DK Travel : Tuscany

Limiting the choice of prime sights is not an easy task in a land as rich and varied as Tuscany. Its storybook landscape is home to medieval hill towns, fabled wines and, as crucible of the Renaissance, an unrivalled collection of artistic masterpieces. Here are the best of the best.

II Volpe e l’Uva

This establishment is a lowkey, jazzy wine bar situated in the Oltrarno district.
Il Boccale

Excellent food and an excellent price. Valerio is amazing. This place is exactly the small restaurant I envisioned when I came to Italy.
Il Colombaio, Castellina in Chianti

This converted farmhouse has kept a strong country air, with rustic antiques and bucolic vistas. Commodious rooms open off cosy lounges. There’s also a small pool.
Il Palio

The horse race that is held twice a year in the centre of Siena involving 10 teams from the surrounding districts of Siena. The atmosphere is superb, and the bright colours of the team scarves are fantastic. The horses and team members parade around the city centre prior to the race.
Impruneta

Terracotta-producing town with a miracle-heavy Renaissance Collegiata church. Flanking the high altar are chapels designed by Michelozzo and decorated with Luca della Robbia terracottas. The right one contains a fragment of the True Cross, the left an icon of the Virgin (supposedly painted by St Luke), which was buried here during the early Christian persecutions and ploughed up by an ox while the church foundations were being dug. Also on view are fine Baroque paintings and a Mannerist Giambologna crucifix.
Isola del Giglio

This hilly isle off l’Argentario (ferries from Porto Santo Stefano) has a medieval hamlet Castello above the docks, a beach at the port and an even better low-key resort and beach on the bay at Campese. Ansonico, the local wine, is known mainly to the habitués who crowd here on summer weekends.
Italia, Cortona

Just a few steps off the main piazza, the Italia offers standard comforts and modern furnishings; a few rooms even come with views of the countryside, beyond Cortona’s rooftops.
La Barca, Elba

The best dining room in Portoferraio, one street up from the harbourside quay, with a plant-enclosed awning to catch the breezes. Enjoy typical Elban dishes such as spaghetti alla bottarga (with dried tuna roe).
La Bottega del Cacio, Pienza

Food boutique selling every kind of pecorino cheese along with honey, patés, marmalades and olive oils.
La Botteghina

Excellent hand-painted ceramics from some of central Italy’s best artisans.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €50
- €50-€100
- €100-€150
- €150-€200
- over €200
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25-€35
- €35-€55
- €55-€70
- over €70