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Tuscany
Stretching down from the dramatic peaks of the Apuan Alps are rolling hills of vineyards, olive groves and meadows which stay gor geously green through the summer.
Not only is Tuscany the home of Florence, Pisa and Siena, but it also plays host to one of the most evocative landscapes in the world. Like the backdrop of a Renaissance painting, this natural canvas is emblazoned with infinite gradations of colour and texture. In springtime the fields are a tapestry of wildflowers. Summer is a patchwork of emerald green pastures, poppy-filled meadows, vine-covered valleys and sunflower fields. In autumn the plough reveals rich reds - true burnt Sienna - subtle sepias and delicate greys. Whatever the season, the countryside is alive with wildlife and birdsong, creating a bucolic and old-fashioned atmosphere. Etched with advancing rows of tall cypress trees, the Tuscan landscape is
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Largely unknown to the foreign visitor is the Mugello - the hills extending northeast of Florence, either side of the valley of the River Sieve and up towards the Apennine Mountains.This tranquil countryside has many castles and elegant villas in the foothills around Vicchio. Landscapes and architecture aside,Tuscanys renowned for its gastronomy too. Head to any of the local markets and youll be treated to a gamut of sights and smells. Peruse stalls for olive oil, fragrant porcini mushrooms, thick golden honey and ruby red Chianti wine. Salute e buon appetito!
Forte di Marmi
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San Marino
Viareggio
dotted with stone farmhouses, terracotta-roofed villages and majestic hilltop walled towns. Almost unchanged since the Middle Ages, San Gimignano is arguably Tuscanys best-known small Medieval town. Surrounded by rolling hills, it exudes an almost fairytale-like character,
Montecatini Vicchio SAN MARINO Artimino Lucca Vinci Florence Donnini Pisa Candeli San Casciano Ponsacco Montespertoli Marche Castelfiorentino Montaione Barberino Val dElsa Gambassi Terme Arezzo Villamagna San Gimignano Monteriggioni Gubbio Casole dElsa Siena Pomarance Cortona
Tuscany
Lake Trasimeno
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Isola di Capraia
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Perugia
Montepulciano Sarteano
1738
Umbria
Assisi
compounded not least by the fourteen 13th-century lookout towers that punctuate its skyline. Similarly, Monteriggioni, a small hilltop village in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, is little changed since its foundation in the 1200s. Surrounded by protective walls with fortified lookout towers,
Tuscany Isola d'Elba
Grosseto
Orvieto
Todi Spoleto
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Isola di Giglio
Lake Bolsena
Lazio TUSCANY
30 km
© TUI 2006
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its an idyllic countryside retreat away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Encircled by some of the best-preserved Renaissance walls in Europe, Lucca is another Tuscan gem, overflowing with exquisite palazzi, fascinating churches and inviting cobbled streets.
Climate
Tuscany Apr 15
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Average daily maximum temperature (ºC) May 20 Jun 24 Jul 29 Aug 34 Sept 32 Oct 28
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