Within 30 minutes drive

Within the Comune of Bagni di Lucca are many enchanting, picturesque hill villages, such as Montefegatesi. At over 800 metres above sea level, on a rocky spur, Montefegatesi looks straight out of Lord of the Rings! Follow the meandering cobbled lanes of this thriving village to the reach a viewing platform with amazing 360 degree mountain views and a surprise of a huge monument to the Italian writer Dante.

In the next commune is Coreglia Antelminelli, another very photogenic village, which is listed as one of the most beautiful in Italy.

Lucca (24km: 27 minutes by train)

Most visitors fall in love with Lucca, enjoying walking around soaking up the charm and atmosphere of its narrow lanes and grand piazzas, virtually traffic free within the walls. Lucca is enclosed by 4km of uniquely intact sixteenth century walls and ramparts, which have preserved everything within the walls in full medieval and renaissance splendour, keeping modern eyesores firmly beyond the walls.

There are many splendid Pisan-Romanesque churches, including the spectacular San Michele in Foro, with its extraordinary façade and piazza at the heart of the city, a great spot for a chilled drink and some people watching. Another large oval piazza outlines the shape of the old Roman amphitheatre. Puccini’s birthplace, Casa Puccini can be visited, or the medieval Guinigi Tower, with its four oak trees growing on top, can be climbed for its views over the city and the Apuane Alps. For many, a highlight is hiring a bicycle or walking on top of the magnificent walls, which is now a tree lined promenade, with parks on the bastions, and gives superb views of the Liberty villas and more distantly the mountains surrounding the city as well as the palazzos within.

An important antiques market is held on the third weekend of each month around the cathedral area. For Puccini fans, there are concerts almost every evening in the Basilica of San Giovanni at 7pm. See www.puccinielasualucca.com for details.

Lucca Summer Festival has big names in concert in the unique atmosphere of Piazza Napoleone in the centre of Lucca during July. See www.summer-festival.com for details.

The Villas of Lucca

On the foothills surrounding Lucca are the historic former summer residences of the wealthy Lucchesi merchants. Villas, gardens and landscapes built for beauty, which are now open to the public: Villa Reale, Villa Grabau, Villa Buonvisi, Villa Camigliano and Villa Mansi.

Barga (19km)

Delightful medieval hill town, now attracting many artists. Wander up its steep narrow streets, passing Florentine style palazzos to reach the Duomo (Cathedral), whose terrace offers 360° views of the surrounding countryside of the Garfagnana mountains and Apuane Alps. Barga has strong Scottish links, and also hosts an international Jazz festival in the summer: see www.barganews.com.

Orrido di Botri

Spectacular canyon, with steep walls rising to 200 metres, with a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the nesting sites for the golden eagle. 2- or 4-hour treks through the white water gorge, with a guide, during the summer months.

Parco di Pinocchio, Collodi (25km)

Theme park with a difference-no rides, instead sculptures and mosaics celebrating The Adventures of Pinocchio, the original Italian novel. Website: www.pinocchio.it. Also in Collodi are the impressive baroque gardens and fountains of Villa Garzoni.

Lucca
Lucca

Lucca
Lucca

Montefegatesi
Montefegatesi

Montefegatesi
Montefegatesi

Pinocchio Park
Pinocchio Park

Villa Garzoni
Villa Garzoni

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