Lucca
According to the New York Times, Lucca is one of the six European destinations to be discovered. Why? Thanks to its mix of art, culture, history and beauty to be enjoyed at a slow pace, offering a valid alternative to Florence
Garfagnana
Garfagnana literally means Great Forest. It has been defined as the Green Island of Tuscany because of its lush woods of chestnut and beech trees, interspersed with numerous small towns that characterize the valley.
The Garfagnini (people from Garfagnana) have been for centuries farmers, shepherds, lumberjacks and quarrymen. This “tradition” has influenced their cuisine and it’s still alive today.
The chestnuts, which have been the main food for generations, are the main ingredient of the "polenta di neccio", now widespread with the PDO brand (Protected designation of origin).
The most popular meats are those of pork or farmyard animals, but also trout often appear on the tables of the Garfagnini.
Then there is the spelt, used in soups and pies, corn polenta, and chestnut cakes (castagnacci and necci). The "pasimata", a bit more elaborate dish, is a typical dessert of the Easter period and its recipe is kept secret by every housewife.
Garfagnana is also culture, with its villages, fortifications, hermitages, sanctuaries and museums.
Versilia
Versilia extends from the slopes of the Apuan Alps to the Park of San Rossore. It’s famous for its beaches of fine sand and for the popular resorts of Forte di Marmi, Viareggio, Marina di Pietrasanta and Lido di Camaiore.
Forte dei Marmi, a symbol of refined modernity, is built around the ruins of a fortress and stands out for its villas surrounded by green nature and famous clubs, which marked the history of Italian fashion in the sixties.
Pietrasanta is located inland and is the artistic capital of Versilia.
Marina di Pietrasanta is a quiet and elegant seaside resort, ideal for families.
Camaiore has a characteristic old town with Romanesque architecture and it’s famous for the craftsmanship of wrought iron. Its seaside resort is Lido di Camaiore.
Finally, Viareggio, the most known internationally, is the city of Carnival (among the most important in Italy), but at the same time an elegant and refined resort.
