Tuscany
Tuscany (or Toscana) is a charming Italian region. It is situated in the centre of Italy, known well for its rich history, arts, beautiful scenery, tasty food and wonderful wines. Toscana is accepted as the cradle of the arts because the Renaissance started there first. Nowadays its ancient charm and splendor mingles with the modern. Florence and Siena, two of its cities, are home to some of the best artistic treasures of Italy. There are also a number of scenic hill towns. The large plain Valdarno, starting from Florence and going up to the mouth of the River Arno, is the most attractive area in Italy for art lovers. In the whole region the past and the modern co-exist in agreeable harmony. Many of the hill towns are encircled by walls from the time of the Etruscans and by towering cypress. The Medieval walls around some of the towns show the long-standing traditions of democracy and self-government while the magnificent palaces show the wealth of its citizens.