Book excerpt: With its capital city of Florence and a host of gorgeous medieval cities set in rolling hills, Tuscany is considered by many to be the cultural heart of Italy. In classic Blue Guide style, this new edition covers Florence and other major cities—among them Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Cortona, and Arezzo. Ideal for the Florence-based visitor making day trips to the surroundings or a tour of the whole of Tuscany.