Tuscany, the heart of Italy. It is known as the golden region, renowned for its cypress meadows, olive trees, vineyards and walled medieval villages. And of course for its tuscan cooking.

It has endless museums, cathedrals, historical buildings, streets, towns like Florence, Siena, Pisa and more. Tuscany, full of ancient Etruscan and Roman ruins. But one can not pass through this land without being aware of Medieval Tuscany. Still visible are the small walled towns which are a testimony to the Middle Ages just as much as its great cities. Castles, fortresses, watch-towers, and town walls appear everywhere; some are well preserved, others are in ruins.

The pleasures of landlocked Umbria are there to be enjoyed whether you are able to spend only a few days in the region or can manage a longer stay. Every locale is within 1 1/2 hours of Rome or Florence by rail or car, and the entire area is only 1/20th the size of Illinois. Umbria's attractions are its landscape, history, art, simple but not hardy food, robust wines, and friendly people.

If you have interest in antiquities, you'll be fascinated by the remarkable Etruscan remains in Perugia and elsewhere. There are also many Roman ruins, Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance palaces, and splendid museums.

Another fascination is what may best be described as its spiritual atmosphere. St. Benedict was born in Norcia near Spoleto, and St. Francis in Assisi. The latter town is today a major religious shrine where all branches of the Franciscan Order and Poor Clares, the nuns' community founded by St. Francis's disciple St. Clare, have churches and convents.

Three of the best hotels in Umbria and Tuscany:

Hotel Podere Dionora

The winding roads through hills and valleys take you to the "noble" town of Montepulciano, they are among the most fascinating of Tuscany. As you take the white lane to the entrance of "Dionora" you will be irresistibly attracted to the beautiful light and space; your sense of smell will be lured by the perfume of moss, sage and thyme, jealously guarded in the unpolluted undergrowth. Peace and quiet reign, a land of fable where you can still breathe in an ancient atmosphere. What could be more relaxing than strolling through the woods which surround our holding.

Dionora, with her ancient country houses which look our onto the old villages of Pienza and Montefollonico. These beautiful old rambling houses have been restructured with love and respect, and in no way whatsoever ruin or change the loveliness of the proportions created by nature. The longer you stay in "Dionora" the more the suggestive and delicate characteristics of its magical scenery will be engraved in your memory, you'll just have to return, and we'll be waiting to greet you once again.

Hotel Il Pellicano

Il Pellicano has belonged to Relais & Châteaux since 1982 and bears a Purple Lily, the distinction awarded to the 19 most prestigious Relais & Châteaux hotels from the association's 469 members, "exceptional hotels that offer assistance, facilities and services of the very highest standard". Il Pellicano is in one of Italy's most attractive areas, in the centre of the peninsula. It is located in the part of Tuscany that borders with Lazio, on Monte Argentario, four kilometres from Porto Ercole.

The hotel is the child of the love story involving the British aviator, Michael Graham, and alluring American, Patsy Daszel. The couple met in California at a place called Pelican Point and it was there that they decided to find a special place where they could live their romance. They found that place on a cliff overlooking the sea to the north of Rome. Here, they built one of the loveliest hotels in the world, calling it Il Pellicano after the spot where they first met.

Hotel Brufani Palace

In a unique location within the historical centre of Perugia, the Hotel Brufani Palace, which for over one hundred years has hosted the Gotha of royal families, of politicians, and of high finances, has once again returned to its antique splendour. The halls with their painted ceilings and great stone fireplaces, the rooms and the suites furnished with antiques and precious cloth transmit an immediate sense of warmth, elegance and refinement. From its windows and balconies, one can enjoy a breathtaking view that recalls the softness of a Renaissance painting filled with evocative images of the great valleys of Umbria.

The atmosphere is one of a residence of days gone by, filled with familiarity and refinement: 90 spacious bedrooms and suites beautifully decorated with antiques and every modern comfort. From the guest rooms one may enjoy a panorama of the beautiful Umbrian country-side with views of Assisi and Todi.

Lake Como

Two of the best hotels in Como:

Villa d'Este

From the moment you step into the vast lobby of the Villa d'Este with its sweeping staircase, huge Venetian-glass chandeliers, marble columns, statues, and soaring ceiling, you will feel you are entering a dream. The bedrooms are all elegantly furnished-no two are alike, but all are beautiful with color-coordinated carpets, wall-coverings, and bedspreads. Some of the bedrooms have prime locations with enchanting views out over the lake. Although the interior is outstanding, it is the outside where the fun really begins. The hotel opens onto a large terrace where guests relax with refreshing drinks. Just a short distance beyond the terrace is the lake where there is a dock for boats and a very large swimming pool that extends out over the water, plus an indoor pool and a very popular state-of-the-art spa.

Tucked away in the park there are eight tennis courts, and in the nearby area, seven golf courses. The most stunning feature of the Villa d'Este is the park: it surrounds the hotel with lovely pathways winding between the trees, a jogging course, glorious flower gardens, statues, and even a formal garden with dramatic mosaic colonnade.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a charming five-stars hotel dating back to the beginning of the last century, faces the Lake Como surrounded by an enchanting landscape. A hundred windows glance at the water reflections or at the private garden – thirty thousand sqm of green which surround the large swimming-pool, the tennis court and a path where rare trees alternate with works of art.

Each hall of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, built in 1910 in Liberty style, is
enriched with paintings, precious furnishings and works of art.
Inside there are spacious lounges, restaurants and areas for leisure.

In the park, you can admire the “Fountain of Happiness”, the “Iron Forest” and up to the Belvedere “Look at me”, all works by contemporary artists.