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From Monsummano Terme to Vinci
 If you follow the directions for Lamporecchio and Larciano you come to San Baronto
through the green hills of Montalbano covered with secular olive trees and luxuriant
grapevines. And then on to Vinci, birthplace of the man of the millennium.
Anchiano is just 3 km from the historical center, here you can visit the house
where Leonardo was born and admire the surrounding landscape pictured in the famous
Mona Lisa'. Not to be missed, a visit to the Leonardo Museum and Library which
contains the complete series of reproductions of manuscripts and drawings of Leonardo
and a vast documentation of the most important publications and monographs. When
in town, don't forget to buy the famous Montalbano olive oil and wine (approx.
60 km return).
Discover the Medieval hamlets around Monsummano Terme
 The Val di Nievole is surrounded by a series of enchanting Medieval hamlets set
in the hills framing the vast valley. To discover some of the most breathtaking
panoramas, on leaving Grotta Giusti go towards Montevettolini. After this, along
the panoramic road you will reach the delightful Medieval village of Massa and
then on to Cozzile. From here you can reach Uzzano and then through Colle to
Buggiano Castello. Each corner is perfect for panoramic photographs (approx.
30 km return).
From Monsummano Terme to "Svizzera Pesciatina"
 Following the directions for Pescia, the famous city of flowers, continue along
the Via Mammianese which runs alongside the river and you reach the Medieval town
of Pietrabona. If you take the Val di Torbola you reach Medicina, famous for
its Church built in the 15th Century. Continue through Fibbialla di Valleriana
and you will reach the castle of Aramo, ancient fortress overlooking the valley
and then on to San Quirico from where you have a splendid all round view. Just
a few km. will take you to Castelvecchio and then Stiappa, the town which, for
centuries marked the border between the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Grand Duchy
of Lucca. A must for gourmets is a stop-off at Sorana where they can stock up
on the delicious, famous beans (approx. 50 km return).
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