Pietrasanta: “Little Athens” Land of artists and marble workers between the Apuan Alps and the sea This appealing little town is rich in cultured and elite tourism. Pietrasanta is also known as the “little Athens” of the Versilia region thanks to the high concentration of artists that decided to put down roots there. The town also has a long standing tradition of expert marble workers, and the surrounding Apuan Alps remind us of this tradition. Visitors breathe the Michelangelo-esque air in the workshops of the town, including the Studio Cervietti on via Sant’Agostino, where you will likely encounter artists like Botero, Mitoraj and Gina Lollobrigida, who has for many years concentrated her energies on sculpting. The historic center is quite elegant and visitors find art galleries, fashionable boutiques and prestigious enotecas. Located just a few kilometres away is the Marina di Pietrasanta on the Versilia coastline. Not to miss Make a quick trip to Colonnata where you can sample the local lardo delicacy which recently obtained the DOP certification (Protected Denomination of Product) that is a real tourist attraction: the celebrated lardo di Colonnata that some still “corn” inside the ancient marble pits. Information and helpful advice The best time to visit Pietrasanta is summer when the art galleries and piazzas come to life and performances begin at the nearby Villa Versiliana in Marina di Pietrasanta. It is advisable to bring an elegant wardrobe in order to fit in with the local crowd.

The Versiliana Park: Theatre, nature and other attractions A park for young and old alike where nature meets culture Just a few kilometres from the beach at Marina di Pietrasanta lies the Versiliana Park, one of the Versilia's oases of green. Much loved by locals, and very popular with tourists, this destination offers the pine woods typical of the region, hiking paths and an attractive collection of cultural offerings.

The park, which extends from Marina di Pietrasanta to Forte dei Marmi, is the “green lung” of the Versilia coast. It encloses a variety of different landscapes: from ancient dunes to dense brush; river banks populated by turtles and water birds to a woods that changes with the seasons and one of the last semi-marsh areas in the Versilia. Framed by the pine woods, the theatre is the site of the famous Festival della Versiliana, an annual event that lasts the full summer season. Every type of performance is presented on this stage: prose, dance, music, cabaret and theatrical pieces written by important playwrights and performed by famous actors.

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Forte Dei Marmi A paradise for beach bums and VIPs alike Sea and culture are the two characteristics of Forte dei Marmi, one of the most famous tourist centers along the Tuscan shore. A town rich in history, Forte dei Marmi began to expand at the beginning of 16th century, with land reclamation works that went on across the entire 16th century and ended with the construction of the fort in 1788, from which its name derives. In the 19th century, the village started to develop into the splendid sea town full of tourist that all we know today.

In addition to the beauty of its beaches and its center, Forte dei Marmi is famous also for its festivals (of Sant’Ermete and San Francesco)and for its markets (antique fair, weekly market in Marconi square, and at Victoria Apuana). The sea is not the only attraction in Forte dei Marmi, as also its surroundings are rich in history, culture and ancient traditions. Here you can undertake interesting excursions to discover the Apuan Alps and the entire Province of Lucca. The center of town is rich in shops and high fashion boutiques with designer's clothes and it is a must for visitors to go out shopping also late in the evening.

Viareggio: The pearl of Versilia More than just a beach town, Viareggio boasts culture and is the Carnevale capital of Italy Sparkling sea on one side, gleaming white marble mountains of the Apuan Alps on the other: this is Viareggio, pearl of Versilia. First created as the port of Lucca, Viareggio owes its name to the “via Regis”, the street that connected it to the area’s capital during the Middle Ages. Its foundations date back to 1172 when the Lucchesi and Genoese allied against Pisa, built a famous fortress. The city’s oldest fort, the Torre Matilde, dates back to 1500 and was erected by the Luccesi to defend themselves against pirates. Surrounding the fort it is the city’s original center, which runs along the Burlamacca canal, still today the ideal place for fishermen and other local citizens with boats.

