There is always something to do in the Lucca area. Not only is Lucca noted for its shopping and restaurants, but it is also a international city resplendent in cultural activities and recreational pursuits. As the birthplace of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini, Lucca enjoys more than her fair share of music festivals and concerts.

For more about Lucca, visit:

www.luccaterre.it
goeurope.about.com
www.travelplan.it

Just minutes west of Lucca are all the marvels of the Versilian coast. Viareggio with its Carnevale festival in Feburary; Pietrasanta with its wealth of art galleries and renowned sculptor’s studios; and Forti di Marmi – long known as the playground of the international jet-set. Just a bit further along the coast one also finds the long revered areas of the Cinque Terre and Portofino.

For more about the Versilian coast, visit:

www.versilia.org
www.welcometuscany.it
www.tuscany-charming.it

Lucca is nestled up against the foothills of the Apuane Alps and the Apennine Mountains, two mountain ranges that divide Northern Tuscany from both the regions of Liguria and Emilia-Romagna. Immediately north of Lucca, between the two mountain ranges is the Garfagnana valley. Lucca is the gateway to this splendid and wildly lush mountain valley, full of small hilltop villages, natural springs and deep caves. The Garfagnana and her two mountain ranges are a favourite playground for cyclists, hikers, spelunkers, campers, birdwatchers, rock-climbers, fishers, hunters and nature lovers in general.

For more about the mountains and the Garfagnana valley, visit:

www.welcometuscany.it
www.parks.it
www.emmeti.it

To the south of Lucca one finds not only Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower but also the beautiful coastal region of the Maremma, famous for its rolling hills and Etruscan ruins (Not to mention wine!). The island of Elba is just off the coast, and offers excellent diving and sailing.

For more about Pisa, the island of Elba and the Maremma, visit:

www.parco-maremma.it
www.autoeurope.com
www.arcipelago.turismo.toscana.it

Immediately to the east, between Lucca and Florence is a series of small cities, each boasting its own unique character. Montecarlo is situated on a hill that enjoys a 360 degree view of the Lucca plain and the Lucchesia (the foothills of the mountains surrounding Lucca, filled with olive groves, villas and vineyards). Pescia is a small city known for its flower market, and Montecatini is an internationally regarded thermal spa town, filled to the brink year round with people “taking the waters” in one of the city’s many spa resorts.

For more about Montecarlo, Pescia and Montecatini Terme and other spas, visit:

www.montecatini.it
www.slowtrav.com/italy
www.justtuscany.com

What can we say about Florence, Siena, Chianti and San Gimignano? There is a wealth of information on the internet about these cities, their food, wine, culture, art….

For more about Florence, Siena, Chianti and San Gimignano, visit:

www.firenzeturismo.it
www.terresiena.it
www.tuscantreasures.net