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 Lucca: a day among walls, towers, and local flavorsIt’s truly worth dedicating a full day to Lucca. The city can be explored on foot, but for a special experience we recommend renting a bike and riding along its ancient medieval walls — a unique route steeped in history and greenery.During your walk, stop at Felice in Via Buia for a slice of Cecina (a thin and crispy savory pie made with chickpea flour, water, oil, and a pinch of salt), and in Piazza San Michele to taste the traditional Buccellato, perhaps accompanied by a small glass of Biadina, a typical Lucchese liqueur, a herbal and quinine-based bitter, traditionally served with a handful of pine nuts in the glass to enhance its flavor. Its name comes from biada (animal fodder) bought by merchants at the Piazza San Michele market, where the liqueur originated in the 19th century thanks to a merchant named Tista.Don’t miss Lucca Cathedral with the Holy Face in Piazza San Martino, and the nearby Church of San Giovanni, where you can admire fascinating Roman excavations. Walking along Via Fillungo, you’ll reach Piazza Anfiteatro, perfect for a gelato or an aperitif.Climbing the Guinigi Tower offers an unforgettable view of the city, while the golden mosaic of San Frediano is a masterpiece not to be missed. A stroll through Piazza della Misericordia (known locally as Piazza della Pupporona) is perfect to cool off at the fountain. If you love gardens, Palazzo Pfanner and the Botanical Garden are both worth a visit.Lucca also offers excellent culinary options: from elegant restaurants like Gli Orti di Via Elisa, La Buca di Sant’Antonio, L’Imbuto, and Il Giglio, to the authentic atmosphere of Trattoria da Giulio.Pisa: a timeless iconA stop in Pisa is a must. The Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and Piazza dei Miracoli are universal symbols of Tuscany and perfect spots for memorable photos.Charming villages and landscapes: Montecarlo, Vicopisano, and PeccioliFor a romantic village, Montecarlo is ideal for a dinner or a relaxed family evening. We recommend InCucina and Vecchio Olivo, and for a truly special experience there’s the Michelin-starred Forassiepi.For something different, visit Vicopisano with its Brunelleschi-designed walls, and if you love meat, don’t miss Macelleria Testi. Nearby, the village of Peccioli is delightful — we love stopping at Caffè Haus, a family-run trattoria where the food is excellent and you feel right at home.Music lovers can head to Lajatico, home to Andrea Bocelli’s iconic Teatro del Silenzio, where you can also enjoy a meal or an aperitif in the charming local restaurants and cafés.Pietrasanta: art, workshops, and the seaArt enthusiasts will love Pietrasanta, full of galleries, artisan shops, and a lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, head to Marina di Pietrasanta for some beach time, then return to town for dinner at restaurants like Filippo, Il Giglio, Pinocchio, or Marzocco. Pietrasanta has a special charm both by day and night.Unforgettable experiences: marble and sunsetsFor a different kind of adventure, don’t miss the Carrara marble quarries, where the landscape is breathtaking and the history of marble extraction fascinates both young and old.Camaiore gourmet tour!If you stroll through the historic center of Camaiore, you can’t miss some true culinary delights. Meat lovers will find paradise at Alan, where the family tradition has been passed down from father to son since 1873. If you’re a fan of fresh pasta, Ristopasta’s specialties will win you over at the first bite. And for those who love pairing great food with excellent wine, Cantine Angeli is a little gem in the heart of the city, perfect for a stop amid authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Eat and drink… at the top!Nestled in the small village of Metato, on the hills of Camaiore, Il Fondaccio can be reached only on foot and is perfect for a sunset dinner with a view. Alternatively, enjoy an aperitif and dinner at Osteria Candalla, on the riverbank, where the atmosphere is unique and enchanting. Wherever you decide to go, reservations are highly recommended!Where to stayTo make the most of Tuscany, here are some of our selected accommodations:Our houses in Lucca and surroundingsOur houses in Pisa and surroundingsOur houses in Versilia

Discover Tuscany: Your Guide to Lucca, Pisa, and Charming Villages: Read More  

A paradise for birdwatchers, nature lovers, families, and anyone who longs to slow down and reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world. Here, silence speaks, colors shift with the seasons, and every visit becomes an unforgettable journey.The Magic of the OasisImagine walking along wooden boardwalks floating just above the water, the reeds swaying gently around you, and the sudden, graceful flight of a heron breaking the stillness. At every turn, the landscape reveals something new: rare species like the bittern or marsh harrier, the calls of coots and grebes, or the delicate bloom of aquatic plants.The atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else. In certain moments, the lake looks like an impressionist painting—soft light, golden reflections, and water mirroring the sky. It is a place that invites you to breathe deeply, slow your pace, and simply be present.A Journey Through TimeThe Lake of Massaciuccoli is not only a natural jewel but also a place rich in history. The Romans once built splendid villas on its shores—remains of mosaics and baths can still be seen in the archaeological area of Massaciuccoli. Walking through the Oasis, you can sense this blend of past and present: nature that has always been here, and people who have cherished it for centuries.An Experience for EveryoneThe Reserve is open all year round and welcomes more than 40,000 visitors annually. It offers something for all ages and interests:Birdwatching paradise: From observation hides along the 800-meter wooden walkway, you can spot rare species like the bittern, marsh harrier, and purple heron, alongside ducks, coots, grebes, and many migratory birds.Immersive boardwalks: A gentle path over the marshlands, perfect for families with children and easily accessible for everyone.Educational activities: A small natural history museum and guided tours make it an inspiring place for kids.Water adventures: Explore the lake’s canals on a guided boat trip, or paddle quietly by canoe or kayak for a closer look at its hidden corners.Moments of peace: Whether at sunrise, when mist rises from the water, or at sunset, when the lake glows gold and pink, the tranquility here is unforgettable.Visitor InformationAdmission: Free (guided tours and boat/canoe activities may have a fee)Opening hours: The Oasis is always open; check the LIPU website for guided activities and eventsAccessibility: The boardwalk is suitable for all visitorsLocation: Massaciuccoli, a hamlet of Massarosa (Lucca), inside the Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli Natural ParkBeyond the OasisA visit to the Oasis can be combined with exploring the surrounding area:Torre del Lago Puccini: Just a few minutes away, this lakeside town celebrates the world-famous composer Giacomo Puccini. Every summer it hosts the Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago, an internationally renowned opera event and the only festival in the world entirely dedicated to the Maestro. Staged in the open-air theater on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli, right next to Puccini’s villa where he lived and composed many of his masterpieces, the festival presents his greatest works in the very landscape that inspired them. Each year, thousands of opera lovers from around the globe gather here to experience the magic of Puccini’s music under the Tuscan sky.Tuscan hills and villages: Rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves surround the lake, offering scenic drives and authentic food experiences.Local flavors: Don’t miss the chance to taste the products of the area, from wines to olive oil, often enjoyed in traditional trattorias with a lake view.A View Like No OtherFor those who wish to stay close to this enchanting corner of Tuscany, Villa alle Poiane offers a privileged view over Lake Massaciuccoli. From its terraces, the panorama changes constantly with the light and the seasons—sometimes serene and blue, sometimes golden, sometimes cloaked in mist. A truly fascinating, one-of-a-kind place to call home during your Tuscan holiday.

Where Nature Reflects in the Water: The Lipu Massaciuccoli Oasis: Read More