Viareggio’s evolution from a simple port to a city was not easy. Only in 1819 did the Duchess Maria Luisa di Borbone order the first wharf built; the year after the center was elevated to city status. Viareggio would have to wait until 1822 to see the town turn into a tourist center when it became a vacation resort for Napoleon’s sister, Paolina Borghese. In 1828, the first bathing club was opened and the town established itself as a beach locale. The tourist culture of Viareggio is heavily connected to the art found in the Villa Paolina civic museum and in the vestiges of Art Decò and Liberty architecture that decorate the city. The boardwalk is Viareggio’s showcase: a large avenue over 3km long that runs along the beachfront decorated with Liberty architecture of cafes frequented by Giacomo Puccini.

But Viareggio means above all Carnevale: four weeks of folly in which tourists from all over Italy come to admire the most famous allegorical floats in the world. The tradition was created in 1873 when a group of young bourgeoisie who frequented the Caffe del Casino came up with the idea of a parade with floats and masks along the beachfront. Now, each year on the four consecutive Sundays before Lent, floats parade up and down the boardwalk boasting enormous papier mache that poke fun at current socio-political events, those in show business and politicians in a half satirical, half artisan tradition. At the end of the parade, the party continues with festivals in various neighbourhoods during where streets close to traffic and fill with masks, music and dancing.

Torre del Lago Puccini PUCCINI FESTIVAL The town of Torre del Lago offers a rich program of exhibitions folk performances and musical events which culminate with ‘The Puccini Festival’, celebrated in the town’s outdoor theatre on the lake. The Festival offers spectators the chance to experience the atmosphere which inspired the Maestro. The open air Grand Theatre allows one to enjoy the opera along with the surroundings, with a magnificent view of the Lago di Massaciuccoli, framed by the Apuan Alps, immersed in a natural lake landscape unique in Europe. When the Maestro discovered Torre del Lago, remaining bewitched by it, he described it in these words:“absolute bliss …… paradise … Eden….”.

It was in fact a small country village with one hundred and twenty inhabitants and twelve houses. A century later Torre del Lago is still a place of sunny beaches, fresh pinewoods, and the ever tranquil lake – in other words, still an Eden! NATURE Lake Massaciucoli is also animportant station for many migratory bird species that find refuge in the area’s small channels located between the reeds. On the banks, you’ll find several huts where bird watching enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the nature of the park. In addition to its natural beauty, this area offers many artistic and cultural initiatives each season.

Lucca's medieval heart A tour of Lucca's churches, castles, nobile residences and more Lucca is the best known and most beautiful medieval city in the world because it has been able to preserve its historical and cultural soul. What better way to get to know it than by walking through its streets alleys to discover its full wealth.

Famous for its towering walls, one of the few examples in Italy of city walls which are still in excellent condition, these are not only admirable architecture but also a great place for a stroll and to see the town from a another point of view.

Continuing to the heart of town along the downtown streets with elegant shops, craft shops and bakeries where you can sample the true delights of Lucca, you come face to face with a piece of the history of Tuscany. Every square and every monument tells of Lucca and its great past.This was a land of bankers, traders, artists and religious who have left traces of themselves in every corner.

Look up to see the spires, steeples and towers, the most famous and most notable is the Tower Guinigi, a garden in the sky, from which we can glimpse the top of an old oak planted by Guinigi as a symbol of rebirth in the town. There are many churches in town which stand as witnesses of Lucca's period as an influential religious power in the 1300s. In Piazza San Michele, after the church, you see a building rising from the elegant white marble, in which are held precious statues by Andrea della Robbia , the famous Tuscan ceramics artist, and paintings by Filippino Lippi.

Amazingly the facade of the church of San Frediano, where a mosaic depicting Christ the Redeemer copy ascending to heaven. To find a treasure of Jacopo della Quercia has to enter the cathedral of San Martino, the statue of Ilaria del Carretto is one of the first masterpieces of the Sienese master singular.

