In the midday sun the cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves appear as though behind a thin veil, the picture becomes clearer only when the sun has passed its zenith. If there were no cars on the roads then you would believe yourself to be in the middle of a renaissance painting - indeed, Michelangelo and Donatello were born here, and Dante and Boccaccio helped promote the Tuscan dialect to Italy's standard language. Embedded in the core of European civilization are historical treasures such as majestic Florence, tranquil Siena, Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano and Arezzo, with their countless sights including churches, palaces, monasteries, museums and galleries. Enjoy it all in moderation - like an old local Chianti - and take time to explore the hinterland with its magnificent little towns and simple but delectable cuisine.