VACATION DETAILS

Tuscany is a charmed land, equally blessed by the genius of man and nature, and often by the combined efforts of both. Think of the vineyards: rows of baby green vines that manage somehow to march in arrow-straight formation up the gently rolling hillsides, bounded by single files of darker green cypress trees, snaking sandy roads leading to rust-colored farmhouses and moss-coated castles, symmetrically rounded hilltops surmounted by towns so homogeneous as to seem one single building. Every inch of land has been sculpted, first by the elements and then by generations of inhabitants whose goals were always twofold: make the land produce as much as possible, make the land as beautiful as possible. Tuscany enchants us today because it holds together as a region, from the tiniest hamlet to Florence the Magnificent. For the living proof, take a short walk one day along the sides of the Belvedere in Florence: you will leave behind the traffic and suddenly find yourself strolling down quiet lanes bounded by tall stone walls, cypress trees and creamy-colored villas.

Head south through sun-kissed Tuscany to Pienza and indulge in delicate wines and savory Tuscan dishes! Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pienza was rebuilt and was once called Corsignano. This historical village is the birthplace of Pope Pius II who even during his time enjoyed the spectacular views of Italian Renaissance gardens and grand Gothic architectural designs. Pienza was the envy of all Italian cities. Lively, sculpted and awe-inspiring for many of its visitors then and now. Travelers can stroll through the cobbled lanes of Corso Rossellino, enter into the grandeur of the Duomo or stroll through the garden of Val d'Orcia.

A distinct shadow of Etruscan past, Volterra is perched at an elevation of almost 2,000 ft/609 m. It was one of the original neolithic settlements in the area, dating back to the ninth century B.C.

Its Duomo offers visitors the chance to see baroque paintings, terra-cotta nativity figures in the Lady Chapel (Cappella dell'Addolorata) and carved portraits of Volterra's Saints.

Palazzo dei Priori is the Gothic town hall and one of the oldest standing structures of its genre in Tuscany. Florence's Palazzo Vecchio was modeled after Volterra's.

To explore the town's Etruscan past, visit Museo Etrusco Guarnacci, one of the world's best-curated collections of Etruscan treasures. For more ancient ruins, Teatro Romano contains Tuscany's best-kept ancient Roman remains, including theaters, baths and the original gateway to Etruscan Volterra, Porta all'Arco.

Volterra also has a Civic Museum, which serves as the town's main art and culture gallery, exhibiting vast collections of paintings by local artists from the 12th to 17th centuries. The building itself is a splendid representation of Renaissance architecture, and there is a nicely manicured courtyard inside.

Explore the ruggedly beautiful Ligurian villages of Cinque Terre. With their steep-walled coastal cliffs, the villages of these "Five Lands" are perched high above the sea, commanding spectacular views. Accessible by boat, railway or on foot, Cinque Terre has remained relatively isolated from the rest of the world for centuries, which has helped to retain the medieval look of the "Five Lands." San Pietro, a 13th-century church, stands above a grotto named after Lord Byron. Part of the structure dates back as far as the 6th century. Brightly painted with black and white stripes, this striking landmark can be spotted from far out at sea. From the terrace enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Gulf of La Spezia and the hills of Cinque Terre.

Excursions

A lovely and unspoiled walled city, Lucca once enjoyed a position of power in Italy second only to Florence. Today, it's famous as the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, as well as for its silks and olive oil, and it has become a favorite spot for artists and writers.

When in Lucca, do what the locals do: Enjoy a leisurely walk while taking in the town's best sights. Spend some time walking along the city's ramparts, 3 mi/5 km long and wide enough to have grassy lawns and an occasional park bench. In town, take a walk down the medieval streets, stopping at the 14th-century Duomo San Martino to see Nicola Pisano's Descent From the Cross and the Volto Santo (Holy Face). It is said to have been carved by Nicodemus, who witnessed the Crucifixion, and is one of medieval Europe's most famous relics.

Walk down the Via Fullungo, which cuts through the middle of town leading to the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a former oval Roman theater now lined with buildings. The original amphitheater retains its structure 6 ft/2 m below the road, with remains still visible in the buildings and shops surrounding the plaza.

Although you can see Lucca in half a day, you may want to linger to soak in its tranquil atmosphere and enjoy the many fine restaurants.

The creative explosion of the Italian Renaissance happened right here, leaving petite Florence more art treasures than most national capitals. View the masterworks of local heroes like Michelangelo and Botticelli, visit countless unforgettable basilicas, then climb up into Brunelleschi's soaring dome to watch the sun set among cypress-clad Tuscan hillsides.