How to get to Tuscany:
The landscape of Tuscany is truly beautiful; walled towns, towering Cyprus trees, rolling vineyards, and the tranquillity of a rural lifestyle, which has been preserved through the centuries.
Tuscan cities such as Florence, Siena and Pisa as well as towns such as Lucca, Pistoia, Cortona and Arezzo, house some of Italy's greatest artistic treasures.
The region is served by both Pisa and Florence but it is also possible to fly into Bologna and Rome.
Places to visit in Pistoia:
Piazza della Sala, from the Longobarda era; Piazza del Duomo, large space of Medieval origins, onto which the major public and sacred buildings of the city face (Palazzo del Comune, Palazzo Pretorio, Palazzo dei Vescovi, Cathedral, Baptistery); Ceppo Hospital with its extremely beautiful Fiorentino arcade; Church of S. Giovanni Fuorcivitas; Church of S. Andrea; Church of S. bartolomeo in Pantano.
If the sights of the city itself are not enough for you, you could try visiting towards the end of July (25th), when the Giostra dell'Orso (the Joust of the Bear) is held. This involves a procession in costume and a horse-riding competition.
Zoological Gardens of Pistoia:
The Zoo is situated in the beautiful hills around Pistoia in a wooded area of 75,000m², and is the home of over 600 animals including about 65 species of mammals, 40 species of birds and 30 of reptiles. The majestic jaguar, the mighty polar bear, the agile Rothschild's giraffe, the enormous reticulated python and the rare Madagascan ring-tailed lemur are just some of the animals to be found in the zoo. New plans to make the zoo even more attractive and interesting will soon be underway: the management intends to make it a leading conservation centre for endangered species and for nature and environmental study. A day at the zoo is undoubtedly a unique opportunity to experience the animal world at close range.
Ski:
Abetone is a well known, visited by tourists from all over the world, skiing resort in the Pistoia Appennines situated 1388 m above sea level.
The ski slopes reach altitudes of up to 1900 m. All levels of skiers can be engaged here.
Golf:
The house is situated close to various golf courses. A fantastic golf course is available at Montecatini Golf Club in Montecatini which is 15 mins drive away.
Other Activities:
Spa centre