Casa Fina: House Rental, 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4 in Fivizzano

What to do: Numerous bars, pizzerias and restaurants are to be found in the local villages. Close by is the delightful market town of Fivizzano with a good selection of shops. Cafes and restaurants circle the piazza with its elegant fountain, creating a relaxing atmosphere in which to sit and enjoy an early evening drink. Wandering its small lanes brings you to the church where beautiful 16th century frescoes were recently discovered during renovation work. Between 10 and 15 minutes drive, is Aulla a regional centre with major supermarkets and much larger selection of shops, stores, garages, banks and the hospital. The town is a centre of new investment and is located on the main La Spezia - Parma motorway and is also a main railway junction, both with connections to the stunning Cinque Terre coast, a World Heritage site and of course Pisa, Lucca and Florence .

Local activities range from skiing in the winter, the nearest slopes are about ten miles away, walking and mountain bike riding, all manner of water sports at Lerici and swimming in July and August at the local open air pools. A thermal hot spring is to be found at Equiterme, also with open air pool and spectacular caves. Tennis, golf and horse riding are all available in the local area. Alternatively just spend the day exploring a new village or hamlet, especially on market day, trying the local bars and restaurants and watching the Italian world move by. A train ride from Gassano along the spectacular valley to he lovely town of Lucca, is well worth the trip.