What is the best way to get to the Villas east of Lucca from Montecatini? Can I achieve this without renting a car? I am mainly interested in visiting public gardens and possibly Parco di Pinocchio. ... more

... frequent if I remember. The public park I believe is a very early example of a formal Italian garden and its associated villa appeared not to be open to visitors. The whole place would need some research and even a glimps inside would be great. Good luck with that. Bob ... more

... not far. The garden is Villa Garzoni gardens ... ... give you an idea. The villas around Lucca seem trickier without a car, though some intrepid types rent a bicycle, apparantly all the Lucca villas are within 10km if you're up for that. Also there are Lucca based companies that do villa tours ... more

... to eat one evening at Villa Pasquini! (see my review of this hotel and one slow travelers via google and the villa��s name) You definitely need a car anyway, so just drive up there and enjoy the views. There are lots of beautiful villas all around, take a look ... more

My wife and I are both seniors, we would like to rent a small apartment in Montecatini Terme for two months in April and May within easy walking distance to shopping. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Sailorwoman ... more

Hi thinking of going to Monticatini next summer so looking for a villa or apartment withing walking distance of the town.I have been before but stayed in a hotel so looking for a change. Thanks ... more

Does it have to be a hotel? You mention your family - you might want to consider a self-catering apartment with pool and so on. One of the more luxurious ones is Le Coloniche www.lecoloniche.com. I believe they offer a buffet breakfast. ... more

Does anyone have any reviews of this area and villas they may have stayed at. Anyone heard of Villa Montalbano. ... more

... there are lots of good villas to stay at, I could recommend Agriturismo Leonardo da Vinci, it is about 5k from the town and owned by a lovely family Tel:055 753453-328 2194482, you can book direct or through www.interhome.co.uk Pistoia is a lovely city with ... more