WHERE ARE WE?
Casa Roberti is located on the Monte Pisani Hills that stretch between Pisa and Lucca. Only 10 minutes drive from the Lucca walls, 20 minutes from Pisa and the airport, 30 minutes from the seaside and 1 hour from Florence. We are ideally located for easy access to most of Tuscany, the nearest motorway junction is only about 7 minutes drive, the nearest railway station is in Lucca and the nearest port is an hour away at Livorno.
Just down the hill in Coselli, (6 mins Drive) there is a newsagents, take away pizza shop, butchers, hairdressers, barbers, dry cleaners and 2 bars (one very local and one new and modern) there is also a new Enoteca (cheese and wine shop) which sells a wide selection of interesting varieties which you can try on the premises. There are plenty of restaurants within a 10 minute drive, one a five star. There are also a number of bars and a great home made ice cream parlour just down the road. The nearest Post Office is in Guamo (open all day) and has a cash machine about 7 minutes drive from the property. The nearest bank is also in Guamo . A more local Coop supermarket is in Guamo about 5 minutes and there is also a good baker in Guamo who makes fresh bread every morning.
LUCCA
Casa Roberti is located within 10 mins drive from the historical walled city of Lucca. The 16th Century walls that surround
it provide wonderful views across the city, popular with walkers, cyclists, both locals and tourists alike. Inside the city there is plenty of great shopping ranging from the unique locals to top designer shops . The city also has many museums, beautiful churches and every day, somewhere in the city there is a classical music concert. There are also many restaurants ice cream and coffee shops. Amongst the hills surrounding Lucca there is the 'strada di Vino' which is a marked wine trail to various vineyards which are open the the public where you can sample the wines and buy direct. The area also boasts many historic villas with beautiful gardens which are open to the public. To the South towards Pisa, there is the fabulous San Rossore Park a protected nature reserve on the coast, with a villa, animals, beautiful walks and activities including horse riding
PISA
Pisa needs no introduction, it remains one of the most famous cities in the world, there is the Leaning Tower in the Piazza Miracolo along with a beautiful cathedral and museum, lots of bars and restaurants and stalls selling all manner of gifts and suveniors. But Pisa is also a walled city like Lucca and there is a lot more to explore.
THE COAST
The nearest Public (free) beach is at Marina Di Vecchiana about 30 minutes by car. It is a nice secluded beach and has good parking a small bar and shop. The Versillian coast which stretches from Viaraggio (about 25 minutes drive) to the prestigious resort of Forte Di Marmi. All are long wide sandy beaches with bars, shops, deck chairs and parasols. Some lidos have their own swimming pools. The coastal road from Marina di Pisa towards Livorno and beyond has a more dramatic coastline with small, more natural beaches.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO
Florence is just an hour away and houses some of the finest art and sculpture, including of course Micelangelo's David. Florence is a vibrant and interesting city.
For beautiful scenery, a drive to the Garfagnana is a must, beautiful hills and woodlands with lovely villages perched on hillsides.
Siena is also close enough for a day trip and is a truly beautiful city, among the rolling hills of Chianti.
Cookery courses, painting, and Italian classes are all available locally.
If you would like to explore Tuscany with a difference, Ducati tours, based in Lucca operate well organized all inclusive motorbike tours around Tuscany, or you can hire a Ducati for the day and explore the area at your own pace.
Abetone ski resort is approx 1.5 hours drive, there is good skiing for all abilities and good facilities.
There are golf courses at Forte Dei Marmi approx 40 minutes drive, Montecatini also approx 40 minutes drive.