The Italian region of Tuscany is a feast for the senses. A creative incubator that has cultivated art and architecture throughout the Etruscan, Roman, Renaissance, and modern eras. Time-worn churches, once stops on the grand tours of the 19th century, rise from town squares. Rolling wheat hills and colorful olive groves, which inspire authentic Tuscan cuisine, are dotted with villas built by the prestigious Medici family. The Tyrrhenian Sea stretches off its shores, lapping at the coast of Elba, the island where Emperor Napoleon was exiled. Quaint villages, historic hamlets, and bustling towns dot its landscape, which is almost as varied as the communities themselves. From the annual horse races in Piazza del Campo and the centuries-old winemaking traditions of the Chianti region to the city of Pisa, a former Maritime Republic known for the youthful spirit of its Scuola Normale Superiore and the Leaning Tower alike, Tuscany is a place of dreams, where thousands come to relive its history and enjoy the beauty of a region. In the fashion world, Ferragamo, Gucci, and Pucci all have ties to Florence and its endless inspiration. On the other hand, what truly defines Tuscany is its timelessness. Masterpieces from centuries past still draw huge crowds. Brunelleschi's dome in Florence never fails to amaze onlookers.