Hi, we are intending to revisit Tuscany next Spring, flying into Pisa and heading south for a week.  We would like to spend a few extra days north of Pisa and I’ve heard that the area surrounding Lucca is well worth a visit.  Does anyone have any recommendations as to where to stay?  Any advice would be well appreciated. Thanks, Carolina.

We own and now rent out a property in Italy and declare income on UK tax returns. We are both UK tax resident. We are trying to do everything by the book including registering the activity in the comune (as required by L.R. N42 of 23.03.2000 [Tuscany]) and advising the carbinieri or comune of all our guests (as hotels do).
Can someone please explain the implications of the double taxation agreement. I assume we need to complete an Italian tax return (with help from a commercialista) but is evidence of payment of UK tax sufficent to avoid Italian tax?

I wish this could be clarified for me, I would love to mention our apartment but that seems a no no, perhaps Valentina could explain what is acceptable?. I have read the notes re what is suitable, and am none the wiser. 

www.amazon.it has started today. Or in the words of our local newspaper Il Secolo XIX, Amazon has invaded Italy.

  A useful feature is the capacity to search in a 'Libri in Inglese' section - which on an initial trawl seems to have masses, at prices very much less than those in the paltry selection available at your local Mondadori etc.  And free delivery for orders over €19.