Haddock and Sakharine have a rivalry that goes back three hundred years: their ancestors crossed swords on the deck of a burning three-master.

NEWYORKER: Double Dare

Also in the house were three Samurai swords and several books, one titled "NRA guide to the basics of pistol shooting, " another about Asperger syndrome and one on autism.

CNN: SHARE THIS

Today, they echo to the tramp of modern invading hordes, three million tourists a year, armed with cameras and guidebooks rather than pikes and broad swords.

BBC: The perfect trip: Tuscany