Located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Val d’Orcia, Pienza is known as the jewel of this magnificent valley. A delight for the eyes, the commune is surrounded by vistas that will make you sigh with happiness.

Pienza is a perennial favorite of travelers to Tuscany, and the views here define the romantic ideal of Renaissance pastoralism, with age-old farms, villages, towns and settlements nestled in the smoothly conical hills.

Once known as Corsignano, Pienza was the birthplace of Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius II. Once he returned home to his birth village, he found it in a terrible state. The pope decided to rebuild the entire village, turning it into the ultimate idyllic Renaissance town--every public building was torn down and rebuilt according to the principles of Renaissance architecture, as laid down by renowned architect Leon Battista Alberti. The work was carried out by Alberti’s student, Bernardo Rossellino, and the results are magical.

There are a number of sights worth a visit in Pienza, such as Piazza Pio II and the Duomo, but the real pleasure here is to tour the alleyways, admire the quaint stone houses, and appreciate the stunning views that can be seen from Pienza's walls. Very few towns in Tuscany can rival such vistas!

A tour of Pienza’s charming alleyways must begin with a good cup of coffee, or even a glass of wine accompanied by excellent chocolate cake, to set the mood :) (of course!)

For both, stop at Piccolomini Caffè. Service here can be hasty and even unfriendly at times, but if you manage to get a table in their tiny courtyard in the stone alley out back, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing nibble. The sandwiches here are good, but if you have a bit of a sweet tooth, go straight for their chocolate cake. Made by one of Florence’s leading bakeries, Pistocchi, it’s divine and goes particularly well with a nice, velvety glass of Montepulciano Nobile. A number of artisanal beers and good local wines are also on the menu, naturally.

For a tasty light lunch, try our favorite place in town, La Taverna di Re Artù. Its traditional, honey-toned exterior houses a very simple dining area and the décor—small circular tables under the exposed wooden crossbeams—is immediately inviting. The cold cuts, cheeses (including a tasty pecorino fondue) and bruschetta here are all delicious. The wine list is small compared to many other places in the area, but the quality of the wines they stock is undeniable. The same can be said for the range of microbrew beers on offer, making this another perfect stop for an enjoyable aperitivo.

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A truly unique vacation begins with the right travel guide. With over 130 tips and detailed recommendations, suitable for various tastes and budgets, Tuscany for the Shameless Hedonist 2016 is an indispensable resource and a must have guide for anyone visiting this region.

Find out where to enjoy a romantic aperitivo with a spectacular view and how to book a dinner in a real, active jail; read which spa resorts offer the most indulgent pampering, which historic mansions shouldn’t be missed, and where the best accommodation in Florence is; discover hidden restaurants favoured by locals, the very best wine tours and tastings, and where to buy award-winning bottles of Chianti, Brunello and the Super-Tuscans.

Learn where to find authentic hand-made souvenirs, hot Italian fashion (at outlet prices!), glorious olive oil, and delicious prosciutto; and, naturally, read all about the top recommended cooking classes, festivals, antique markets, B&Bs and guided hikes in the region. In short, Tuscany for the Shameless Hedonist 2016 is the one guide you need to build not just a good vacation, but an incredible one.