Cultural Highlights:
The apartment is ideally located for taking advantage of the rich architecture and culture of Tuscany. The major cultural centres of Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Volterra, San Gimignano and Siena are within easy reach by car. There are regular and inexpensive trains from Pontedera, just a few miles away to Florence, Lucca, Siena and beyond. Around every corner there are dozens of quiet, picturesque small towns and villages just waiting for you to discover. Well-known concert venues such as Lucca, Torre del Lago ( Puccini Festival) and Il Teatro di Silenzio ( Andrea Boccelli) are close by. The carnival in Viareggio ( Feb/March) is a huge delight and has to be seen to be believed- great fun.
Throughout the summer, and in this area, from May there always seems to be a village festival of some kind to visit. Close by we have a wine festival, strawberry festival, not to mention our own village festivlal.
April/May and Sept/Oct are ideal times for sight-seeing as it is cooler and less crowded.
Relaxation Tuscan Style:
The area is great for driving, walking or cycling and taking in the wonderful atmosphere of the beautiful countryside. There is golf available at Castelfalfi half an hour away. Fishing is close by. The nearby spa in Casciana Terme is a lovely place to relax in the outdoor thermal pool or pamper yourself with one of the special beauty treatments on offer in the Wellness Centre. You may choose to just simply relax at the apartment making use of the garden and pool. The sandy Tuscan coastline and the beaches of Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia, Versilia, Viareggio (Lent carnival) and Forte dei Marmi (up-market shopping and antiques) are a short drive away where you can soak up beach life Italian style. The spectacular and picturesque fishing villages of the Cinque Terre and stunning Portovenere and Portofino are well worth the extra driving distance.
Cecina, on the Tuscan coast has sandy beaches and a water park, just the right antidote to an overdose of culture! Only about 40 minutes away.
Eating Out:
Near by there is a wide range of gorgeous places to eat to suit all tastes and all budgets.
Locally produced wine and olive oil can be purchased directly from many of the growers found in the area.
The friendly village pizzeria and the bar are only 2 minutes away from the apartment on foot.
The close by spa town of Casciana Terme has an attractive piazza, a great place to sit and people watch from an outdoor bar or cafe. In the summer season there is a variety of cultural events organised for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.
Other Activities:
Spa and Wellness Centre in Casciana Terme 6km, golf 30 minutes in Castelfalfi.
