“Life well spent is long.”

Leonardo da Vinci

TUSCANY imparts a charm and splendor all its own. Comprising ten alluring provinces, the region invites explorationof all it has to offer, whether you are in pursuit of extraordinary art and architecture, or fine wine and cuisine. It's yours todiscover wherever you choose to roam.

Celebrated for its pastoral landscape, the vast Tuscan countryside is a patchwork of rolling hills marked by sprawling vine-yards and lush olive groves. Waves of sunflowers, poppies and ancient stone walls paint a rustic tapestry of a sepia-tinted terrainswathed in warm Italian sun. Yet no measure of this broad view is marred by the age-old Cyprus trees which fleck and linethis familiar and enduring landscape. But the real allure lies in the ancient towns. Sleepy remote villages tempt you to wandernarrow, cobbled streets, while medieval hamlets challenge exploration of residual castle fortifications, some replete with theirancient towering ramparts. Here and there, chapel steeples reach high above villages, and the occasional Gothic cathedral risesmajestically to greet the sky. Flowing amidst this panoramic splendor is the ever-gentle Arno, as it winds its way from Florenceto Pisa in pursuit of the Ligurian Sea. Having been the backdrop of Master painters throughout the ages, this ageless land issure to prove rousing.

If you find yourself in search of culture, Tuscany is sure to enchant. The legacy of this wondrous region lies in its art andhistory, which spans the work of the early Etruscans all the way to the height of its Golden Age, an era which produced thelikes of Michelangelo, da Vinci and the de Medicis. Tuscany is also notable for producing writers, scientists, architects, musiciansand artists, all of whom have placed their stamp on the world, as evidenced by the experiments of Galileo, the grandeur of aPuccini opera, and the literary world of Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio. From the Etruscan theater and Roman baths atFiesole, to the Gothic architecture of Siena, and the innumerable sites of Florence, every excursion reveals a glimpse of history.With every destination a treasure, Tuscany is your land of journeys.

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BORGO SYRAH Nowhere could the allure of owning an Italian villa prove more attractive than in Tuscany, aregion in which history, art and culture convene to form a rich backdrop to every sojourn. To enhance the appeal, imagine arather exclusive luxury villa, in one of seven eighteenth century properties perched amid the rolling hills of the Tuscan coun-tryside. Add in fractional ownership of the vineyard on the sprawling estate of the prestigious Tenimenti d'Alessandro winery inCortona, along with a personal annual yield that would delight any true lover of fine Italian wine. Sound enticing? This iswhat investment in Borgo Syrah delivers.

Characterized by the charm you would come to expect in villa ownership, the buildings of Borgo Syrah, which reside on thewinery's extensive grounds, comprise a farmhouse and its related outbuildings, all part and parcel of an ages-old farm thatlater was utilized to complement the workings of the winery. Today these seven properties encompass the bulk of the resort,which has been transformed into several private well-appointed apartments and three magnificent country houses, all of whichfeature fractional vineyard ownership. Each dwelling consists of a blend of the rustic and the contemporary, custom designedby one of Italy's premier designers who also happens to be a co-owner of the winery. This fact alone signifies the level of atten-tion relegated to the design and restoration of the property.

Aside from the land's rich history and the beauty of the surrounding countryside, the appeal of Borgo Syrah rests in the pri-vate ownership of a Tuscan villa. Whether the attraction lures you toward a luxury apartment or one of the select countryhouses, each residence occupies an incomparable view facing an expanse of the estate, be it rows of grape vines, a copse ofolive groves, tranquil gardens, or clusters of centuries-old trees. To further enchant, the living quarters share an abundance ofmaterial expressive of the area, such as terracotta tiled floors, traditional stone and brick work, and, in select quarters, periodfrescoes.

Topping this off is the benefit of fractional vineyard ownership. Four acres of the famed Tenimenti d'Alessandro vineyard aresplit amongst villa owners, yielding roughly 250 bottles of private-labeled wine per year, per owner, reserved for their very ownprivate wine cellar at Borgo Syrah. Tenimenti d'Alessandro is the maker of such famous wines as Il Bosco, Cortona andFontarca, proving this is vineyard ownership at its best. The splendor for you, as property owner and purveyor of exceptionalwine for friends and family, cannot be outmatched. With each visit, your dream becomes your reality, and it is one that youwill pass down for generations to come.

Whether a wine enthusiast or simply a lover of all things Italian, Borgo Syrah will provide the ideal locale for the discerningvacationer longing for a place unlike any other. Of this lifelong venture one thing remains certain: each time you embark onyour journey here, you return home a little greater the authority on Italian wine and culture, and a lot more contented withyour personal investment.

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BORGO SYRAH Our Philosophy. As art collectors and wine enthusiasts alike, our objective in establishing BorgoSyrah was to foster a sense of pleasurable recreation, while ensuring an outcome that would honour the historical and artisticheritage of the estate. In designing the residences, we sought to remain in keeping with both the significance of the proper-ty and the context of the locality, paying tribute to what originated as land of the nobility and emerged later as a workingfarm. In our efforts, we took into consideration the essence of each structure – its original purpose and the fundamental com-position in relation to the whole – and merged Tuscan sensibilities with contemporary aesthetics. Our secondary goal in thisendeavour was to lend a genuine sense of investment in the ownership of the residences, as well as regards the winery, so thata common purpose in the goal and a sense of appreciation in the end result was derived from the undertaking.

