Florence, the legacy of a union between commerce and art, owes its existence to the Medici dynasty, who employed Leonardo and Michelangelo to lend artistic integrity to their business acumen. The sublime purity of marble in the Accademia stands testament to Michelangelo, while the masterpieces of Botticelli and Vasari are to be found in the Uffizi gallery. The great medieval city of Siena, lying in the rolling hills of the Chianti, is famed for its brief, but exhilarating Palio horse-race. Pisa basks in the shadow of its leaning tower, while Lucca and Arezzo typify the medieval spirit of the region. Viareggio’s Carnival is the most colourful in Italy and the island of Elba is a ferry-ride away. Tuscany’s diversity and cultural influence makes it an ideal self catering holiday villa, cottage or Luxury apartment get away.
