With so much to see and do in Italy, visitors making plans to tour the country face some difficult choices. One of the best ways to make sense of all of your options is by creating a set itinerary. Start by deciding what's important to you on your vacation. This will of course vary for every traveler; some people are into gastronomy, while others visit Italy primarily to see artistic masterpieces.

Still others visit the peninsula to enjoy natural beauty. For those looking for a great combination of all three, one suggested itinerary would be a tour through Tuscany and Umbria. With world class cities and gorgeous scenery, these two provinces offer something for every kind of visitor. Tuscany is known throughout the world for its wonderful wine. Much of the production is centered in the region of Chianti, which is famous for the distinctive wine sold in wicker baskets. Many people come here to tour the vineyards, spending the days tasting wine, and the evenings relaxing in one of the many holiday homes in Chianti.

The gentle rolling hills will be familiar to many viewers from the postcards that are sent around the world. From Chianti, head southeast towards Siena and San Gimignano. Stop in the latter (often called the City of the Beautiful Towers) first, and spend a couple of days admiring the rich culture of this ancient Etruscan locale. Visit the People's Palace, and make sure to tour the Duomo, Collegiate Church, which dates back to 1148. There is plenty of San Gimignano accommodation to choose from; many people will advise you to stay on the Via San Giovanni, but try to find a bed a bit further off this main avenue.

Next make your way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Siena, settled nearly 3000 years ago. Spend an afternoon drinking coffee in the Piazza del Campo, people watching as folks stroll through on their way to work and play. A great time to visit is during the Palio di Siena, a horse race run around the Piazza twice each year. If you would prefer a quieter holiday, check out the holiday villas near Siena, up in the hills. From Siena, swing out east towards Cortona, located in the province of Arezzo. Here you'll find a picturesque castle, along with several pleasant plazas perfect for a nighttime stroll. The entire city is built upon a hill, with narrow streets winding their way around past boutique stores. It's not hard to find a Cortona holiday apartment, and if you plan in advance, you can probably find accommodation right in the middle of town.

This quiet hamlet is the perfect place to relax after a great time in Siena. At the end of your trip, after experiencing all that these fine cities have to offer, head north to Florence for a few days in this spectacular city. This short jaunt through central Italy will leave you wanting more, but you can say with certainty that you spent your week well.

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Article Submitted By: Margherita Signorini
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