Between Pisa to the West and Florence to the East, the Arno plain to the South and the Appenines to the North, there is an area of Tuscany including the medieval city of Lucca, the market town of Pescia, the Svizzera Pesciatina, the spa town of Montecatini Terme, hill towns such as Montecarlo di Lucca and Montecatini Alto, and more. This part of Northern Tuscany has excellent transport links by air, road and rail.

The airports at Pisa and Florence have numerous flights from hub airports in the UK, Italy and elsewhere in Europe. The Italian autostrada network passes through between Florence and Pisa/Viareggio (A11 Firenze-Mare) with connections to all parts of Italy.

The Italian rail network (FSS) also provides connections from the Firenze-Viareggio line to anywhere in Italy (details from http://www.trenitalia.it/ ).

Lucca.

A delightful small city, established in Roman times but now enclosed by probably the most complete medieval walls of any city in Europe. Mostly pedestrianised within the walls and certainly walkable throughout. Until recently free of organised tourism, see it now.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki /Lucca
www.welcometuscany.it/tuscany /lucca/lucca.htm
English-language magazine: www.luccagrapevine.com

Montecatini Terme.

In the 1960s Montecatini was very fashionable with the Italian film set. Fellini filmed some of '8 1/2' at the Tettuccio Spas of Montecatini Terme. Good for drinking the waters or other health treatments at the many spas, generally open May-Oct. And shopping.

www.knowital.com/Towns/montecat ini/html/welcome_monte_terme .html

Florence.

Now overwhelmed by tourists throughout the year, but you still have to see the Duomo, the Baptistery doors, the Campanile, the Uffizi and much more...

www.aboutflorence.com/ is most informative