Experience family- friendly Tuscany

Beauty is all around us and if you have a passion for Italy - Tuscany is for you. Our family thoroughly enjoyed the calm setting of our rented villa Alvise, in Marti. Nestled deep in wine country, Alvise overlooks beautiful rolling hills and plush landscapes. Marti personified a dreamy state of quiet simplicity our family was in search of; whether lazily lounging about in the pool or taking day trips to nearby cities, we cherished the peacefulness the countryside brought. Time seemed to creep along slowly as we woke every morning, refreshed, waiting to find our next great Tuscan discovery.
The area we chose to visit was perfect for exploring. The cities of Pisa, Lucca and Florence were an hour drive from our residence- perfect for families who have little ones opposed to long road trips. Pisa, one of the world's seven wonders, was interesting, although filled with tourists. Lucca, a small scenic city, was a delight to visit. The cobblestone streets, exquisite boutiques and food (my girls enjoyed the fresh gelato) were easily accessible with strollers. Lucca has now managed to squeeze itself in my top five must-see cities in Europe.
Whether you choose to stay firmly grounded in the villa (there is a grocery store nearby and a great stone pizza oven in the garden), or if you are looking for a day to day adventure, Tuscany is a great visit. Side note: This particular villa is rather large, so you can easily fit your best friend and his or her family as well.