Tuscany

When you think of a dream holiday home in Tuscany do you think of rounded hills garlanded by cypress trees, immaculately kept vineyards and olive groves set amidst misty hillsides, acres of tall sunflowers facing the sun, with isolated old farms and elegant villas overlooked by high medieval hill towns?
This is "typical" Tuscany and we are in the region’s central area of Chianti, roughly located south of Florence and Siena.

Here, the roads are refreshingly slower, giving you a chance to meander and chance upon such wonderful places as Greve, with its delightful 17th century arcaded square - or Spaltenna an Badia a Coltibuono where ancient abbeys have been converted into sumptuous restaurants.
For wine lovers, follow the "strada del vino" signs to exquisite wineries such as Barone Ricasoli or Felsina to sample the finest chiantis. And so to Tuscany's sophisticated towns, home to some of the most famous art treasures to be found.

Florence has more art per square metre than anywhere else in the world - the Duomo's cupola by Brunelleschi, Ghiberti's bronze panels on the east doors of the Baptistery, Michelangelo's David in the Accademia.
Try to make time for a romantic evening stroll along the Lungarno, with the twinkling lights of the Ponte Vecchio as a backdrop.
Historic Arezzo, with its Etruscan and Roman origins, offers a roman amphitheatre and superb frescoes in the church of San Francesco. And Montepulciano is a real "high spot" - the Piazza Grande being the highest and most picturesque spot of all - once you’ve reached it, reward yourself with a glass of the local vino nobile.

Last but not least, bustling San Gimignano, with its 13 towers and narrow medieval streets - if you've seen the film "Tea with Mussolini", you will know why this charming town is a must for your itinerary.