Italy is an extremely diverse country with a varying climate, landscapes, people and cultures. Italian food too varies according to region. It is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The northern part of Italy is more urbanised, populated while parts of the south are steeped in tradition and history. Tuscany is extremely popular among travellers. It is a region in the central part of the country, with Florence as the regional capital.

Florence has a huge range of art collections and numerous museums and galleries. It is referred to as the art capital of Italy.

The centre of the city of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has had a major impact on not just the culture of Italy but also on the music, art, cuisine and education in Europe.

Tuscany has its own dialect of Italian known as the Tuscan dialect or dialetto toscano. It boasts of not just a rich artistic heritage, but also of a host of famous authors and literary figures. One of the most famous Florentine authors is Dante.

Tuscan wine is famous all over the world. The famous Chianti is produced in Tuscany. Italian food differs throughout the country, and Tuscan food is typically simple, comprising of cheese, olives, legumes, bread, mushrooms and fruit.