The classical landscape of the Tuscan countryside captures the essence of Italy with its rolling hills, mystical mountains and ancient vineyards decorated with olive and cypress trees surrounding small towns rich in history, art and culture.

Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Tuscan and especially Florentine traditions have had a marked impact on European life.

From Pisa and Florence in the north to Grosseto and Siena in the South – each with stunning museums, cathedrals, and brown and gold stone houses colouring the countryside - visitors will need weeks to fully appreciate the beauty and charm of medieval Tuscany.

Beyond the amazing architecture of the Duomo and art treasures such as Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' in the Uffizi and Michelangelo's David in the Accademia in Florence, for natural beauty the smaller sister town Fiesole on the edge of the city offers an impressive view of the Tuscany.

Roaming along quaint hillside lanes visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery of rows of vines across Chianti country and the patchwork vineyards of Montalcino.

Further along, travellers meet the coastal marshlands of the Maremma with wild unspoiled nature reserves and long-horned white cattle - bravely controlled by cowboys (butteri) -before hitting beautiful beaches with nearby islands Elba, Giglio and Casentino the source of the magnificent river Arno.

The region is also home to thermal springs where the water at Saturnia, Pitigliano and Montecantini Terme - which boasts six spas - offers a natural health remedy and a wash of well-being for weary travellers

For those starved of retail therapy on the trip, the nearby town of Greve is home to factory outlets, handmade shoe emporiums and boutiques from famous names such as Italian designers Dolce and Gabbana and Gucci.

If nothing else Tuscany should be enjoyed for its outstanding cuisine, simple country food found at family run trattorie.

Regional dishes include Bruschetta (ciabatta with garlic, salt and olive oil), Ribollita (a bean, cabbage and bread soup) and melt in your mouth Bistecca alla Fiorentina (thick cut Florentine steak).

Other treats on offer are Tuscan cheese – including the wonderfully salty Pecorino made from sheep's milk, a great variety of flavours of Italian sausage, products made from wild boar.

For dessert, locals enjoy Cantucci (almond and honey biscuits) dipped in Vin Santo (made from semi-crushed grapes left for months) or Panforte – a chocolate, nut and spice cake.

For wine lovers the local fresh white wine Vernaccia is produced in San Gimignano to the northwest of Siena and at Greve – deep in the Chianti district – you will find Castello di Verrazzano.

Vineyards reaching across the region also produce very hearty reds including Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Tuscany is highly accessible and there are daily flights to most regions - Pisa, Bologna, Florence and Rome – with most hotels no more than a couple of hours from one of the many airports. But you will need a hire car to make the most of the region!

Only the hardest heart could help but fall in love with Tuscany.