In terms of Italy car hire touring possibilities, the potential afforded by Tuscany car hire is second to none. Tuscany is renowned for its breath-taking scenery. Countless visitors have fallen for its picturesque charms over the years, a fact that has seen the region's popularity as a holiday destination skyrocket. With car hire in Tuscany it's easy to see why. Whether you plan to re-construct a scene from Under the Tuscan Sun, drink in the scenery of the Chianti wine region, explore the fascinating Etruscan heritage or check out Siena's thrilling Palio horse race, Tuscany is sure to capture your heart. Car hire allows you to savour every beautiful vista-a freedom quite absent from organised tours. If you're feeling creative, it's worth bringing along your canvass and easel to capture the beauty of the scenery forever. You also have the option of taking time out from driving to wander through a pretty cobbled town or village, photographing amber-hued buildings and Poplar punctuated vineyards.

The following is a list of five tried and tested itineraries for memorable travel adventures in Tuscany.

Siena:

A visit to the wonderfully medieval city of Siena is guaranteed to enhance any visit to Tuscany. Most famous for its annual Palio horse race, Siena exudes a keen sense of old world charm and boasts a fantastic range of tourist attractions including the distinctive black and white Duomo cathedral and the Palazzio Pubblico's Torre di Mangio where stunning panoramas of the surrounding countryside are to be had.

165km from Pisa Airport

78km from Florence (Firenze) Airport

Lucca:

With a fascinating history that stretches as far back as Roman and Etruscan times, the town of Lucca is a must-see for anyone wishing to discover Tuscany's rich history and cultural heritage. No visit to Lucca should be complete without sampling its tasty local specialities which include tortelli lucchese (a dish of egg pasta, stuffed with meat and smothered in meat-laden ragu).

30km from Pisa Airport

77km from Florence Airport

Chianti:

Renowned for its excellent red wine, Chianti is a region of Tuscany which stretches between Pisa and Florence, passing through the pretty villages of Greve, Panzano, Castellina, Gaiole and Radda along the way.

125km from Pisa Airport

28km from Florence Airport

Montepulciano

Characterised by beautiful renaissance period architecture, a visit to the charming hill town of Montepulciano will definitely enhance your Tuscany car hire experience. Montepulciano is probably most famous for its food and drink production and even featured in the motion picture Under the Tuscan Sun. Montepulciano prides itself on its wine cellars, which date back to ancient Etruscan times.

110km from Florence Airport

208km from Pisa Airport

Cortona

Occupying a hilltop overlooking the south side of the dramatic Chiana Valley, it's easy to see why so many visitors have fallen for the charms of Cortona. Stunning views of the nearby Lake Trasimeno, the surrounding lush forests and olive groves can be enjoyed from the wonderful vantage point offered by Cortona's Etruscan walls.

116km from Florence

214km from Pisa