tuscany, and beyond the torres and winding medieval streets it has incredible frescoes in its beautiful churches.

Famed for its rejuvenating thermal waters, this spa town has been a firm favourite with the rich and famous for an age; you can follow suit and soak your troubles away in one of the many health spas on offer. You could also take the funicular railway to the hilltop village of Montecatini Alto, where you’ll be spoilt for choice with exquisite churches, an art academy containing 150 marvellous works, and unrivalled views of the landscape.

With its imposing 16^th century ramparts still wrapped around the compact village, this Tuscan town wears its air of uniqueness with fierce pride – it was an independent city-state until the mid-1800s. A jewel of medieval architecture, the town emanates charm and history. Highlights include Puccini’s House, the Cathedral, and the Palazzo Pfanner, which has a wonderful Italian-style garden and a house with 18^th century frescoes in monumental halls.