A magnificent setting
Nestled at the foot of the Apuan Alps in the heart of Italy’s picture-perfect Tuscany region, lies Lucca. The Serchio river courses through this quaint city with its red tiled roofs, characterful shutters and Renaissance-era walled old town.
At its centre, towers the imposing Lucca Cathedral, all swirling arches and columnar arcades. Wander down any cobblestone street in Lucca and find history at every corner. This, after all, was home to the much-lauded opera composer Puccini. Or take to the countryside. The mountains beckon hiking enthusiasts while the coast of Versilia is a short drive away.
A sumptuous hotel
Perched right on the Versilia seafront is Hotel Byron Forte Dei Marmi – a beautiful, 5-star boutique destination that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. With its villa-style façade and palm-tree-dotted lawn, nowhere does Tuscan ambience quite like it. This is the kind of place for leave-it-all-behind relaxation and diet-undoing gastronomy. Here, the bedrooms are a haven of subdued lighting, delicate colour palettes and carefully-curated furniture.
The Michelin-starred restaurant, La Magnolia, rustles up the very finest Tuscan-Campana fusion dishes. Think linguini with fried squid, glazed eel with fennel and red beetroot or chicken with seasonal herbs. These really are works of art to delight foodie lovers. Speaking of art, the Project Room in the hotel plays host to contemporary artists with ever-changing exhibitions. This arty vibe extends to the surrounding areas too, where you’ll find a breath-taking array of work by some of the world’s best sculptors. And as for the pool? Pure perfection. Just try to peel yourself away from the dip-inducing, aquamarine water surrounded by lush vegetation. Book into Hotel Byron and enjoy easy-breezy mornings sipping freshly-squeezed orange juice on your veranda, lazy afternoons savouring a mojito in the heat and magical evenings sampling wine under the stars. Drink it all in.
And speaking of wine…
If you’re a connoisseur of the grape then Tuscany is of course the ideal region for you as it’s the capital for vineyards in Italy. Sample some of the most delicious wines of Europe with Hotel Byrons wine tour. During the tour you’ll be helped to taste the wines like an expert with guidance of sommelier, who will be with you throughout the tour as they show you around the cellars.
Food lovers are strongly encouraged to try the Hotel Byron Forte Dei Marmi’s chef’s cooking class. The hotel’s chef will let you discover some of the exquisite flavours of Tuscany, creating traditional recipes. At the end of the cooking class, you’ll get to sample a delicious lunch allowing you to taste the dishes created by the hotel’s expert staff.
And you simple can’t go to any part of Italy without trying one of the country’s most renowned export – pizza. Take the opportunity to discover the secrets of how to prepare an authentic Italian pizza.
And if the idyllic Lucca countryside isn’t enough you can take a short 1.5hours journey to the world-famous city of Pisa. Whilst here, you simply must (of course) go and see the bell tower of the Cathedral, more famously known as “the leaning Tower of Pisa”. Take in the breath-taking inclination of this over 800yr old construction for yourself.
Inspiring activities a-plenty
If you like to be more active on your getaways then Versilia is surprisingly rich in things to do. The Hotel Byron has an impressive menu of activities for you to choose from.
A wealth of seafaring adventures like the fishing tour and charter yacht give you a chance to mess about on some of the world’s most beautiful seas, the Mediterranean. If you’re more of a piolet than a captain, then take to the skies with a helicopter tour and have a very comfortable and safe flight as you take in the glorious scenery below you.
…and one seriously rock ‘n’ roll concert
As if the incredible hotel and the bucket-list-fulfilling Tuscany weren’t reasons enough to pack your bags, Hotel Byron is exclusively offering you complimentary tickets to the Rolling Stones concert on 23rd September 2017. Yes, you read that right! The legendary rock icons will be descending on the Italian enclave with all their swagger, iconic dance moves and classic songs. And Hotel Byron wants to put you right in the thick of the action. All you have to do is book a room for two nights or more.
Your tickets to the Lucca Summer Festival can then be collected at check-in. Hurry, this offer ends 30th June.
Let Simplexity take you there
Talk to one of our experts about arranging flights and transfers to this Italian paradise. Our regional know-how will ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.
0203 535 9290