5 things you have to do in Tuscany

Tuscany has long been a popular destination for holidaymakers looking for that special blend of culture, fine food and beautiful, inspiring vistas. But if you only have a few days to enjoy all these delights, what should you include to ensure you enjoy the real taste of Tuscany.

Here is our essential guide to the five things you must do when you are in Tuscany:

1 Climb up the 294 spiral steps of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and then treat yourself to an espresso and a pastry at " Salza" the best pasticceria in Pisa.

The Tower, known locally as the Torre Pendente di Pisa, took two centuires to build and was finally completed in 1372. Since the completion of the restoration work in 2001, the Tower now tilts at an angle of 3.99 degrees (previously it had been measured at 5.5 degrees) - and once inside you can really notice the tilt. You will definitely welcome that espresso!

2 Take a trip to the Piazza Michelangelo and get a real "room with a view" look over the stunning city of Florence. Built in 1869 in the Oltrarno district by the architect Giuesppe Poggi, the Piazza is popular tourist observation point providing amazing views of the entire city of Florence. The square takes its name from the great bronze group that Poggi placed in its centre - a "pastiche" of the work of Michelangelo, composed of copies of his David (now in the Academy Museum) and the four allegorical figures commissioned by Pope Clement VII for the Medici tombs in the New Sacristy in San Lorenzo. You'll recognise the view. It has been reproduced on postcards time and again. The panorama encompasses the centre of Florence from Forte Belvedere to Santa Croce Lungarni, includes the bridges crossing the Arno such as the famous Ponte Vecchio, and then on to the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, the Bargello and the octagonal bell tower of the Badia Fiorentina and finally to the hills north of the city with the Settignano Fiesole.

3 Enjoy an apertivo drink on the Piazza del Campo in Siena. Regarded as one of the finest medieval squares in Europe, the Campo is renowned for its beauty and architecture. It is also famous for the twice yearly Palio horse races that take place around the edge of the Piazza.

Not sure what aperitivo to choose? Try a traditional campari or aperol based drink such as the Americano, the Spritz or the Negroni which combines gin, vermouth and Campari and is garnished with an orange peel. Yum!

4 Hire a bike and cycle around the walls of the beautiful city of Lucca probably one of Italy's best kept secrets. This is the only medieval city in Tuscany where the original defensive walls are still complete. Built in the 16th century the thick walls surround wonderful renaisance and medieval architecture and are wide enough to cycle around. They are shaded on each of the four principal sides by a different tree species planted in the 19th century. There is much to see in Lucca from the Torre Guinigi - the 130 ft. tower which has has an ancient oak tree on top to the ruins of a roman amphitheatre. It is an ideal city to wander, shop and just sit back and watch the Italians about their daily business.

5 Indulge in real Italian ice cream in the wonderful , small town of San Gimignano.  Also known as the Manhattan of Italy due to medieval towers that fill the skyline as you approach and which can be seen from miles around, the town has fourteen towers of varying height which have become its international symbol. At the heart of the town are four squares - the Piazza della Cisterna, the Piazza Duomo where the Collegiata is located, the Piazza Pecori and the Piazza delle Erbe. The main streets are Via San Matteo and Via San Giovanni.  Today the town is famous for the local Vernaccia wine, produced exclusively in the town, San Gimignano olive oil and the highly prized spice, saffron used widely throughout Italian cuisine and farmed locally.

The Borgo di Colleoli is the ideal base for you to enjoy all these wonderful places and the Holiday Letting Shop has some exclusive special offers. Travel in November when the weather is cooler and the tourist destinations are not as busy and you can enjoy three nights in a luxurious studio suite sleeping two in the main Palazzo villa at the Borgo for just £378. For further information on the Borgo di Colleoli, click here

For all our other latest offers including Spain, Lanzarote, Corfu and the US, please click here