If you are hard pressed for time and have but one destination in Italy to choose from, let it be Tuscany. Here there is truly something to appeal to every category of traveler.

High on just about anyone's list must be Florence, a jewel of Renaissance architecture. If at times it appears imposing, even forbidding, remember it was intended to be -- it was after all designed to repel invaders. Highlights include art collections at the Galleria degli Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademia (home to the original of Michelangelo's David), the Duomo (cathedral) and the Ponte Vecchio bridge, with its cluster of fashionable jewelry shops.

Don't forget to visit Florence's arch-rival, Siena, with its gentler, Gothic architecture, largely unchanged from medieval times. Its fan-shaped piazza is the setting of Siena's world-famous Palio, a spectacular pageant and annual bareback horse race between riders who compete for possession of a banner.

If your tastes extend to walking, hiking or horseback riding, then Tuscany's scenic wine country is for you. Or you can opt for a less arduous route and savor it from above, from the tranquility of a hot air balloon. Combine your excursion with a tasting at one of the area's welcoming wine estates and, to round off your day, why not pamper yourself at one of Europe's most exclusive health spas in the town of Montecatini Terme.

Before leaving be sure to allow yourself adequate time to browse in the region's many antique shops, flea markets and art galleries. And when it comes to souvenirs of your stay, Tuscany, (Florence in particular), is a source of some of the finest modern jewelry, designer fashion, stylish leather goods and luxury linens that Italy has to offer.