Tuscany

Tuscany has been a magnet for tourists for hundreds of years - long before the popular book and movie about the sun in this region - so the idea that you're going to find a peaceful or undiscovered corner of Tuscany (especially during the high season) is pretty far-fetched. Still, visitors continue to flock to Tuscany every year because it's nearly unmatched in the world in terms of art, history, scenery, wine, and ambiance. And to be honest, that Tuscan sun is pretty amazing.

Your Tuscany itinerary could have you sticking to the cities of Florence, Siena, and Pisa or branching out to the less-visited (though still often frequented by day-trippers) Tuscan hilltowns - or a combination of the two. If your schedule is more flexible, consider visiting in the slower winter season to avoid the bulk of the tourist hordes.