Florence, the capital of Tuscany and one of the artistic centers of the world in terms of museums, and historical treasures, is a focus of tourism today and utterly packed with world travelers in the summer season. This city of half a million on the banks of the Arno, founded by the Romans in the first century B.C., is overflowing with the artistic and architectural works of the old masters. At the height of its economic power in the 15th century, the Medici family, the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, were patrons of geniuses such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Pisano, Giotto, and so many more. The dome and Giotto's tower shown here are enduring symbols of Florence. And if the artistic treasures are not enough, the surrounding countryside and its vineyards, villas, and country estates provide unlimited opportunities to discover why Tuscany is one of the world's most sought after tourist destinations.