Tuscany, home of Renassiance Art and Chianti Wine

If you visit Lucca on July 12th, don’t miss the opportunity to join in the with medieval celebrations of the Palio della Balestra. This costumed festival features a re-enactment of an ancient archery tournament in the heart of this ancient Tuscan town.

For a great Tuscany day out visit the Pinocchio Park, Collodi, close to Lucca. Follow the literary trail to hear the story of this famous little wooden puppet that was created in Italy or try your hand at a puppet-making workshop.

The Barberino di Mugello Shopping Village, Tuscany, is a paradise for shopaholics. This Renaissance style complex, not far from Florence, is filled with enough designer names and Italian fashion to satisfy even the keenest shopper.

Chianti is world famous for its wine, but did you know it is also renowned for its cuisine and its fascinating history? Take some time to get to know this fascinating part of the Tuscan region of Italy.

Montepulciano is an attractive destination for those seeking a romantic break in Tuscany. Winding cobbled streets, stunning views over the countryside, and its famous locally produced wine, makes this an ideal base from which to explore the Tuscany region of Italy.

The Eco-Museum in the Pistoia Mountains is an educational way to spend a family day out. Take the opportunity to step back in time and follow one of six cultural itineraries to learn about this rural area of Tuscany.

The Tuscan city of Florence frames the Uffizi Gallery with Botticelli's "Primavera" and the Galleria d'Arte with Michelangelo's statue of David.

Discover the magic of Florence as darkness falls. Restaurants, live music, theatre, opera and the floodlit monuments bring a whole new aspect to this Tuscan city.

Travel guide for the Italian destination of Florence. Information on how to arrive, local events and attractions, typical food and products as well as photo gallery and local recommendations.

Stephen Hawking praises his legacy. Einstein called him the father of modern science. Galileo's impact was extensive and the town of Pisa reflects it.

A Travel Guide for Montecatini Thermal Spa, Tuscany. Ten things to see and do, a calendar of events, local food and a short history of one of the most famous spa towns in Italy.

The Tuscan city of Pisa is known the world over thanks to its distinctive landmark - the Leaning Tower. Discover more about the local events, the main attractions and the local food and drink of Galileo's town.

Location guide to the Isle of Elba, part of the Tuscan Archipelago and former home of Napoleon Bonaparte. What to see and do, local events and a quick look at the history of this island in Italy.

Visitors to Montepulciano around the end of August should make sure they experience the 'Bravio delle Botti' Barrel Race. This centuries old medieval re-enactment is held in honour of San Giovanni, the town’s patron saint, an event that attracts lots of spectators to this medieval hilltop town in the Tuscany region of Italy.

The town of Pistoia, around 30km west of Florence, is best known for its architecture and historic buildings. Yet in the month of July, the streets of this usually quiet medieval town are filled with music, dance and entertainment as the Blues Festival comes to the popular Tuscany region of Italy.

Travel Guide for the Medieval walled city of Lucca, famous for its comic fair. Advice about what to do, eat and drink in this picturesque Tuscan destination.

During your stay in Tuscany, you will undoubtedly come across many opportunities to shop. Local handmade products include embroidered cloth, wooden furniture and jewellery which all make excellent souvenirs of your stay. And of course, Tuscany is known across the world for its Italian cuisine, with lots of locally produced specialities available to buy such as wine, oil and salami.

Guide to Siena, a medieval Tuscan town famous for its annual horse race around the central piazza. Practical suggestions about what to see and do and how to get to Siena, Italy.

The Palio is a crazy Italian horse race run in the main piazza of Siena and Siena's inhabitants go crazy for it, if tourists remain a bit bewildered.

Distinguished for traditional leatherworking, a browse through the leather products of Florence's markets is a tantalisingly sensory experience.

On the Feast of Epiphany Befana the witch visits children across Italy bringing gifts. This event is especially celebrated in the Tuscan town of Pistoia where the crowds gather to witness her fly down into the Piazza Duomo with the help of a little bit of magic...

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s most famous architectural landmarks. Visit around noon to hear its seven bells ringing out across the piazza to the delight of the tourist crowds, and take time to visit the adjoining Cathedral and Museums.

The Luminara of San Ranieri or 'Festival of Enlightenment' is an atmospheric event that takes place in Pisa on 16th June when the city is candlelit. Come along and take part in the fairytale atmosphere of this event which takes place annually attracting thousands of visitors.

The Montecatini Thermal Spa has a long history of attracting visitors who come to enjoy its palatial spas with their reputed health benefits. One of the most popular destinations in Tuscany, Montecatini is still the place to come for relaxation and to take advantage of the spas and beauty treatments on offer away from the stresses of modern life.

The Viareggio Carnival is held through the streets of this popular Tuscan seaside resort, one of the best known carnivals in Italy. Join in the costumed parade, enjoy the brightly coloured floats and the papier mache models that characterise this unique event.

Green hillsides covered with flourishing olive groves and vineyards have come to symbolise Tuscany, a region in Italy that captures the hearts of visitors from around the world. It is a place with so much on offer.

Abetone , close to Pistoia in Tuscany, is one of the highest mountains in central Italy. In winter, its snowy slopes attract winter sports enthusiasts whilst during the warmer months, it becomes a magnet for walkers.

ItalyItalia introduces you to our Tuscany region travel guide, Andrea Bonfiglio. Read all of Andrea's travel guides and find out more about his background and what he does in Tuscany.