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Boutique hotels

Self-catering properties

Tuscany Overview

Italy

Countryscape
Ancient towns, fertile slopes
Country life
Pleasures for every palate

When mother Nature was handing out charm, she really piled the goodies up high when it came to this above-the-knee patch of Italy.

If the slopes dotted with cypress trees and olive groves don’t win your heart, the aromas and flavours of the flourishing farmlands will, via your stomach. Perfectly preserved Renaissance treasures in culture-packed ancient cities scream out for attention, while the quieter lure of Maremma, Italy’s Wild West, is characterised by beautiful coastline, hot springs and marshes once patrolled by cowboys. Don’t let Tuscany’s popularity with tourists fool you into thinking you can’t get away from it all here – sure, this beloved province will treat you to the gamut of holiday activities, but whether you feel like touring mediaeval hilltop villages, hitting the designer boutiques, or flopping on a lounger-for-two for poolside sun-kissed snoozing, Tuscany’s allure can be enjoyed at every pace.

Typically Tuscany

Wend your way through ‘Chiantishire’, between Siena and Florence, and comb this territory of vineyards for your own favourite bottles of Italy’s legendary wine. Just promise us that you won’t include one of the straw-covered variety in your haul. Other options include the wine-growing regions of Montepulciano and Montalcino.

 

Local knowledge

Taxis
Your best bet is to ask your hotel to organise pick-ups and transfers for you, as you won’t be able to hail a taxi in the hills.

Tipping culture
Service charges aren’t a huge deal here, so forking out five or 10 per cent extra is the polite thing to do. It's cheaper to drink your coffee standing at the bar than sitting down; leave a couple of small coins if you like.

Siesta and fiesta
Many shops close between 1pm and 5pm. Restaurants get especially busy from 8pm to 9pm. Sundays can be very quiet in the smaller towns and villages.

Packing tips
Bring tress-taming headscarves and caps for open-top touring; a designer bikini and some walking shoes will ensure you get the best of coast and country.

Recommended reads
Frances Mayes restores a villa and lives the rural dream in Under the Tuscan Sun; gothic novel In Maremma by Ouida recalls the grittier side of 19th-century romance; John Mortimer’s Chiantishire comedy thriller Summer’s Lease provides a witty take on holidays in Tuscany. Other classics include A Room with a View by EM Forster and Giovanni Boccaccio's The Decameron.

Cuisine
Peasant fare is at its finest in Tuscany, with fagioli-filled tasty soups and stews often the headline acts. Supporting roles are played by beautiful green cold-pressed olive oil, pecorino cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and wild boar from Maremma’s pine forests. You’ll certainly appreciate a hearty meal, to help you soak up the irresistible liquid enticements of Chiantis, Brunellos and Montepulcianos. The sweet-toothed should sample the rainbow of tempting flavours on offer at a gelateria, or try a slice of Panforte di Siena: a spicy, chewy calorie bomb of almonds, honey, cocoa and candied peel. Head to Nannini’s patisserie in Siena at Conca d’Oro on Via Banchi di Sopra for the best panforte, cantucci and orange-infused riciarelli biscuits (+39 0577 236009).

Currency
Euro (€).

Time zone
GMT +1.

Dialling codes
Country code for Italy: 39. Florence: 055; Grosseto: 0564; Pisa: 050; Siena: 0577.

Do go/don't go
Tuscany can be busy with tourists throughout the summer months, although once you’ve escaped to your retreat you won’t notice. The cities of Florence and Siena in particular are best enjoyed outside the peak summer season.

Don't go home without...

… paying a visit to beautiful Poggio Antico winery in Montalcino (+39 0577 848044; www.poggioantico.com), high in the Brunello mountain range. Have lunch or dinner while you’re there.