The beauty of the Tuscan region is incomparable.  You will hear a lot about the ancient Etruscan civilization dating from 900 BC.  I've had the opportunity to visit several cities and they all hold their own charm.  In the West, there is Pisa and the famous leaning tower that took 200 years to complete.  In the North, Montecatini, a spa town known for it's healing volcanic hot springs.  A trip to Eastern Tuscany led me to the ancient city of Arezzo and the hilltop town of Cortona, made famous by Frances Mayes book, Under the Tuscan Sun.  In Cortona the Palazzo Communale is a great place to end up after your passeggiata (evening walk).  The Museo dell' Accademia has some major Etruscan artifacts worth seeing.  The Museo Diocesano, in the 16th century church of Gesu, has several masterpieces.  Among them, Fra Angelico's, The Annunciation.  Central Tuscany is where I've spent the most time.  The beautiful walled city of Siena, and the Piazza del Campo where the most celebrated Palio horse race takes place in July.  The pomp and circumstance leading up to it is amazing!  Montalcino, the home of the famous Brunello wines made from the Sangiovese grape, my all time favorite.  There is an Enoteca on the grounds of the 14th century Fortezza, where you can taste and buy wines.  Montepulicano, the highest Tuscan hilltop town, famous for the Vino Nobile wines.  We can't forget the Chianti Classico wine region, with their unforgettable black rooster.

Tuscan cuisine, my favorite comfort food!  Although I have several restaurant suggestions, sometimes it's about what to eat, not just where to eat!  Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a grilled steak seasoned with olive oil and herbs.  Pasta e Fagioli, a creamy pasta and bean soup with a nice dollop of olive oil and parmegiano reggiano.  Ribollita, bread, bean and vegetable soup, traditionally a peasant soup.  Vin Santo & Cantuccini, desert wine and biscotti type cookies you dip into the wine!

Wine tasting in Siena at Fortezza Medicea

Archway in Cortona

Food and Wine shops abound! San Gimignano

The grounds at Il Falconiere

Hotels

Grand Hotel Continental  Siena, housed within a 17th century Palazzo, it's the only 5 star hotel inside Siena, great location, restaurant and enoteca.

Albergo Antica Torre Siena, a restored 16th century bell tower, charming, affordable and very small!

Hotel Certosa di Magiano just outside Siena, this is definitely a splurge, a converted 14th century monastery leaves little to be desired.

La Locanda Radda in Chianti, this converted 16th century Tuscan farmhouse is up in the hills, the husband and wife owners prepare breakfast daily in the Summer time with views over Volpaia a medieval village.

Hotel Villa Marsili Cortona, beautifully restored 17th century church. A quiet location, with panoramic views inside the city walls.

Il Falconiere Cortona, this is a very special place.  A restored Tuscan villa from the 17th century, they have it all, a Michelin Star restaurant, a spa, cooking school and they make their own wines.  A beautiful place to wake up in the morning.

Restaurants & Cafes

Antica Osteria da Divo Siena near Piazza del Campo, charming yet refined traditional Sienese dishes. Unique, ancient Etruscan rooms.

Enoteca I Terzi Siena Upscale wine bar with the compliment of great Tuscan cuisine.

La Taverna di San Giuseppe Siena Traditional Tuscan cuisine and wine in a rustic cellar ambiance.

Taverna Pane e Vino Cortona restaurant and wine bar housed in a 14th century cellar.

Sights & Museums

Siena Cathedral
Train Tickets: www.raileurope.com