With airports at Pisa and Florence, Tuscany is the perfect choice for a fly-drive holiday.

Journey through time from Paleolithic archaeological sites in Cetona, pass through medieval times in San Gimignano - full costume optional, visit Montepulciano by twilight, revel in the splendour of the renaissance in Siena and Lucca, or live in the moment and enjoy all the hustle and bustle that modern Italy has to offer. Finally, go off road and enjoy the natural beauty of the rolling Tuscan hills, the quiet forests of Elba and the clear Mediterranean Sea.

Sigh as you take your first sip of chilled Chianti and experience the serenity of the Tuscan Hills.

Strain your neck to take in the Leaning Tower of Pisa and take ‘that’ photo, then make a date with Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence to watch the sun set behind the Duomo. Seek out Barga, within the shadow of the mist-mantled summits of Pania della Croce, in the Tuscan highlands. Lie back on a white Elban beach and experience of the magic of snorkelling in crystal clear waters. Gasp as the horses thunder around the streets of Siena. Be inspired by the masters in the world famous Uffizi.

From pecorino sheep’s cheese to truffles, traditional Tuscan food is the best!

It’s all about simple hearty meals using fresh, high quality ingredients; classic pasta smothered in rich sauce, marinated steaks, suckling pig, fresh crusty bread and cheese. Head for the coast for fresh seafood - if you’re in Elba you can try the famous stuffed sardines or cuttlefish risotto. And, if you fancy more elegant dining, there are plenty of excellent restaurants in a region where even cooking is an art form. And, of course, the local Chianti wine goes well with most dishes.

Famous for its Leaning Tower, there's plenty to explore including the Palazzo Vecchio (Medici Palace) and the marble cathedral. Take a walk along the Arno River, stopping on the Ponte di Mezzo bridge for photos, then visit the National Museum of San Matteo.

This medieval hilltop town is said to be the birthplace of the skyscraper and once boasted 72 towers, as wealthy families vied to build the tallest. There are fewer towers now but still plenty of opportunities to crane your neck as you wander around.

If you think this building is stunning from the outside – just wait til you get inside! This renaissance masterpiece with its magnificent octagonal dome took almost 200 years to complete and it is just exquisite.

There is beauty around every corner in Florence – from the Piazza Della Signoria to the famous Ponte Vecchio. And, if you want even more beautiful things to look at, spend some time with the masterpieces at the Uffizi.

This town of 100 churches, is a real must see. Walk (or cycle) along the 16th century walls that stretch for almost 4km, but don’t miss Piazza dell’Anfiteatro a real jewel from Roman times. Finally wend your way through narrow streets to the famous Torre Guinigi.