Choose Tuscany for sheer variety from medieval hill-top villages to the historical cities of Florence and Siena. Beyond lies the ?Green Heart of Italy' with lakeside beaches and a relaxed lifestyle in Umbria. This popular region boasts so many fabulous sights and famous attractions. From the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the famed City of Towers, San Gimignano, or explore the historical gems of Florence, Italy's famed City of Art and nearby Siena, home of the bizarre Palio horse race. Away from sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches lie the inland delights of Tuscany where the natural beauty of stunning rural landscapes and peaceful tranquility amongst rolling country scenery complete with bright yellow fields of sunflowers can become an everyday experience.

Picturesque medieval hill-top villages face out over shady, wooded valleys in probably the best known part of Tuscany and affectionately called Chianti-shire. Beside ancient olive groves on virtually every south-facing hillside, straight lines of vines create the renowned Chianti wines. Visit the bustling, walled towns or meander along panoramic wine routes for blissful natural views. Many of these rustic villages offer convenient stops enroute to enjoy a frothy cappuccino or savour the typical gastronomy with a well deserved glass of local wine. To the south lies mystical Umbria where unhurried exploration reveals uplifting ecclesiastical sites within traditional villages and unspoilt, medieval towns. And the scenery changes from rolling green hills, popular lakes and rivers to impressive mountains in this landlocked region. The old fortress town of Castiglione del Lago offers shopping along narrow lanes and rustic dining with panoramic views towards the distant islands of Lake Trasimeno and beyond the region's capital, Perugia, with its treasure trove of ancient monuments and artistic marvels.