Giovanni is an English-speaking driver-guide who leads tours by minibus and car all over Tuscany, including wine tours and specialising in shore excursions from the cruise ship port of Livorno, and in tours of the Cinque Terre and Portofino.

Tuscany is without doubt a hiker’s paradise. Strolling, walking, hiking, trekking – even mountain climbing – are all catered for by Tuscany’s wonderful variety of terrain, splendid climate and innumerable sights. Every corner of Tuscany offers the most picturesque opportunities.

The Horne Museum (Museo Horne) is located in Florence at Via dei Benci, 6, a short distance away from the Arno and the Ponte alle Grazie, within an easy walk of the major sights around the Palazzo Vecchio. A visit to the gem is highly recommended to anyone bringing to Florence an interest in early Renaissance life and art.

Villa Gamberaia and its italianate garden is one of the most famous of the classic Renaissance Tuscan villas and, indeed, is ranked among the most beautiful villas in Italy.

Villa Gamberaia is also one of the few truly spectacular Tuscan villas still in private hands. Villa Gamberaia is located in the beautiful hills of Settignano within easy reach of central Florence by car or bus. The gardens of the villa are open to the public for a small entry fee, and the gardens can be rented for events such as weddings and fashion shows. It is also possible to rent the villa itself.

Rapolano Terme is situated in one of the most fascinating parts of the Siennese countryside – the Crete Senesi. This spa was known to the Romans, as can be seen at the archaeological site of Campo Muri, and was still in use in the Middle Ages. Today, Rapolano Terme offers modern bathing and spa facilities based around its numerous hot springs.

All of these Tuscan wineries in the Chianti Classico wine territory of Tuscany have their own wines and usually also their own olive oil on sale. You may ask to taste a wine before buying and at the larger wineries vertical tastings of Tuscan wines can be arranged, especially if you are staying at a vacation rental on the same property.

Tuscany, world famous for its landscapes, its climate, its agricultural produce and its life-style is also a land rich in thermal pools, hot springs and wellness spas.

Bagni di San Filippo, in the province of Grosseto, is situated among the fascinating “crete” of the Val d’Orcia and the woods of Monte Amiata. This is one of Tuscany’s most spectacular spa resorts thanks to the presence of white limestone deposits which wind magically through the surrounding greenery.

Looking for a great place to celebrate your forthcoming marriage? Tuscany offers endless romantic wedding venues. A wedding in Tuscany can be a grand occasion located at a castle or an intimate occasion at an agriturismo in the country where family and friends can all be accommodated.

Montecatini Terme and its thermal resorts are located in the Valdinievole which is also the area of some small but attractive art towns such as Pescia and Monsummano Terme. The Valdinievole forms a small but significant part of the Province of Pistoia. The most important attractions of Montecatini are the thermal spa facilities themselves.

The Terme di Saturnia (Saturnia hot springs), in the province of Grosseto, date from Roman times. They were still so famous in the Middle Ages that the Pope, Clement III spoke of them.

The Terme di Petriolo (or Bagni di Petriolo) are a Tuscan thermal spring. The location is in the Ombrone Valley, along the Farma river, on the border between the municipalities of Monticiano and Civitella Paganico, in the province of Siena and Grosseto respectively.

Italy is one of the leading countries in the world market of leatherwear, shoes and other leather goods and Tuscany is famous for its artisanal crafts and products. The quality of the handmade leatherware is very high and, generally, based on a long, local tradition.

The Palazzo Comunale (town hall) of San Gimignano, also known as the Palazzo del Popolo or the Palazzo nuovo del Podestà, contains within it, among many treasures, the Camera del Podestà (Chamber of the Podestà) which is frescoed with the positive and negative outcomes of the amorous initiation of a young man, a curious and fascinating work by Memmo di Filippuccio dating back to the early 14 C.

If you are visiting Tuscany, don’t miss out on a chance to increase your experience of Italian cookery by having a personalised Tuscan cooking class at your vacation villa or agriturismo in Tuscany.

Which fashion outlets are located in Tuscany?
There are three Outlets in Tuscany, all best accessed from Florence or nearby.
The Gucci outlet is in Leccio Reggello where you can buy last season’s Gucci items at more than 50% off. The Mall is located in Leccio and features Agnona,

A very enjoyable part of your vacation in Tuscany can be to taste a range of Tuscan wines at the wineries that actually produce them. How to visit more than one winery, “taste” more than one wine, and still be able to get safely from one winery to the next? You could designate one of your group to not have any wine, but a great alternative is to hire a car with a driver-guide for a whole day.

Populonia is the location of some of the best-preserved Etruscan tomb structures and other remains in Tuscany, plus a small Etruscan museum. It was an important metalworking city for the Etruscans and one of the few of their cities built right on the coast.

Lorella Federico offers Italian lessons at all levels for individuals and small groups visiting Chianti. Lorella, who is a professionally trained Italian language teacher, lives in Panzano in Chianti. You can attend lessons at her location or, if you are staying in the vicinity, she can provide your Italian lessons at your accommodation.

Travel incentives in Tuscany are extremely popular – no surprise! And one of the most prestigious villas in Tuscany, the famous Villa Gamberaia, located at Settignano, overlooking Florence, is available for retreats, team building and travel incentives.

There are many experiences to be had in Tuscany that are extremely popular among children, and none is more exciting for them than to go for an excursion through the Tuscan countryside in a horse-drawn wagon!