Monsummano Terme is a lively Tuscan town situated between Florence and Lucca. It is famous above all for its spa, (an ideal place to relax and pamper one’s body), and for having given birth to the poet Giuseppe Giusti. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it is the ideal place for a tranquil and relaxing holiday. It is well placed in central Tuscany because it is only 50 km from the sea, 60 from the mountains, (where it is possible to ski in winter), 50 from Florence, 30 from Lucca and 50 from Pisa. All these places can be visited, either by bus or by train. If you wish I can accompany you to the sea or the mountains, where I can also, if required, teach you to ski as I have skied since I was five years old. It is also possible to organize guided visits for a day in Florence, Lucca or Pisa, where I could show you the masterpieces of Italian art, (works by Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael, Giotto etc) or to visit the nearby medieval towns like Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo, that is only 20 minutes from Monsummano. The countryside around Monsummano is perfect for hiking or mountain biking all year round and I could show you the most beautiful and interesting places, a chance not to be missed by all lovers of nature and of outdoor activities. There is a golf club and several tennis clubs nearby as well (I am a good tennis player, and I could also help a beginner). Climbers can brave the sides of Monsummano Alto, the hill next to the town, while those keen on hiking can explore the paths of the nearby Montalbano hills, one of the most beautiful and scenic in Tuscany. Of particular natural interest is the Padule of Fucecchio, a natural reserve where it is possible to admire many species of animals and plants. If you love places away from mass tourism, it is also possible to organize guided tours in natural paradises like Chianti, Garfagnana, Cinque Terre, Montalbano, the Park of the Apuan Alps etc., that, by car, are not far from Monsummano. In Monsummano it is also possible to go to the theatre, to the cinema-in summer – and to visit the museum or the famous sanctuary of the Madonna of the Fontenuova. For the young there are bars and discos which are very popular. For shopaholics, beyond the shops in Monsummano, there are numerous shops and boutiques of the highest quality in nearby Montecatini Terme. Florence airport is only 40 km away, and Pisa airport is only 60 km away, and if necessary I can come and meet you on arrival and return you to the airport when you leave.

FRANCESCO BARDELLI Via Grotta Giusti 20, 51015 Monsummano Terme - Pistoia - Italy Tel. +39 0572 090133 E-mail: info@tuscanhomestay.com