Book excerpt: 2011 Edition. Here's what to see and do, and where to eat, sleep, drink, shop, and stay, from Florence, Firenze, 'City of Flowers,'' to Tuscany's rolling hills, medieval towns, and beyond! Author Vesna Neskow introduces the places and pleasures of the region, including its famous cuisine, rich in ingredients produced locally, and equally renowned wines. Ms. Neskow lived in Europe for 13 years. She speaks six languages. Her TV work has been produced by CBS and broadcast on NPR, and she has written for the New York Times Book Review. This bestselling travel guide features: color-coded, numbered entries in the text keyed to full-color area maps in each chapter, ''Top Picks'' directing you to not-to-be-missed attractions, full-color spot illustrations throughout to liven the text, and 8 easy-to-use maps.