The Italian countryside attracts around 40 million tourists every year, and away from the packed-out coastal resorts there's a great big slice of rural Tuscan life to be discovered.
If you have any tips for holidaying in Tuscany, add your comments to the bottom of the page.
Here's Kirstie and Phil's itinerary:
Featured budget accommodation:
Farm stay at Le Baccane
Alternative budget hotel options:
Situated near Florence's historic city centre, Hotel Jane is one of the most eclectic and esteemed three star hotels in the city.
If you're travelling as a group, an apartment hotel often gives much better value than a normal hotel. Situated with easy access to Florence city centre, this hotel is an excellent option.
Suggested budget activity:
Palazzo Pitti, Florence (website in Italian)
The Pitti Palace was built as the residence of the grand-dukes of Tuscany and later of the King of Italy. It now houses six museums and several important collections of paintings, sculpture, porcelain and a costume gallery.
Featured luxury accommodation:
Alternative luxury hotel options:
A small hotel made up of only 12 suites, this redeveloped palazzo claims to take its guests into 16th century luxury, but without the risk of catching the plague.
Built as the home of 17th Century poet Antonio Guadagnoli, it is now a luxury hotel and spa in 12 hectares of private grounds in the Tuscan hills. While eating there, you can enjoy the hotel's very own wine, the grapes for which are grown on the grounds.
Featured luxury activities:
Vineyard tour and tasting at Castello Gabbiano
Helicopter tour of Chianti with Air Dynamic
Alternative luxury activity:
Founded in 1889 by Florence's English population, Ugolino was Italy's first gold course. While it may not have the repuation of Loch Lommond or the Old Course, you won't need a thermos at the halfway house to stave off hypothermia - which is a major advantage.
