PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO SEE

As you might expect, this part of Tuscany is vast and there are so many places to see and things to do that it would be impossible to list them all!

Here we give you a taster to whet your appetite.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have about this stunning area.

Northern Tuscany borders the neighbouring regions of Emilia-Romagna to the north and east and Liguria to the west, and both are easy to travel to from your base at Carina in Toscana.

Local Festivals.*

There are festivals held in many towns and villages throughout the year with the most prolific being during the summer months, however, there are still many going on into the Autumn, around Christmas and in Spring. These feste are a fabulous way to meet locals and visitors alike, taste local food and wine and enjoy the magnificent views and medieval villages.

June: Maccheron-Aia - Silicagnana

The stunning village of Silicangnana hosts this

wonderful festa. Food, wine, people, music, stunning views.

One not to miss if you visit in June

July: Festa dei Toschi - Sermezzana.

What can we say? The food, the wine,

the costumes - just fab.

August: Medieval Festival San Michele

This festa is just 5 minutes from Carina in Toscana by car and

what a festa it is!

With food along the streets, music, wine, artisan market stalls,

performers and the famous battle on the bridge with a firework display,

not to be missed if you are here at this time.

Festa Del Vino: October - Riana

Celebrating the 'new wine' of the year, this is another not to be missed. Wine, street food, music, barrel rolling.

This is a one day event. Absolutely fabulous!

CASTELNUOVO DI GARFAGNANA

This major town of the Garfagnana hosts many events year round and there is always something to see or do.

There are a many more festivals including the Scottish Festival in Barga, the Fish and Chips Festival in Barga, the Irish Festival in Fivizzano, the Azalea Festival in Borgo a Mozzano, Street Theatre in Camporgaino, Fiera Comunale in San Romano in Garfagnana, Beer and Grill Festival in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Beer Festival in Petrognola, The Sagra della Patata Fritta in Santa Maria in Monte, Bagnone DiVino (Neighbouring Lunigiana), and for mushroom lovers, the Mushroom Festival in Borgo Taro, to name but a few.

*Dates and events may vary according to local organisers and/or the weather.

PLACES TO VISIT

You may have already planned your visit in advance but here are some of our suggestions to get you started.

Great restaurants and bars, including the wonderful Caffe degli Svizzeri, which offers wonderful pastries, including the local favourite, the Amor.

Stopping for lunch, then do try Taverna all'Oca Bianca, one of our favourites!

PONTREMOLI

This beautiful little town in Lunigiana has a wonderful Saturday market, with flowers, cheeses, meats and other local produce.

PONTE DELLA MADDELENA - BORGO A MOZZANO

Combine a visit to this famous bridge which straddles the Serchio River, with a trip to the historical spa town of Bagni di Lucca.

CARRARA MARBLE TOURS

The Carrara mountains are famous for the quality of the marble, which Michelangelo used for his David masterpiece. There are many quarries which are open to visitors, offering different experiences. We favour the experience of being inside and seeing the sheer scale of the operations.

GROTTA DEL VENTO AND FORNOVOLASCO

Wonderful grotto experience with tours of 1, 2 or 3 hours. Stunning formations and very knowledgeable guides.

PISA AND LUCCA

If you haven't visited Pisa or Lucca, then you will probably have them both on your 'to see' list.

Pisa, of course, is famous for its leaning tower, but coming away from this area and walking towards the River Arno you will find the shopping area, small squares and side streets brimming with bars and restaurants.

If you want to visit the attractions, it is advisable to book in advance online.

LUCCA

This famous walled city is full of life all year round with so much to see and do. Well known for its music festivals and concerts there is always something going on. Don't forget the antique market on the third Sunday of every month.

There is great shopping and some fabulous places to eat or to stop off for an aperitivo!

One of our favourite restaurants on the Via Elisa - Cibus and Pizza.

A CHANGE OF PACE

If you need a day or two to unwind, there are plenty of beauty spots nearby to take in the views and relax.

Just 10 minutes by car brings you to Lake Gramolazzo. Sitting at the foot of Mount Pisanino, with a beach, nature trail, picnic areas and nearby restaurants and bars, this beauty spot is perfect for a little tranquility.

A COUNTRY STROLL WITH VIEWS

At any of year, taking a walk along the quiet roads from Colognola to Sant'Anastasio and on to Cogna, gives you breathtaking views of the Apuan Alps, the Northern Apenines and the Lucchese Hills.

WALKING WITH ALPACAS

A 16-minute car ride takes you to San Romano in Garfagnana and the amazing experince of walking with Alpacas.

To be booked in advance, but a really fun activity. We took a stroll with Ludovico and Sansone.