Of equal importance is the surrounding countryside and our philosophy of living in harmony within it. Nature plays a largerole in setting a vivid landscape, so painstaking care and attention is paid to the vineyards, as well as to the fruit, Acacia andCedar trees, the olive groves, and the gardens. We nurture the terrain as much as we do the properties atop it because we rec-ognize that not only is this an investment for all concerned, but because this effort consigns a degree of preservation. As such,every home includes a private garden, yet still encompasses the loveliness of the area in full, including the links to the wineryand vineyards, and the spectacular view over the valley. Nature remains at the heart of our efforts at Borgo Syrah.

In merging the serene with everyday life, we recognize that it is possible to enjoy a wealth of comfort, in an area rich in his-tory and culture, all the while protecting all that exists here. We have imbued the utmost level of quality, from the design andrestoration of the residences, to the gardens and surrounding landscape, and finally on to the labours of winemaking. Thisapproach signifies our singular devotion to excellence and the many ways in which we can manifest our mark of distinction.

If anything, this is the one place in which to leave behind the concerns of everyday life. After a day amidst the gardens orengaged in activity, enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace with a “salut” to the good life. Renew yourself and discover all that isBorgo Syrah.

CORTONA, with its prevailing medieval character, is equally ancient and noble, making it a robust tourist destination.Situated on a hill, this city resides 50 miles from Florence in the Arezzo province. Clay-colored roofs and amber stone struc-tures blanket an entire swath of hillside, which is set against a profusion of rising emerald green Cypress trees. Surroundingthe town are the gentle, sloping mounds and basins of the ever-familiar Tuscan plains, forever a collage of textures. Far in thedistance lies a panorama of dusky mountain ranges overlooking the beautiful Lake Trasimeno, an added boon to the area'sstunning views.

Adventure looms here, as you traverse narrow, pitched streets to encounter a town richly endowed in architectural pursuits.Twenty-one churches and cathedrals dominate the district, all of which reflect a variety of period elements, from Byzantineto Romanesque, Medieval to Renaissance. As you work your way through coursing streets, you'll be led to any one of the city'smain squares where you may enjoy an afternoon interval in a nearby café. Better yet, after a day pursuing Etruscan artifactsand the works of Renaissance painters, head for the Piazza della Repubblica for an evening meal and a glass of wine, as softlavender hues paint the square at dusk.

Further wanderings lead you to glimpses of old Etruscan tombs or stone walls in the Cyclopean style, still standing in ruinafter their formation some 3000 years ago. End your quest by climbing atop the hilly rise to take in the fabulous views. Asthe setting for Frances Mayes' Under the Tuscan Sun, Cortona is captivating.

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FLORENCE is a city of wonders which every vacation must retain on its itinerary. Located on the northwest coast ofItaly, this stunning locale provides for both a vigorous, as well as a restorative, escape. Considered one of the most beautifulcities in the world, you can glimpse the beauty of Florence around every bend. While famous for its Renaissance art and archi-tecture, foremost in this city is its romantic ambiance, evidenced in the beauty of the placid Arno River, which runs throughthe city as it passes from the Apennines toward Pisa. Although striking from afar, the city is best seen up close. Take an inti-mate stroll through its streets; stray along its cobbled piazzas; and amble across its many bridges, particularly the famed PonteVecchio and its bevy of shops. At night, the city is awash in light, creating a stunning atmosphere where you can take in ameal of traditional Florentine cuisine and a bottle of fine Italian wine.

As the capital of the region, this vibrant city forms the hub of art and culture. Churches, museums and palaces abound, whilemonuments, such as the Duomo, serve to reveal a view as much as they shape one. Considered the cradle of the Renaissance,the geographical confines of Florence produced numerous works due to the accomplishments of its many notable residents.Today, these works continue to reside within the city's figurative walls. If fine art is of interest, there is ample opportunity foryou to pamper your senses, with compositions of Raphael and da Vinci, Botticelli and Masaccio, plus many more. Art patronshave been known to swoon as a result of the spectacular beauty surrounding them. Aside from these works of art, sculpture,architecture, music, theater and cinema are also part and parcel of this remarkable place. Take in a little or see it all; whateveryour preference, you're guaranteed to be rendered speechless.

