in the wealth of background information about Tuscany’s customs and cuisine, flora, fauna and history — all of them illustrated. The book should be particularly suitable for those who wish to combine a visit to Florence with seeing the Italian countryside (you’ll need a good city guide for Florence, while this ‘Landscapes’ guide will show you the best of the rural scene.) Area covered: from the Carrera marble quarries in the northwest down to southern Tuscany, with a particular emphasis on the area round Florence and in the Chianti. The best months for walking in Tuscany are from September to June.