Tuscany is the northern-most region of central Italy. The regional capital is Florence, which is situated almost 300 km away from Rome. The region covers an area of 22,992 square kilometers and contains a population of over 3.5 million and a population density of approximately 155 inhabitants per square kilometer. Despite being surrounded by the Apennines,  the region has a predominantly hilly landscape and vast planes. Tuscany is known best for the artistic masterpieces of its cities and the beauty of its natural landscape. Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Pistoia, Prato, Massa, Arezzo, Grosseto and Leghorn are the seats of the provincial capitals.

The territory is rich in colours, with a continuous succession of green and fertile hills in the Chianti area, the rolling ridges of the Apennines and the peaks of the Apuan Alps. Mount Amiata, an ancient, extinct volcano, rises above the provinces of Siena and Grosseto; the Colline Metallifere (a hilly area rich in metal deposits) separates the southern hinterland of Pisa from the Maremma area. The Pisa Mountains stand between Pisa and Lucca; The Pratomagno, almost completely surrounded by the Arno River, divides the Apennine part of the province of Arezzo, the Casentino area, from the upper Florentine Valdarno area. Finally, Mount Cetona rises in the south-eastern extremity of the province of Siena, separating the Orcia Valley from the Chiana Valley. The Arno is the most important river. The plains are mostly located in the central-southern area. The coastline is over 300 km long and presents coastal crags alternated with long stretches of beached lined by pine forests. The territory also includes approximately 300 square kilometers of islands.

Even though Florence alone would be enough to draw in tourists from all over the world, Tuscany also includes Siena with its Piazza del Campo and the legendary Palio horserace, Pisa with its leaning tower and baptistery, Arezzo with the Church of Santa Maria,  Leghorn and the old Fortress, Lucca with its historical walls,  the Chianti area with its traditions of wine production. So-called minor Tuscany is extremely fascinating, studded by small towns with medieval ambiences such as San Gimignano, Fiesole, Volterra and Montepulciano. Pienza, a daughter of the Renaissance; Pienza, with its rich history; the beaches of Versilia; the unique natural jewels of the island of Elba and the Tuscan archipelago also stand out in Tuscany. Visitors should not forget the coasts of the Argentario promontory and the wild Maremma area, covered in small farms. For spa lovers, massages and special treatments in the warm waters of the Saturnia (Grosseto) hot springs or those in Montecatini (Pistoia) will help to regenerate the body and soul. As a large tourist attraction, the city of Florence is often packed with tourists coming to sample the renaissance influence that helped sculpt the city. The best way to beat the crowds and have your own agenda is by renting a Florence self catering apartment where you can custom your stay around your needs and the crowds.