Via Bruscoli Tabina, 48, Firenzuola

The cluster is in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, in the Sambro valley and the wooded hill country around Monte Bibele and Monte dei Cucchi. The Setta and Sambro river valleys shape this part of the province. Much of the surrounding landscape is forest, pasture and scattered hamlets rather than open plain. The nearest ski area is Corno alle Scale, roughly an hour’s drive, so it is not an immediate feature of the 15 km setting. Bologna is the nearest large city, with full services, universities and major rail connections, but it lies beyond the local mountain landscape. This part of the Apennines is known for mountain villages, chestnut woods, walking routes and the line of the Direttissima railway through the passes.