Tuscany...the name evokes a unique lifestyle, the legacy of a rich historical and cultural heritage. In Tuscany, daily life is steeped in art:villas and gardens are wonders of balance between man and nature; interiors harbor treasures jealously guarded over the centuries. In this sumptuously illustrated book, we discover villages where time seems to have stopped; the contrasting landscapes of the the Maremma coast, the countryside around Sienna, or the Viareggio coast; the historic heart of towns such as Lucca, Florence, Arezzo, and Cortona; the extraodinary interiors and gardens of villas and palaces, from the Piazza des Campo in Sienna to vineyard castles; enchanting museums revealing the richness of Italian decorative arts; and the traditional crafts, cuisine, and wines which make this region so exceptional. A guide completes the book, listing addresses selected by locals, from well-known restaurants in Florence to little rustic trattorie, local markets and grocery stores; the finest wines and local products; museums and antique dealers; and all the best places to stay.