Staying:

Porte Ercole: Il Pellicano is a beautiful Relais & Chateaux property. 0564/858 111.

Eating:

Castiglione della Pescaia, in Grosseto between Florence and Rome: L’Andana. A coastal hotel with a fabulous Alain Ducasse restaurant, Trattoria Toscana. 0564/944 800.

Montemerano: Dine at the delightful and delicious 2-star Da Caino, known for its elegant and simple cuisine. Via della Chiesa, 4 0564/602 817

Pietrafitta, between Panzano and Castellina: Pietrafitta. Localita Pietrafitta, 41 0577/741 123.

San Trovaso: Ombre Rosse is a wine bar that serves nice food. Via Franchetti, 78 0422/490 037.

Shopping:

To locate outlets, check out outlet-firenze.com.

Arezzo: Sugar sells chic men’s and women’s clothing, as well as household goodies. Corso Italia, 21/21 & 43/45 0575/354 631.

Siena: Dolci Trame has the clothes, via del Moro, 4 0577/ 46168, and Eclet has the striking bold jewelry. Via Cavour, 19 0575/351 854.