House rental in Lucca, Italy - Tuscan farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and vineyards - Property 46576

Sightseeing/Leisure activities: Walking, jogging, cycling and horse-back riding in the mountains around the house are immensely enjoyable. Trains into the Garfagnana m stop at the foot of Casa Cantante's hill. The patriarchal villas of Lucca's turn of the 19th Century that still produce wine and olive oil is situated at 2-3 km. from Casa Cantante. The village of Montecarlo and the mondaine spa Montecatini Terme with its baths and gardens, and Peschia for its unspoiled ruggedness are worthy excursions at a half-hr. from 'Cantante'. Pisa is at a half-hour, as is the coastal area, Viareggio and the Versilia beaches, the dusty marble-quarrying mountain towns of Pietra Santa and Cararra. Even the towns of Florence, Sienna and San Gimignano are cultural highlights at 1 to 2 hours by car. The Roman/Medieval/ Renaissance town of Lucca surrounded by its famous in-tact wall, is a day's outing (by bike ideal) to discover unforgettable architecture, hundreds of churches, restaurants serving delectable local dishes.

Local towns and areas to visit: Sightseeing at 15-30 min. from Casa Cantante -first spend a day discovering Lucca and witnessing its 3 main periods of history, 100 or more churches, visit Puccini's house and square and the Roman Amphitheatre area. Drive through soft hills to visit Montecarlo for wine tasting, then further to experience Montecartini Terme with its springs and baths where Verdi and Puccini wrote parts for Othello and La Boheme. Visit Pistola for its beautiful pre Renaissance architecture and the design of its old hospital buildings, to be reached along the Autostrada to Florence. Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli is reached quickly (great clothes accessories and leather goods for little money can be found in stores on the back road to PISA via Pontedera), and at 30 min. from Casa Cantante along the coast enjoy the beaches and shops (and discos) of Viareggio, the softer Versilia coast, the unspoiled towns of Carrara and Pietra Santo, cross the Apuanian Range for the ancient towns of BARGA, Castelnuova.

Garfagnana / Islands: In the Garfagnana region along the Apuanian range immediately to the north of Casa Cantante discover old mountain towns with ancient stone bridges and towers, and resting places like Barga with its lovely cathedral and position. Walk through the once very famous spa Bagni di Lucca where years ago Somerset Maughm und Thomas Mann were guests. (Going by train into this region from Ponte a Moriano is recommended to better appreciate the landscape full of surprising elements.). By boat from Livorno the isles of Gorgona and Giglio (other islands, as well, in this Archipelago that is being changed into a protected Natural Park Area) with their picturesque harbours and clear water coves (sheltering lobster and other exotic fish) can be toured, GORGONA by bus. In 'Cala Scirocco' on Gorgona one is allowed to swim. Here the water can be so clear that viewing at 30 m down is possible. Don’t miss: Lucca's Via Stadio market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings for unusual household textiles.