Between vineyards and ricotta farms, a field of bright red poppies dazzles those lucky enough to drive along the undulating hills of Tuscany. According to author Frances Mayes, Tuscany is "the sweetest countryside I know, where inviting roads wind off into fields punctuated by abandoned stone houses."

(Text adapted from and photograph shot on assignment for, but not published in, "With Frances Mayes in Tuscany," May/June 1999, National Geographic Traveler magazine)