Chianti gets the postcards, but the Tuscan Coast shows you a wilder, more varied side of Italy's most famous region. Along this shoreline, made up largely of the Versilia and the Maremma, you can trade vineyard views for sea breezes without giving up any of the Tuscan magic.

The coast changes character as you go. Up north, Forte dei Marmi is all chic beach clubs and neat rows of umbrellas. Farther south, the protected pine forests of Maremma Regional Park feel untouched. Head inland and you'll find medieval hill towns, world-class wine, ancient Etruscan burial sites and dramatic tufa towns like Pitigliano that seem to rise straight out of the volcanic rock. Visit Viareggio during carnival for its famous giant parade floats, or find a secluded cove of your own around Monte Argentario.

This is the best of both worlds: hilltop villages and great wine, with the Tyrrhenian Sea at your doorstep. I'll put together the route, the agriturismo and seaside stays, and a rental car plan that makes it all easy.