(45 minutes) Famed of course for its leaning tower, which is the bell tower of its magnificent cathedral, it does in fact contain more than 20 other historic churches, medieval palaces and bridges over the Arno. Its original wealth and prosperity grew as a result of its maritime history and endeavours, trading and otherwise, which is reflected in much of the city now.

(20 minutes) A magnificent old walled town and typical of the Tuscan hill towns. The Palazzo dei Priori contains superb medieval frescoes and commands superb views. The old Roman theatre contains the remains of the ruins of 3rd century baths. Known very much as an Etruscan and medieval art centre.

(1 hour) On the Serchio river. It’s known for the immense and well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city centre and its cobblestone streets. Broad, tree-lined pathways along the tops of these massive 16th- and 17th-century ramparts are popular for strolling and cycling.

(1 hour) is a rich in Gothic architecture and is one of the best-preserved Italian medieval towns, with city walls, gates and the many famous tower-houses as well as several masterpieces of 14th and 15th century art.

(1 ½ hrs) is distinguished by its medieval brick buildings. The fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, is the site of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower with sweeping views from its distinctive white crown. The city’s 17 historic “contrade” (districts) extend outward from the piazza.

(approx. 1 ½ hrs) Day trips to Florence are easily manageable, either by car or train.  Alternatively, it is possible to take a train from Cecina station, where you can take advantage of free parking and cheap train travel to take a relaxing journey into the city, arriving 5 minutes walk from the Duomo.

The closest beaches are 25 minutes away around Cecina, either pebbled or sandy, and bordered by century-old pine forests with many beach-front restaurants to choose from. For white sandy beaches, head to Rosignano, where the sodium bicarbonate plants have created caribbean-like white sand.

Located in Riparbella, only 5 kms away from the villa, the “Giardino Sospeso” is an adventure park set in the most beautiful oak forest. Children and adults have a choice of acrobatic courses on fixed and suspended platforms through the tree tops. It offers courses of varying degrees of difficulty and length. Children can also learn the basic techniques of archery with a qualified instructor. The park also organises birthday parties and summer camps. In Cecina there is also a Waterpark that is very popular with children.

Food is a fundamental pleasure and part of Tuscany life. There are a huge variety of delights available to sample.

There are a number of markets in the area for those in search of fresh produce. For example, in nearby Cecina on Tuesday mornings, visitors have the chance to sample one of the region’s specialities: the delicious porchetta (roast suckling pig seasoned with sage or rosemary, fennel, and plenty of salt and pepper) served warm in fresh bread rolls. Also available in abundance are the fresh cheeses, wild porcini mushrooms, local wines and vegetables.

The House Information Book has a list of recommendations for eating out with helpful comment and opinions. From Villa Serenissima foodies have a good choice of excellent restaurants, including Michelin-starred ones, as well as some of Italy’s finest vineyards on their door-step.

No trip is complete without sampling some of the wines from this region. The vineyards around the medieval village of Bolgheri are known for producing Italy’s super Tuscan wines such as Sassicaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia  and are just a short drive away, so you can enjoy some wine-tasting before purchasing directly at source.

The following are golf courses within easy reach:

Cosmopolitan Golf and Country Club (55 minutes)

Golf Club Tirrenia (50 mins)

Golf Club Punta Ala (1 hr 10 minutes) one of the most beautiful and close to the beach.

Golf Club Ugolino (1 hr 45 mins) the oldest course in Tuscany.

Antognolla, in the heart of Umbria (20 mins North of Perugia)

There are a number of riding stables where you can book a riding lesson or go for a ride in the countryside.

The immediate area is ideal for a leisurely walk in the unspoilt surrounding countryside. There are excellent details and maps of a number of walks from the house and in the area that range in length and difficulty.

Bike riding is a very popular sport in Italy and there are lots of cycle routes in this area. Hire bikes can be arranged for you during your stay and advice given as to where to go.

There are a number of thermal baths in Tuscany – possibilities include Terme di Venturina and Terme di Sassetta

Wind/kite surfing can be enjoyed closest at Rosignano (30 minutes)

Tuscany hosts a great variety of traditional events throughout the year. The local communities treat these events as an opportunity to confirm their roots and identity and it is a wonderful opportunity for tourists to experience genuine expressions of local culture. A list of many of the events in the area is in The House Information Book.