Po
Po is certainly the perfect location to unwind, in the unspoilt peaceful Tuscan hills. Every morning you can take a gentle stroll to the neighbouring hamlet of Ceri (Look for the sign to il Forno) where Anna runs her bakery producing bread from a traditional open wood fired oven. On Sunday she cooks wonderful pizzas and foccacia bread. she also has a small shop where you can buy local hams and cheeses. You will find Anna, like most Italians very friendly.
​
This is not a tourist area and so English is not widely spoken, but don't let that put you off as the locals are very friendly and happy to help.
​
There is also a bar at the bottom of the hill, La Funicolare which sells wonderful cappuccinos and also a wide selection of cheeses, meats and Vinca bread. If you are feeling energetic, it's a healthy 25 minutes walk or 5 minutes in the car.
​
In the spring time, the area comes alive with a profusion of wild flowers, flowering acacia and sweet chestnut trees. And in autumn the colours have been likened to New England. This is a very beautiful and as yet, an unspoilt area of Italy.
Fivizzano
A beautiful local town just 8 minutes drive away. Here you will find shops selling local Italian produce along with a well stocked supermarket which sells a good range of food, including gluten free products.
In the main piazza you will find a pizzeria selling some of the best (and cheapest) pizzas you will find. So in the summer months it is always best to make a reservation as the restaurant is very popular. Also in the piazza are bars and cafes selling coffees, pastries, beer and wine. Cafe Ricci run by three lovely sisters, also incorporates a Gelateria.
There are plenty of restaurants in the area and you will find details and recommendations of previous visitors in the house and visitors book. There are producing quality local food, which is the Italian way. You will generally find that dining out locally is much cheaper than the UK and unlike the UK, tips are not expected.
Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a collection of 5 idyllic seaside villages located on the Italian Riviera coast. The world famous heritage site is less than 1 hours drive away. The best way to visit is by driving to the nearby picturesque harbour of Lerici where you can get a hop on/hop off boat. For the more adventurous, the villages can also be accessed by a cliff-side path but be sure to pack plenty of water and comfortable footwear! Packed full of beautiful restaurants and some of the best seafood in the world.
In peak season it can get very busy, so we always recommend arriving early.