YOU DON'T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK TO VISIT TUSCANY

But just because I can't afford to live there does not mean I can't afford to holiday in the region so loved by Brits it has been nicknamed Chiantishire.

There are a number of ways which you can slash the cost of your Tuscan villa holiday and I'll come to those a little later.

But first I want to share with you why I am so passionate about Italy, why I am back at school for a crash course in the language and why it breaks my heart that I don't have the Italian ability to throw anything on and look super-cool.

For me it is the people that makes Italy such a remarkable country and one I know I would feel at home living in. "In Italy it is okay" That was the reaction of a passer-by in Florence's Piazza Michelangelo who saw how nervous I was at parking dangerously close to a tow-zone. "Take a chance, you will be fine," he told me.

Maybe they have their turbulent history to thank but it seems everyone has an attitude to life that everything will work out fine in the end so why waste time worrying.

The biggest expense when holidaying in Tuscany is renting a villa.

My advice is to book a villa through a dedicated website as they can negotiate the best deals for their clients and the more people in your party the easier it is to spread the cost.

One of the best websites I found was www.tuscanyholidayrent.com as it had an amazing array of properties available and at prices to suit every pocket.

Tuscany's main city is Florence and you will be mesmerized by its beauty. Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, stare in awe at the size of the Duomo at Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and gaze at the treasure-trove of world famous works of art in The Uffizi Gallery.

Siena is Tuscany's second city and is a little bit more relaxed than Florence unless of course you visit at the time of the famous Palio horserace around Piazza del Campo.

The two cities are joined by motorway but if you want to see the real Tuscany stick to the minor roads and travel through towns such as San Gimignano or do the Chianti drive.

Yes the driver will need his wits about him on some of the most winding roads in Italy but with towns along the way such as Greve in Chianti and Radda in Chianti it is worth the effort.

San Gimignano is probably the most picturesque town in Tuscany. The town's skyline is dominated with towers although not nearly as many as there once was.

One of Tuscany Holiday Rent's properties is the beautiful Artimino farmhouse which is situated in a medieval village just 20km from Florence.

This gorgeous little hamlet has been completely restored, maintaining its characteristic features, and transformed into one of the most beautiful holiday farmhouses in Tuscany.

Located on a hill with a wonderful panoramic view, it is in an ideal position for day trips to art centres such as Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo and San Gimignano as well as idyllic for a peaceful vacation.

This holiday farmhouse consists of 60 comfortable self-catering apartments nestled in the medieval village, situated on the ground floor (some with garden) and on the first floor.

There is a swimming pool and a large relax area in the garden.

The village also hosts a fine restaurant and wine bar.

For more information and prices log onto www.tuscanyholidayrent.com