Where is Vitiana, I can’t find it on any map? Vitiana is 7 km northwest of Bagni di Lucca, which is north of Lucca and west of Florence. The closest village is Tereglio. Into what airport should I fly? Florence and Pisa airports are the closest to Vitiana (approximately 2 hour drive) and have several rental car agencies to choose from including National/Maggiore, Avis, and Thrifty. Milan and Rome are the next closest airports. Do I need a rental car? To best enjoy your time in Vitiana and the area, I recommend one and have found National/Maggiore to be the most affordable and accommodating. For great service, try www.easyterra.com. And, please, please, buy the extra insurance at the rental agency; it’s worth it. Vitiana has a passageway into the piazza that is very narrow, uphill, and a bit curved so chances are good you will scratch one of the mirrors or bumpers. If you have the insurance, there are no questions asked when you return the car. If you don’t have the insurance and you scratch the car, expect at least a $500 charge on your credit card. An economy car is best navigated through this passageway, but do what is comfortable for you. I typically rent a Fiat Punto which will handle three people with luggage from the airport and four people for a day trip. There is parking below this passageway if you dare not venture through it, but you’re in for a steep uphill walk to the house. What’s the weather like? March to April is around 55° F with spring rainfall. May and June bring daytime temperatures of 60 – 75° F and the area blooming with local flora. July, August and early September is summer weather and temperatures can reach 80 – 85° F; because of its mountain altitude, Vitiana is degrees cooler than the valley cities and the house stays comfortable with portable fans. Mid-September to October days are warm averaging 60° F with cool nights as low as 40° F. November day time temperatures hover around 50° F with chilly nights. Vitiana is subject to heat waves and cool streaks, so it’s best to pack clothing you can layer. Are there any other additional costs associated with the house (i.e. insurance, utilities, etc.)? No. Renters are only responsible for the rental and cleaning fee. As owner, ORD pays for house insurance, electricity, gas, water, and trash bills. Wood is provided for heating during the cooler months. There is one large wood stove in the living room, a second small wood stove in the master bedroom, and a fireplace in the kitchen. What type of beds (doubles, singles, etc)? Each bedroom has a double bed. There is a single day bed in the sunroom. Are there any bedrooms on the main floor? Yes. There are two bedrooms and a bathroom on the main floor. Do you have to climb stairs to get to the living quarters? Yes. There are two stairs up to the main floor from the foyer and the kitchen. To reach the master bedroom and sunroom on the second floor there is an open staircase with about 20 stairs. Is it possible to have internet access at Casa di Julie? There is no internet access at the house. The closest and most affordable way to check email or use the internet is at the tourist information office in Bagni di Lucca or an internet cafe in Lucca. Is there phone service at the house? No. But you can rent a cellular phone to arrive at your house prior to your departure and send it back upon your return. I recommend Cellular Abroad (www.cellularabroad.com ). Or you can call your cell phone company to see if your phone will work in Italy. Cell phone reception is available in certain parts of the house: upstairs sunroom and downstairs bedrooms. You must have the phone on and in one of these areas to receive calls in the house.