Helpful Contacts

Massa-Carrara Tourist Information Office

At the extreme north of Tuscany, this land presents a coastline with wide and well-equipped beaches between the cities of Massa and Carrara and a mountainous terrain, Lunigiana, that has an ancient history and preserves numerous examples of artistic treasures, having been the principal communication junction in the Middle Ages between Europe and Rome, via the Via Francigena. The Apuan Alps are also a place of extraordinary naturalistic beauty for the marble kept in their quarries, as well as representing one of the most important economical sources of the territory. The Magra River draws excursionists and those who practice water sports. Not to be missed: a visit to Carrara cathedral, Massa cathedral and, in Lunigiana, to the Ethnographic Museum of Villafranca and the Stele Statues of Piagnaro Castle in Pontremoli, seat to the famous Bancarella Literary Prize. The cuisine offers, as well as fish dishes, also much-appreciated typical products such as testaroli, Colonnata lard, honey and excellent quality wines, the most famous of which is the Candia.

Website: www.turismomassacarrara.it

Montecatini Terme-Valdinievole Tourist Information Office

The Valdinievole is an original mix of famous thermal resorts, intact nature and ancient Medieval villages. It is found in the deep and secret heart of Tuscany, between Pistoia and Lucca and, for centuries, was a crossroads for culture, trade and meetings. Her hills conceal villages and castles that, from the “Swiss Pesciatina”, stretch out until Montalbano where the genius of Leonardo da Vinci was born. From the chestnut woods, passing through the landscape scattered with olives trees, we reach the valley where the precious waters of Montecatini Terme and the steam of Monsummano Terme’s grottos are born, and where the natural reserve of Padule di Fucecchio extends. The Valdinievole is the homeland of Pinocchio, the most famous puppet in the world.

Website: www.montecatini.turismo.toscana.it

Pisa Tourist Information Office

The traces of her glorious past as a Marine Republic are very present in the city of Pisa, that conserves thousand-year-old masterpieces: it is enough to mention the spectacular Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) with its Cathedral, Baptistery and Leaning Tower, all in the purest Pisan Romanesque style. The historical University is also very famous. A very varied territory: from the Pisan plains crossed by the Arno River in its final stages, to the inland valleys of the Era and Cècina where the enchanting city of Volterra rises, a city of Etruscan foundation and well-known for her treasures of art and architectures, as well as for the alabaster workings. Lardarello’s soffiones are characteristics that are unique to the hillside landscape that strikes the visitor with its many colours. Some places, like San Giuliano and Uliveto, were developed thanks to the exploitation of thermal springs. The history and the traditions are shown through the numerous re-evocative events, that are still celebrated today.

Website: www.pisaunicaterra.it

Pistoia Apennines Tourist Information Office

The Pistoian mountain, covered with woods of silver firs and beeches, in the highest parts leaves space for moors and plains. The nature offers many alternatives: in winter there is skiing, while in the summer it is possible to discover the wonderful views following the many pathways on foot. It is a land of beauty in every season: in winter it presents its most spectacular aspect with the snowy summits of the Abetone, equipped with ski-lifts and numerous tourism-hospitality resorts; at the first sign of spring it “explodes” in a sudden blossoming. The oldest traditions are still alive, and a life in full respect of the human dimension is possible. On the valley floor, Pistoia, a city of ancient traditions and rich in Romanesque monuments, that during the last century became a lively artisan and agricultural centre.

Website: www.pistoia.turismo.toscana.it