Human Interest

Tuscany is one of the few spots on earth that is just as splendid as the calendars and postcards dedicated to it would have you believe.

The rows and rows of sunflowers and grapevines, punctuated by ochre-colored farmhouses and ruins, make a tour through this large Italian region one of life’s thrills. The ancient villages rising from the landscape remind you that this sleepy Italian region is also a cradle for art, architecture, and of course, food and wine. If you are able to stroll the medieval stone roads and sunny town squares and not feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine, have another glass of Chianti, and try again.

A list of five of the most pristine and picturesque hill towns to visit in Tuscany, Italy. San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza and each is also worthy of an overnight stay. Keep in mind that they do require that you have your own transportation; whether that is a car, motorcycle, or bicycle, is up to you. [...]

Nick Trend tracks down the arch Renaissance politician, both in the corridors of Florence’s palazzi, and at his Tuscan estate where, exactly 500 years ago, he wrote ‘The Prince’