Dotted across the ancient Tuscan landscape of rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards and towering cypress trees, sit some of the greatest country houses of Italy. They range from the grand villas and palaces of the Medici near Florence to the charming hideaway at Torre del Lago where Puccini composed "Madame Butterfly" and other operas. Professor Carlo Cresti and the photographer Massimo Listri present the treasures of Tuscan architecture and culture, buildings by such noted masters as Sangallo, Buontalenti and Peruzzi. Most are closed to the public and are reproduced here for the first time. Some are familiar by repute as celebrated way-stations for the many who took the Grand Tour in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. All boast splendid rooms, wondrous art, exquisite furnishings and opulent settings in vast formal gardens.