You have decided to vacation in Tuscany and to drive to the many villages and wineries throughout the region, you will need by your side (or in the lap of your navigator) the best map you can find.

   Having driven several thousand miles in Tuscany, the best road map is the Touring Club of Italy's map entitled Toscana.  The map is sufficiently detailed to include small paved and unpaved roads, yet is quite readable.  OK, some people may need cheaters or a small magnitying glass (the latter is not a bad idea to pack stuff away in a corner of your suitcase).

   The Toscana map is available on-line for about $10 at www.amazon.com.  On Amazon's Home page in the Search box at the top of the page, select the Travel section and then enter Tuscany Maps.  Get one before you leave for Italy.  It will be very useful in planning your excursions in the region.