Since the ex-prime minister Tony Blair and his family stayed in a luxury castle in Tuscany the region has been well known in the UK for that reason.
However, for most of us we do not get free accommodation and have to pay for it! The region is perceived as expensive and whilst quality is high both for food and accommodation coupled with the value of the Euro going upwards the demand for Tuscany Villas is going down.
This is a pity, because the area still retains it renaissance looking countryside - rolling hills topped by cypress trees and medieval castles and lookout towers seem to be seen every-were.
Add in the historical Art city of Florence and the splendour of Siena you have a fantastic area to explore.
Do not forget Pisa- it has more to offer than a leaning tower having it's own medieval waterfront houses running along the River Arno; three museums; the cathedral and street markets.
Galileo was a native of the town and poets Shelly and Byron took up residence for some time.
In the central Tuscan countryside there is a magical feeling sitting at a table on a restaurant terrace enjoying a splendid meal and surrounded by vineyard clad hills whilst sipping a wine perhaps produced from grapes only yards from your table.
The economical solution may be to rent an apartment or villa rather then book into a hotel.
The seasons are rather odd in Tuscany - Hotels can charge higher rates in September and October than they do in July and August.
The reverse is true for apartments and villas which tend to be focused on the school holiday periods.