Empoli, Vinci and the heart of Tuscany....
La Casa di Ruggero is located in the historic centre of Empoli, just off the walking precinct. All the town centre facilities are within walking distance: railway station, restaurants, shops, the wonderful XII century Collegiata Church (right) with the remarkable Pinacoteca Museum. And then, of course, there is Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci, and a lovely village in itself, with its medioeval castle and museums. Vinci can be reached in just 25 minutes with very frequent bus services from Empoli and is a very good starting point for walks on the Montalbano hills, amongst olive trees - all accessible by public transport! Try for instance the 'Green Road' which from the village leads to the humble house where Leonardo himself was born.Other beautiful places in the area: Montelupo Fiorentino, with a well-organized pottery museum &minus where it is also possible to take pottery classes &minus the lively pottery festival in June and a nice golf course. San Miniato, and its "Rocca" (Rock), Cerreto Guidi and Artimino with their magnificent Medici Villas.
Empoli and the surrounding towns are known as Le Terre del Rinascimento (The Lands of Renaissance) Finally, by train, we are only 30 minutes away from the centres of Florence and Pisa - and only one hour from Siena which is a truly medioeval gem. Lucca, Pistoia, Prato, S. Gimignano and its towers, the world-famous Chianti and the seaside resorts on the Tuscan coast all are within short driving distance and in many cases comfortably reachable by public transport. This is the heart of Tuscany!
