People who head to property in Italy for four months of food heaven could follow in the footsteps of Julia Roberts.

In her upcoming movie Eat, Pray, Love, the Hollywood actress spends a third of a year in property in Italy.

Tour operator World Expeditions reports her discovery of "the true pleasure of nourishment" and suggests a trip to Tuscany in order to experience the region's gastronomic delights first-hand.

However, it is not only the food that awaits visitors, as Italy's self-proclaimed "best region" also offers wine estates, art and Etruscan ruins to catch the eye.

Walking enthusiasts in particular could find a footpath to enjoy amid the rolling countryside, olive groves and chestnut forests.

The region's own official tourism site lists five different types of destination that holidaymakers can enjoy.

Cities and spas are the two residential options, while the natural environment divides into the countryside, the mountains and the seaside.

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