Rolling hills blanketed with vineyards and olive trees, medieval towns that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, a beautiful Mediterranean coastline, and delicious cuisine made using fresh ingredients — this is what Tuscany is all about. The central Italian region that’s home to Florence — consistently ranked among the best cities in Europe in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards — is a favorite destination for travelers, myself included.

I live in Rome, so Tuscany is just a couple of hours away, and I visit every chance I can get. Over the years, I’ve explored cities and towns like Siena, Lucca, Pisa, San Gimignano, and Volterra; soaked in the thermal hot springs in Saturnia; relaxed on the beaches of Forte dei Marmi and Porto Ercole; visited wineries in the countryside; and learned to make pici and other local dishes during cooking classes.