Overall: The villa was everything we could have hoped - there was plenty of room, it was amply appointed, and the views could not have been more spectacular. Enjoyed Most: Casa Marlia is located just far enough away from the larger cities of Tuscany to give you a real sense of being able to "get away from it all" - but close enough to access many of the big draws of the region. The best thing about Casa Marlia is the spectacular views - the beautiful grounds immediately surrounding the property, to the town of Lucca below, and the amazing Tuscan hillsides. Enjoyed Least: There was an odor in the kitchen area - strong enough to be noticeable but not strong enough to ruin the overall experience. Editor's Note: The housekeeper did an end-of-season check on the reported odor in the kitchen. No odor was detected, and no further mention of it was made by subsequent autumn visitors to the property. November, 2015. Surrounding Area: Casa Marlia is so accessible to so many things - the town of Lucca (which was truly amazing), Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, and all of Tuscany. Our best day was spent driving higher into the hills and seeing the tiny villages where everyday life happens - such an authentic taste of Tuscany! We literally bumped into a small vineyard, stopped and asked if we could look around. The owners very graciously asked us into their tasting room (completely without any reservation) and provided a taste of their wonderful wines. In their restaurant next door, there was a large group who was there for a cooking class. Next trip I will be signing up for that class! Nearby Events or Locales: Ciciana - if you are very brave you could walk here, but not advisable on the very small and winding roads. There was one trattoria there - which serves a mean Pizza Margherita! Tips or Restaurants: If it's possible in your timing or your budget, take advantage of having a chef come to the villa. I think this was the best evening we spent - and we learned so much. We'll be recreating our meal in a few weeks here at home. Lina and Giada were very knowledgeable, and so wonderful. The pictures of Lina and my husband dancing to the music of Andrea Bocelli bring back priceless memories. Directions: The written directions were pretty difficult to follow - some of the distances were off. We did use a GPS, but the coordinates we were given were not correct, either. In the end we found it and were happy to be there. Check In Out: Guido and Gabriella were both fantastic. Very knowledgeable the property and the area. They were prompt and courteous - very easy process.