The most remarkable square is the Piazza del Anfiteatro, so called because it is built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater—it still retains the elliptical shape and its cafes offer the perfect place for a relaxing break.

The surprises are not finished yet: in the Lucca countryside there are many villas to visit, go pamper yourself at the spa of Bagni di Lucca, or, if you are looking for a bit of sea air, pop into nearby Versilia.

Lucca Summer Festival Lucca Summer Festival is the best music event of the summer in Lucca, the city of the great composer Giacomo Puccini. Big national and international stars perform in the historic center of Lucca, which offers to every concerts a magical and unrepeatable frame thanks to its ancient walls. The main location aimed to the big music stars is the lovely Piazza Napoleone, which makes the event one of the most exciting festivals in the world. In July culture, tradition and artists from all over the world become the protagonists of the summer evenings. During the Summer Festival the commercial activities (Restaurants, Pubs and shops) are open until late in the evening.

Previous edition Year after year, Lucca Summer Festival reserves surprises and guests that have no rivals. Famous artists took turns on stage, since the first edition in 1998, inaugurated by Bob Dylan and Joe Cocker. In subsequent years, their place was taken by musician like Elton John, Ennio Morricone, Liza Minnelli, George Michael, Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, , Robbie Williams and so on. It is an exceptional event in which professionalism and passion come together with the ability to keep pace with the times, without forget those that have made the history of rock and pop music.

2016 edition Like every year also in this 2016 appointments and events of Lucca summer Festival are distributed during the month of July, 9-23, with guests on the international scene such as Lionel Richie, Neil Young, Anastacia and Simply Red

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Pisa: City of miracles Pisa’s name derives from an Etruscan word meaning “outfall”—the outlet formed by a river as it flows into the sea. Every four years Pisa celebrates its maritime origins by re-enacting naval battles between the four historic republics (Pisa, Venice, Genoa and Amalfi) during the Historic Regata on the Arno River.

The Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) is home to many of the city’s most beautiful attractions. The baptistery shares the piazza with the imposing Camposanto (sacred burial ground) whose 43 blind arcades face the square. To the right of the Camposanto is the marble-covered cathedral, a masterpiece of Pisan Romanesque architecture built in the early 1600s. The famous Leaning Tower rises directly behind the cathedral.

Not to miss Construction on the baptistery was initiated by architect Diotisalvi in 1152 and was not completed for another two hundred years. The baptistery houses Nicola Pisano’s renowned marble pulpit. Fun fact: Stand on one side of the baptismal font and make a sound with your voice—note how one sound will echo in various tones throughout the baptistery.

During the Middle Ages the rounded Piazza dei Cavalieri was the civil and political centre of Pisa. The piazza is home to the Scuola Normale Superiore (Pisa Normal School), the Torre della Muda (made famous by Conte Ugolino’s tale in Dante’s Inferno) and the church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri.

Other touristic sites:

Firenze (Florence). 98 Km. far from Viareggio by Highway (A11)

Florence: cradle of the Renaissance Florence's museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the "newest" area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art collection housed in the Pitti Palace. When you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence, Italy.

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Siena. 170 Km. far from Viareggio. Highway (A11)

Where art and tradition converge It is the capital of the province of Siena. The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site.[2] It is one of the nation's most visited tourist attractions, with over 163,000 international arrivals in 2008.[3] Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year.

Arezzo. 175 Km. far from Viareggio by Highway (A11-A1)

Where art and tradition converge The town lies in the foothills of the Appenines fanning out into the broad fertile river valleys of the Arno, Tiber, Casentino, and Valdichiana. Arezzo is the administrative and economic capital of the large province of the same name, whose economy over the last fifty years has grown rapidly, shifting from agriculture to industry. It is now a major goldsmith center while tourism is the town’s other major employer. Arezzo's ability to combine its cultural heritage with a modern entrepreneurial identity makes it an important centre for the whole of eastern Tuscany.

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