Vitiana (our village):
Situated on the top of a hill with the church at its highest point, Vitiana is a delightful working village with vineyards and organic farming. There is a bar in the piazza, a bakery van visits each morning, and fresh farm produce, meats and cheese (including wine) can be obtained in the village. Surrounded by chestnut forests and breathtaking scenery, you feel as if you are resting in the hands of nature. Vitiana is 10 minutes to Fornoli or Bagni di Lucca, the nearest villages with shops, and within easy access of the coast, ski resorts, Lucca, Florence and Pisa.

 
Bagni di Lucca:
Nestled in the Lima Valley, Bagni di Lucca feels like an alpine village even though it is only 152 meters above sea level. Known for its thermal springs and their therapeutic properties, which became popular in the 11th century, the town was also home to Lord Byron, Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
 
The Comune of Bagni di Lucca has four main centres:
Fornoli:
Known for its recently restored suspension bridge, Ponte delle Catene, and its enormous iron chains. Local railway station has trains to Lucca and Florence.
Ponte a Serraglio:
Famous for the casino, perhaps the first licensed casino in Europe and allegedly where roulette was invented. Now used for weddings, conferences, and the local Tourist Information office.
Bagni Caldi:
Translates as "hot bath" and where one can find the two local spas: Global Village and Terme Jean Varraud
La Villa:
The administrative centre and location of many restaurants and shops, an open-air thermal swimming pool, a nature walk, a theatre, tennis club and paved path along the river.
 

Other nearby towns:
Tereglio:
Runs along the crest of a ridge for almost 1 kilometer and is only approximately 50 meters wide. The main street runs down the middle. The houses face on to the road; their backs looks over the deep valleys.
Barga:
The cathedral was built prior to 1000AD. Its square boasts a marvellous panorama. Wander through the alleys and squares and you will come across ancient stone portals, dark vaults, antique shops, flower gardens and facades of Renaissance buildings. Every summer Barga holds jazz and opera festivals.
Lucca:
A unique example of a "walled" city. Mention should be made of the musical tradition of Lucca, home of Boccherini and Gemignani, Catalani and Giacomo Puccini; also of the glorious silk industry that goes back to the Middle Ages. In this beautiful medieval town, artistic and historic monuments stand out, such as the Roman Amphitheatre Square; the Basilica of San Frediano; The Cathedral of St. Martino with the "Holy face" and the Ducale Palace in Napoleon Square. As well as its history, Lucca provides a wonderful shopping center with designer clothes shops, antique shops, craft shops, restaurants and coffee bars. There are antique and craft markets held each month and many festivals are celebrated with processions through the city streets. The hills that surround Lucca are well known for their wine production and the famous 'Villas and Gardens of Lucca', rich in historical parks, built from the 16th century onwards.