What to do in the Florence region of Tuscany:
Surrounded by hills, Florence rises on the banks of the Arno River. One of the greatest art centers of Italy, Florence is home to the Accademia, where you can view Michelangelo's "David", as well as the Uffizi gallery, arguably the most important art gallery in the world. Tour the cathedral with its pink, white and green marble façade and marvel at its remarkable Duomo by Brunelleschi and the gold Paradise door of the Baptistry. Continue to the Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence since the 1300s, then stroll the charming shops of Ponte Vecchio. Florence offers some of Italy's best shopping—textiles, leather goods, fashion, jewelry and ceramics are all specialties. There is nothing like enjoying a morning coffee and truffle panini at the celebrated Procacci bar before setting out for a serious morning of shopping in Via Tournabuoni. Scour the Gucci, Armani and Yves Saint Laurent outlets on the outskirts of the city.

For those wishing to explore some of Tuscany's other treasures, Florence is an ideal base of operations. Tuscany stretches along the western coast of Italy from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea—one of the best ways to see the region is by automobile. The small fortress cities are within easy driving distance of one another, and each offers its own special appeal, from San Gimignano to Pienza. Other cities to include in your excursion are Arezzo, with its grand plaza and Roman amphitheater, Lucca, with its olive groves and impressive Renaissance walls, and seaside resorts like Viareggio, Elba, and Forte de Marmi.

Siena and Pisa, both also important art cities, are also not to be missed. Siena is a beautifully preserved medieval city, constructed of checkerboard brick, and crowned by its Duomo. It was the seat of the Ghibellines who often crossed swords with the Florentine Guelfs during the 13th century. Other highlights of Siena include the beautiful Piazza del Campo, and the tower rising from the Palazzo Pubblico. A day trip to the lovely ancient city of Pisa is also a must, where you can see the famous leaning tower, and much more.

Recommendations:

Restaurants

Trattoria Cibreino
Superb dining at a good value.

Teatro del Sale
Offers an extensive buffet of Cibreo recipes.

Boccadama
Located in the trendy Piazza Santa Croce. Drink wine by the glass with classic Tuscan crostini, bruschetta and salads as well as hot dishes.

Coquinarius
Near the Duomo. Perfect for lunch.

Enoteca Pinchiorri
Best wine selection—considered the best restaurant in Florence Cantinetta Antinori (Piazza Antinori #3)—owned by the family wine producer Antinori BeccoFino. Great food; sophisticated, hip atmosphere.

Cibreo
Located in the heart Florence. Very well known.

Procacci – Via Tornabuoni
Ideal for a snack or a light lunch—fabulous sandwiches with truffles!

Shops

Luisa Via Roma – Via Roma (near Piazza Della Republica)
Great multi-brand clothing store.

Raspini – Via Roma (next to Luisa)
Great selection of shoes.

Caponi – Via Tornabuoni
Best stores for linen and lingerie. Most other stores in the Via Tornabuoni area are worth a visit.