If you want to explore the surrounding area there are plenty of things to see and do.  In terms of the main attractions, Lucca is just a twenty minute drive from the villa, Pisa is an hour away, Florence takes ninety minutes, while Sienna can be reached in around two hours.  Activities such as horse-riding, tennis and golf are also available nearby.  If you want to go to the beach, the nearest seaside resort is Viareggio.  Other nearby places of interest include the spa town of Bagni di Lucca where you can bathe in the thermal waters and enjoy other spa treatments and also the picturesque medieval town of Pistoia.

 

In the foothills surrounding Lucca are several grand, historic villas and gardens which are now open to the public, including Villa Reale, Villa Grabau, Villa Buonvisi, Villa Camigliano and Villa Mansi.

 

Other attractions worth a visit include the Museum of Modern Art in Montecatini, the 12th-century Ponte de Maddalena or Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge) at Borgo a Mozzano, the Grotto del Vento (Wind Cave) in Fornovolasco and Barga with its Lombard Castle.

 

Children may also enjoy the Parco di Pinocchio in Collodi, the birthplace of Carlo Lorenzini, the author of the famed children’s book 'Pinocchio.'  This is a 1950s theme park, with beautiful gardens, a butterfly house and a century-old funicular railway.

 

If it floats your boat, wine and olive tasting tours can also be arranged at www.fattoriadifubbiano.it.

 

There's plenty to to see and do if you fancy making a little holiday out of your trip!