We were lucky enough to be invited to spend this week with Jack’s grandparents in a swanky resort in Tuscany.
So, we left Florence early on Monday morning and made our way to the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa. This is where we were to spend the next 6 nights, sleeping in real beds, eating from the buffet and showering whenever we bloody well wanted to. Pure luxury.
The resort itself sits dramatically on a mountain overlooking the Serchio Valley, with panoramic views from the sun-drenched terrace. The outdoor ‘seasonal’ pool was closed but pretty to look at nonetheless and the indoor pool and sauna were just as inviting. Included in the package was also a free wine tasting and cooking class which turned out to be equal parts fun and instructive.
From the resort we visited the surrounding villages of Barga, Gallicano, Castlenuovo, Castiglione, Pisa and Lucca. All ranging in size but all pretty as a picture and worth a look.
BARGA – the main town in the Middle Valley and a 10 minute drive from the resort. Typical Italian style medieval village with winding streets and colourful houses, built on the side of a hill. We became quick fans of Pasticceria Lucchesi and had lunch here twice (under 10€ for 2 people).
GALLICANO – located on the Serchio River and adorable as anything. The 1€ coffees were a hit.
CASTLENUOVO – a bigger village with markets that operate every Thursday. Probably the least appealing of all the villages we visited.
CASTIGLIONE – a medieval walled town that is rumoured to be one of the prettiest towns in Italy. I wouldn’t go that far but it was quaint (with not a soul in sight). We had lunch outside the walls at Ristorante il Castello – perfect setting and delicious food.
PISA – we visited for obvious reasons but it turned out to be quite remarkable. Beyond the leaning tower and cathedral, the town itself was unexpected and big.
LUCCA – is known for the well-preserved walls encircling its historic city centre and its cobblestone streets. Broad, tree-lined pathways along the tops of these massive ramparts are extremely popular to wander along.
To get around, we hired a car which is a must if you’re spending a week or so in the area. Turns out Barga’s car supply is limited so five grown adults all squished into a Fiat Panda which is probably the equivalent to a Nissan Micra. It was interesting to say the least – photo evidence below.
Until Week Twenty! Arrivederci x
Recent Comments