Antica Casa dei Rassicurati

Lucca, one of our favorite Italian cities, is well situated near Pisa, with the beautiful Valdera countryside to the south, the Apuane mountain range to the north, the seaside 20 kilometers away, and many splendid villas and famous gardens scattered in the vicinity. The city, however, is directly surrounded by a heavily commercial area until you get to the olive oil and wine country around the charming hilltop town of Montecarlo, 15 kilometers east of town. This medieval stone village with fortress walls has several good restaurants and cafés, its own theater where Puccini was known to put on operas, and many olive-oil-producing farms and wineries close by. All bedrooms on two upper floors are simply appointed with wrought-iron beds, eyelet curtains and floral bedspreads. A rich and tasty breakfast, made with local and homemade products, is served either out on the front patio where you can observe the daily life of the locals, or in the miniature breakfast room to the right of the reception and mini sitting area (with internet point) where a wine and coffee bar is open all day. You are left a front door key when returning in the evening.