Walking Lucca’s streets is a pleasure in itself, but no trip to the city would be complete without wandering part of the city walls – 2.5 miles in all – built in the 17th century as a defence against the Tuscan dukes. From their tree-lined ramparts you can enjoy panoramas over the pantiled rooftops, occasionally descending to explore sights such as the peaceful little Giardino Botanico in the city’s southeastern corner.

Lucca’s stunning Romanesque cathedral – Duomo di San Martino - is one of Tuscany’s architectural masterpieces.

Museo Nazionale di Villa Guinigi - at the eastern end of the town, has a major collection of sculpture, paintings; and archaeological fragments, including objects dating back to the Etruscan and Roman periods. Among the exhibits are works by:

• Jacopo della Quercia
• Matteo Civitali
• Fra Bartolomeo

and paintings by anonymous Sienese and Lucchese masters.

More paintings can be seen across the city in the Pinacoteca Nazionale, housed in the Palazzo Mansi, a wonderful rococo palace.

Lucca – with her immaculate medieval centre and exquisite boutiques is a 20 minute drive away from our farmhouses.