Lucca and surroundings - Rent in Nature Lucca

architect

The Soul of Lucca: Between Stone Walls and Wild Greenery

Not too far from the historic walls of Lucca, both roads to our houses climb toward well-kept
secrets. At 400 meters above sea level, Tuscany stops being a crowded postcard and becomes a
deep breath.
Our homes are more than just places to stay; they are outposts of silence, nestled among olive and
chestnut groves with views that embrace the horizon. This is the Lucca that few truly know:
authentic, rural, disconnected from the noise, and deeply rooted in the earth.

Francesca Marzetti

Architect

Romantic Lucca (20 min drive from Casa Formentale/30 min drive from Casa Deccio)

Lucca is a living tapestry of history, where medieval charm meets the elegance of past kingdoms.
Enclosed by its iconic 16th-century walls, the old town is a pedestrian-friendly sanctuary.

➞ The Experience: Rent a bicycle and ride atop the wide, tree-lined ramparts, or lose yourself in the narrow cobblestone streets.

➞ Don't Miss: The Romanesque beauty of the Cathedral of St. Martin with the ancient Matilde di Canossa’s labyrinth, the oval-shaped Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and the Guinigi Tower—famed for the ancient oaks growing on its summit.

➞ Local Tip: After exploring, reward yourself with an authentic Italian gelato at Ele Gelati or a glass of local wine in one of the city's sophisticated piazzas.

Francesca Marzetti

Architect

architect

The Versilia Coast: Viareggio (25 min drive from Casa Formentale/60 min drive from Casa Deccio)

Known as the "Pearl of Versilia" Viareggio is where the Tuscan hills meet the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture, with grand hotels and villas lining a vibrant promenade.

➞ The Experience: Spend a day on wide, golden beaches or stroll through the port to admire the luxury yachts.

➞ Nature Escape: Just south of the bustle lies the Parco di Migliarino—23 km of protected dunes, wild forests, and the peaceful Lake Massaciuccoli. Perfect for those seeking a "sea-side" version of our nature retreats.

Francesca Marzetti

Architect

Florence: The Renaissance Heart (60 min drive from both Casa)

The capital of Tuscany needs little introduction. Once the intellectual soul of Europe, Florence remains an open-air museum of Renaissance art and Medici grandeur.

➞ The Experience: The historic center is beautifully compact. Cross the jewelry-laden Ponte Vecchio, marvel at the marble facade of the Duomo or at Uffizi, or find peace in the sprawling Boboli Gardens.

➞ A Cultural Day-Trip: Ideal for a full immersion into history before returning to the silence of your hilltop home.

Francesca Marzetti

Architect

architect

Cinque Terre: A UNESCO Gem (better by train or ferry)

Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore: the five gravity-defying villages clinging to the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera.

➞ The Experience: This is a landscape of vertical vineyards and turquoise waters.

➞ Our Advice: Avoid the traffic. Park your car at Viareggio or Levanto station and take the local train; the rail line hugs the coastline, offering breathtaking views that you simply can't see from the road.

Francesca Marzetti

Architect

Porto Venere (1 hour and a half from both Casa)

Often called the "sixth town" of the Cinque Terre, Portovenere is a UNESCO jewel where colorful tall houses meet the deep blue of the Ligurian Sea. It is a place of sheer beauty, where the rugged cliffs and the medieval fortress tell stories of sailors and poets like Lord Byron.

➞ The Experience: Walk to the tip of the promontory to visit the Church of San Pietro, a Gothic masterpiece perched directly above the waves. Explore the "carruggi"; (narrow stone alleys) filled with the scent of fresh pesto and fried seafood.

➞ Nature Escape: Take a short boat ride to the Palmaria Island just across the channel. It’s a
paradise for hikers and nature lovers, offering wild paths and crystal-clear coves that perfectly mirror the "Nature Unplugged" philosophy of your stay.

➞ Our Advice: Portovenere is best enjoyed by sea. If you have time, take a ferry from the harbor to see the Cinque Terre coastline from the water—it’s the most romantic perspective. Before coming back, take a break at Rifugio Muzzerone with its fantastic food and wonderful view on Palmaria island.

Francesca Marzetti

Architect

architect

Pisa: Beyond the Leaning Tower (25 min drive from Casa Formentale/50 min drive from Casa Deccio)

While the Piazza dei Miracoli and its leaning tower are world-famous, the true soul of Pisa lies in its hidden corners.

➞ The Experience: Step away from the main tourist trail to discover Pisa’s vibrant university atmosphere. Explore the cozy squares, riverside "Lungarni" walks, and sun-drenched terraces where locals enjoy their aperitivo. It’s a city of surprising intimacy and charm.