Fascinating cities, stunning mountains and lakes, breathtaking coastline, great weather, excellent wine, amazing cuisine, thousands of years of history and classic architecture… What more could you want from a holiday destination? Italy’s capital city Rome was once the centre of an entire empire, and millions of tourists annually visit each year to see the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, in addition to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Trevi fountain. The north of Italy boasts beautiful mountains in regions bordering Austria, France and Switzerland and the large northern cities - Turin, Milan, Genoa, Bologna – are the economic and post-industrial powerhouses of the nation. Meanwhile the south of Italy has its contrasting and rustic charm, with miles of unspoiled beaches and its own interesting cities such as Naples and Palermo. Mugello is located in the picturesque Tuscan region in central Italy, just north of Rome, and just a short drive from Florence - the cultural and historical hotspot. Pisa and Siena are also in Tuscany, and the locals in both cities would argue that their city is just as beautiful, if not more beautiful, than Florence.

Spring or autumn are good times of the year to be in Tuscany, as the weather is warm and pleasant but not stifling like it can be in the peak season of mid-summer. It also means you avoid the bigger crowds of tourists who arrive in late July and throughout August. When it comes to driving try to avoid rush hour driving as you head in and out of the bigger cities such as Florence and Siena. Plan your trips out into the countryside logically and thoroughly as not all businesses take credit cards, not every little town has a cash machine (ATM) and keep in mind that more rural restaurants may have more restricted dining hours than big city places. If you want to sample some of the delicious local produce try the Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino wine, be sure to get extra-virgin Italian olive oil and give the local pecorino cheeses and cured meats like the salame toscano a go.