8 - Tuscan thrills

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Nestled in the Tuscan hills,Siena provides a wonderful Italian alternative to Venice or Rome for this year's St. Valentine's break. Bursting with medieval character, the city gives off a special atmosphere as you navigate its old streets and stare in wonder at the stunning gothic architecture of its numerous churches and imposing buildings. In fact it's so special that the whole centre of Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Senio and Ascanio, sons of Remus (one of two brothers said to have established Rome) are credited, according to legend, with founding the city. Piazza del Campo, the shell-shaped heart of this Tuscan marvel, is a good place to start off a stay here. A host of cafes edge one of Europe's finest medieval squares and provide a great vantage point from which to watch the city swirl by. Here you will also find the Palazzo Pubblico, crowned by its tower, the Torre de Mangia and the Fonte Gaia, the Fountain of Joy. The list of 'palazzi', churches, basilicas and other buildings goes on; the best plan would be to simply lose yourself in the city and see how many of them you can discover. Perhaps the most impressive is the city's cathedral, the 'Duomo', which had been intended to be the largest cathedral in existence before the cash dried up! For some peace and quiet head off to the Orto Botanico, the university maintained botanical gardens. Out of town there are many options to extend your stay if you so wish. Chianti, some would say the real heart of Tuscany, is not far away. Famed for its quality wine and oil, its rolling hills and woodlands provide the ideal escape for a romantic frolic away from the big city. Another idea for a day trip would be to poke around Montalcino. Also famed for its Brunello wine, its fortress dominates this small town made up of narrow streets full of character. This is your chance to buy some truly authentic Tuscan products, the city being full of craftsman and shops selling fare from the surrounding hills. Siena has a huge selection of hotels, restaurants and bars so you will have no trouble at all organising that perfect break with your loved one. For accommodation with a twist, why not stay in either an historical residence in the heart of Siena, or if you prefer to be outside the city, there are a number of country houses out of town. Siena is a safe bet this 14th February if you want to score some points for originality while still keeping a hint of the traditional in there too.

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