A little about the area:
Nicciano
Nicciano is situated in the heart of the Garfagnana, surrounded by lush green countryside and stunning mountain scenery is what real rural Italy is all about.
The mediaeval village is a 5 minute walk way and there is a bar/basic shop for essentials. Just above the village is a little hamlet (10 minute walk cross country) which has a fantastic little family run restaurant where you can dine al fresco on exquisitely cooked home made and home grown food. This restaurant is open from Thursday to Sunday in high season and Friday to Sunday other times.
There is also a good pizzeria which is a 15/20 min walk away (or a couple of minutes by car).
The local village of Piazza Al Serchio with its bars, couple of restaurants, supermarket, train station, river and Tuesday morning market when the village comes alive, is say 3 minutes away by car.
The views from this extremely peaceful property are magnificent – the house overlooks the green and fertile Serchio valley, with views of the Apuane and Appenine Alps.
This really is the perfect location – an ideal place to unwind deep in the countryside, yet close enough to all local amenities, and a convenient base for exploring by car or train.
For sightseeing and days out why not try:
Castelnuovo – local market town with Thursday morning market, regular festivals both cultural and musical and a bit of life… 25 mins
Barga – beautiful mediaeval and arty little town with Cathedral, great architecture, and renowned restaurants. Cobbled streets and little piazzas, often graced with live music, jazz parades, or markets under the stars… 40 mins
The Buffardello – climbing and zip wire park with courses suitable for both small children and the most adventurous of adults – 15 mins
Fortress of Verrucole- amazing views from this mediaeval fortress, and there is also an interactive museum which youngsters tend to like as they can try their hand at a little archery too – 15 mins
Lucca – At Lucca, one can hire bicycles and hire around the still intact City walls, meander through the cobbled streets, visit beautiful churches, climb towers, and shop til you drop, stopping off of course at wonderful restaurants and gelaterias… One can also listen to Puccini performances every night of the year, in one of the local churches … Just over an hour
Grotta del Vento – the amazing wind caves – well worth a visit – fantastic tour. Why not stop off a the old monastery for a wild trout lunch on the way back? 1 hr
Pisa – with its famous tower- 90 mins
Florence – 2 hrs
The Cinque Terre- 2 hours
Equiterme – thermal mud baths set amongst caves and a thermal swimming pool . one stop on train
National Park of Orecchiella – less than 30 mins
Parco Levegliese- outdoor adventure park with waterfall jumping, rock climbing etc – 1 hr
CAR NECESSARY