Travel planning and tourist information:

Bella Vita Italia – travel concierge services

Ciao Bambino – family-friendly travel planning in Italy, France, England, and Spain

Italiakids.com – a complete resource guide for international families in Italy

Welcome Tuscany – Lucca city and tourist information

Arte Mare – Versilian coast tourist information

Alfea – interactive site on art and culture of Pisa

Palazzo Ducale – informational site on Palazzo Ducale and history of Lucca

Lucca Province – information on events and sites in the Province of Lucca

Cooking classes:

Toscaneggiando - typical Lucchese techniques, great with both children and adults!

Travel Insurance:

InsureMyTrip

Lucca Accommodations:

Agriturismo Al Foionco – country estate near Lucca with 8 holiday apartments

Lucca Holiday Homes – a variety of accommodations in Lucca and surroundings

Lucca Villas – villas in the Lucca countryside

Albergo Villa Marta – hotel in Lucca countryside

Palazzo Guiscardo – hotel in Pietrasanta

Casa Biancalana – just outside Lucca walls, self-catering apartments with pool and garden on the grounds

The Hill at Lucca – luxury farmhouse villas in the hills just outside of Lucca, as well as interesting courses and activities

Rentvillas.com – a large selection of villas in the region and Tuscany in general

Knowital.com – hotels, villas, & apartments in Lucca with useful tourist information

Villa Volpi – hotel in Lucca hills

Villa La Bianca – charming villa b&b between Lucca and the sea

Ligurian coast hotels and apartments:

Italian Riviera Rentals – Lovely Cinque Terre apartments

Grand Hotel Portovenere – a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the Ligurian coast and Cinque Terre area

Hotel Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure

Hotel Laurin Best Western Santa Margherita –  offers self-serving suites with kitchenette

Hotel Continental, Santa Margherita Ligure

Florence Hotels:

Palazzo dei Ciompi Suites

Lungarno Suites

Riva Lofts – hotel comprised of independent suites with kitchenettes on the Arno River, across from the Cascine

Hotel Brunelleschi

Car and cellphone rental:

www.autoeurope.com

Reading list and Italian language materials for children:

Mario's Angels: A Story About the Artist Giotto

Angelo

Berlitz Italian 1000 Words (Berlitz 1000 Words)

Italian for Children (Book & CD) (Language for Children Series)

Ancient Rome and Pompeii (Magic Tree House Rsrch Gdes(R))

The Story of Pinocchio (Picture Books)

Muzzy Level 1 Italian BBC Language Course Set Early Advantage DVD

Kids Go Europe: Treasure Hunt Florence

Rome with Kids: An Insider's Guide (Rome With Kids)

Leonardo and the Flying Boy

Ciao, Bambino: A Child’s Tour of Italy

Who Was Marco Polo?

Who Was Leonardo DaVinci?

Monday with a Mad Genius (Magic Tree House)

Vacation Under the Volcano (Magic Tree House)


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Adults (18-64)