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SIENA, one of Italy's finest medieval cities, is a major tourist attraction as well as home to one of the oldestUniversities in Europe, contributing to a vibrant student culture and a bustling city atmosphere. Recognized for itsperiod architecture, much of this city's well-preserved Gothic buildings originate from the tail end of the MiddleAges, the era in which Siena reached its economic peak. Indeed, this magnificent architecture should be foremoston your itinerary. Second on your list should be a visit to the Piazza del Campo, celebrated for its large, fan-shapedpiazza. Siena also offers many cultural activities, such as classical concerts, theater, the Siena Jazz Festival, and thefamous Il Palio di Siena, a festival and horse race run in the Piazza del Campo. And when you are eager to shop,the stores of Siena offer many local items, such as leather products, fabric, glazed terracotta, jewelry, and regionalfood and wine, along with a regular farmer's market each Wednesday in the Fortezza Mediceana.

Located in the center of Tuscany, the countryside of Siena paints a lovely contrast to this otherwise commandingcity. Twining vineyards and gnarled olive vines course through the Chianti area between Florence and Siena. To thesouth, the Arbia valley leads you to the town of Montalcino, home to the prominent Brunello wine. Most notableis the area around La Crete, which boasts rock formations adjacent to low, rolling hills, with a grain field that sitsbelow a medieval fortress. You are sure to be drawn to this blend of artful beauty and historic elegance.

MONTEPULCIANO is one of the most charming hill towns in Tuscany. This ancient Etruscan maintains endear-ing vistas and a rich history, making for a beguiling excursion. The city sits upon a limestone ridge, fortified in stone underthe direction of Cosimo I de' Medici in 1511. As a notable producer of food and wine, Montepulciano is a wonderful site forindulging your epicurean senses. Its Vino Nobile is one of the many wines from the region celebrated by connoisseurs every-where, and the town is recognized for its fabulous cheese, pasta, and other appetizing fare.

As with most of Tuscany, the architecture is not to be underestimated. Because Montepulciano enjoyed a long phase of pros-perity, roughly from the end of the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, there are many well-preserved architectural edificesworth exploring. One masterpiece of architecture, which must not be missed, is the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio,situated just outside of the town and worth the jaunt. The city streets themselves warrant a rambling trek with picturesquedetours through small roads that crisscross off the Piazza Grande in the center of town. And if you can't get enoughRenaissance art, the town is resplendent in treasured works. With such tempting diversions, Montepulciano is very much the“pearl” it was so named.

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LAKE TRASIMENO is Italy's largest non-Alpine lake. Relatively shallow, Trasimeno offers mirror-like reflectionsof the majestic northern mountains, and yielding rolling hills and olive groves to the west and south. A few charming smalltowns surround the lake, where you can explore historic sites, probe local commodities, and take in a meal or two. If you're inthe mood for recreation, a bicycle path and numerous cross-country trails also border the lake.Home to the early Etruscan civilization, the lake holds a prominent place in history. During the second Punic war in 217B.C., in one of the major engagements, Hannibal massacred two large Roman legions. Since then, several castles have beenerected around the lake, which now lie in various states of survival or decay. The most famous is the Castello del Leone("Fortress of the Lion"), a pentagonal-shaped castle built by Emperor Frederick II, which served as a fortified strongholdbetween Rome and Florence. If you're so inclined, some of these fortresses make for fascinating discovery.

PERUGIA the capital city of the region of Umbria, is a lively town offering much in the way of amusement. Home toan Italian language school, a fine arts academy, and one of the oldest universities in Italy, Perugia is quite a colorful town.There is no shortage of sites to unearth in this municipality, from magnificent churches and cathedrals, to Umbria's master-piece of medieval architecture - the Fontana Maggiore, and on to one of Italy's greatest buildings, the Palazzo dei Priori.Everywhere you wander here, the material remains of the Etruscans are readily evident, whether traversing the city's steep,narrow alleys or the circuit of surrounding walls that offer a spectacular view of the valley.When you find yourself seeking the hustle and bustle of Italian urban life, the Piazza IV Novembre is one of the most exquisitepublic squares in all of Italy. Catch a glimpse of a Gothic cathedral, examine the many prominent architectural reliefs, or enjoya cocktail at one of the local jazz cafes. The ambiance is bewitching and temptations, such as the legendary Perugina chocolate,await your every encounter.

AREZZO, as it rises up from the floodplain of the Arno, is a delightful hill-town. Known as one of several importantEtruscan cities, as observed in the many remains and artifacts still existent from the period, Arezzo has made remarkable con-tributions to Western civilization. Rich in artistic and musical history, there is much to see and do here. This is a city for awalking tour, with scores of beautiful Gothic and Romanesque churches, towers and palaces, and the arresting Vasari Loggiaon Piazza Grande, as well as remnants of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Because of its topography, the town is carvedinto two sections, with its upper segment attended by a cathedral, town hall, and the Medici Fortress, from which narrow citystreets branch off toward the lower end.Due to its profound influence during the Middle Ages, Arezzo hosts a medieval festival every year featuring knights on horse-back and its townspeople in medieval garb. If you're fond of wandering marketplaces, Arezzo hosts one of the best monthlyantiques market right in the piazza where you will discover antiques, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and more. The area isrenowned for its foundries, including a large gold manufacturing plant, and the early production of red painted vases (knownas the “coral vases”), which were traded throughout the Roman Empire. With its charming shops and cafes, Arezzo entertainsnever a dull day.

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