I have lived in Germany and travelled Europe extensively, but my stay at Casa La Pace was by far the best experience I have had. If you want to live and learn the culture of Italy firsthand, I highly recommend an extended stay at the Casa La Pace. We felt as if we had stepped back in time with a view of the restored medieval city of Alto Ghivizzano on the hillside above and the lovely, energetic village of Ghivizzano below. We enjoyed viewing and listening to the beautiful small rippling river with its clear, pure water winding down the hillside. As we strolled down to the village each day, we were in awe of the beauty and peace of the countryside and of the joy and delight of its people. Each person we encountered seemed truly thrilled to have us visit their village and to share their pride in it. One need never leave Ghivizzano to experience all of the best that Italy has to offer. There is a bakery that will bake gluten free upon request, a local bar/café with homemade Gelato, delicious coffee, hot cocoa, and sandwiches. The local Pizzeria serves lip-smacking pizza, gluten free dishes upon request, and freshly cooked meats and veggies daily at the most affordable prices we found in Italy. There is also a fruit market, hairdresser, flower shop, gift shops, bank with ATM. It is amazing a village so small can offer so much.
You might not want to leave Casa La Pace once you arrive because we received the most incredible care and the highest quality of service one could hope for. Our rooms were spacious, clean, beautifully decorated and comfortable beyond compare, with views that took our breath away. We would wake to an incredible breakfast each morning with a full spread of Italian delights including freshly baked breads/pastries, eggs, local meats and cheeses, local teas, fresh coffee, local honey and much more. Rusty and Pepper use organic products and support the “slow movement” which means most of what they serve comes from farmers or merchants in the village or within a 20 mile radius. I eat gluten free and was overjoyed with the variety of foods and baked goods provided for me each day. Yum!!
If you should decide to venture out to visit some of the larger cities you can easily do so each day and be back to Ghivizzano in time for a good night’s rest. Do not pass up the opportunity to take the tours provided by Pepper and Rusty. Each tour was packed with an incredible amount of information rich with stories of the culture, architectural design, modern life and lives of the people who have occupied it. In every city, Rusty and Pepper know the best places to stop for meals and coffee along the way. We took the Lucca and Florence tour and felt like royalty as we were guided along with our own private tour guide. Rusty and Pepper delight in sharing the country they love so much, and their love for it is contagious. I will be back. Thank you Pepper and Rusty!
- Also Known As:
- Casa La Pace Bed And Breakfast Italy/Ghivizzano
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
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Casa La Pace Bed and Breakfast is in Ghivizzano, nestled in the Serchio Valley between the Apuan Alps and the Apennines. Ghivizzano is a wonderful medieval village with an historical center. We offer accommodations in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Casa La Pace has been completely restored and tastefully decorated. We have several common rooms where guests can gather by the fireplace, watch TV, or quietly read a book. We also offer Internet and wireless access for your convenience. We are a short train ride from Lucca, Pisa, & Florence. Nearby are several restaurants offering a wide variety of Italian dishes. There is also a bakery, a pastry shop, post office, and bar within walking distance. If relaxation is your ideal vacation, there are thermal bathhouses and spas nearby. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Serchio Valley and the Garfagnana offer hiking trails, scenic mountains and dramatic gorges. Scattered throughout the valley are many medieval villages to explore, each with its own history, architecture, and cuisine. Casa La Pace Bed and Breakfast is perfect for exploring the beauty and history of northern Tuscany.
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