The Enchanted Forest of Tuscany

To holiday in hidden Tuscany is to uncover a world both spectacular and magical. Rising out of the beech and chestnut forest are the Apuane Alps, Tuscany’s marble mountains.  To the east the Apennines rear up, Italy’s long spine. In between lies the Garfagnana, an authentic region rich in ancient traditions, renowned for wild local flavours and quietly developing a reputation as a hub for adventure sports.

Undiscovered Tuscany

Discover a world both authentic in its culture and sustainable in its way of life. Ancient traditions are celebrated in village feasts and age old festivals.

• Medieval pageants eg Gallicano Paleo with flag throwing
• Village Sagras celebrating a local speciality
• Music Festivals
• Pagan Rites
• Befana (12th Night) and the giving of presents.

Pick ‘n’ Mix Activities

On your vacation in undiscovered Tuscany participate in adventure sports with the help of our own Wild Trail Guides or local experts:

• High ropes course for all the family at Parco Buffardello
• Canyoning at the Parco Levigliese just 6km fom Col di Lavacchio
• Exploring Tuscany’s Grand Canyon, the Orrido di Botri
• Go underground at Italy’s largest cave complex, the Grotta del Vento
• Explore marble quarries and silver mines at the Antro del Corchia
• Mountain biking with your very own Ridgeline guide
• There is also Horse riding, Golf, Tennis and Rock Climbing available in the valley.

Prices

Savour

The Garfagnana is renowned for its wild ingredients, from porcini to wild boar, spelt to chestnut flour, maize to pecorino cheeses. These are used in the variety of restaurants in the valley. Among our favourites are:

• Trattoria Bonini, Monteperpoli (4km)
• Vecchio Mulino, Castelnuovo (8km)
• Il Pozzo, Pieve Fosciana (12km)
• Ristorante Piazzangelio, Barga (12km)
• Scacciaguai, Barga (12km)

Savour

The Garfagnana is widely known for its wild ingredients, from porcini to wild boar, spelt to chestnut flour, maize to pecorino cheeses. These are used in the variety of restaurants in the valley. Among our favourites are:

• Trattoria Bonini, Monteperpoli (4km)
• Vecchio Mulino, Castelnuovo (8km)
• Il Pozzo, Pieve Fosciana (12km)
• Ristorante Piazzangelio, Barga (12km)
• Scacciaguai, Barga (12km)

Pick ‘n’ Mix Flavours

On your holiday in hidden Tuscany experience the pleasure of learning a new skill. Try one of our family friendly activities:

• Cookery class/demonstration: try your hand at Italian recipes.
• Have a morning learning about cheese making at Caseificio Marovelli before touring Verrucole Fortress in the afternoon.
• Wine tasting: try our own blind wine tasting challenge.
• Walk with Wine: our own Wild Trails guides will take you for a walk in the vineyards.

Prices

Festivals

From a medieval spectacle in Sillico to a truffle festival in Castiglione, a holiday in hidden Tuscany has something for everyone.

Barga is a firm favourite with our guests for its winding streets, hilltop cathedral, array of restaurants and its many music festivals throughout the summer including:

• Le Piazette two week cacophony of different bands in the squares.
• Opera Barga runs a series of classical music events.
• Barga Jazz Festival in August is of international renown.
• September festival of Scottish traditional music.

Fall in Love

Lucca casts a magical spell over all who visit with its narrow cobbled streets, its immense tree topped walls and its countless churches and towers. For something more contemporary check out the Lucca Summer Festival in July. In 2023 Bob Dylan, Blur and Robbie Williams among others are due to visit. Alternatively, in November Lucca hosts Europe’s largest Comics and Games Festival.

• Amazing restaurants. Ask us for our favourites.
• Sensational Gelato – we’ll tell you the best.
• Superb shopping in countless boutiques: leather and shoes a speciality
• Puccini Opera festival at Torre del Lago and the Puccini Museum
• Beautiful churches incl the Duomo with the Volto Santo sculpture

Further Afield

Pisa has its obvious attractions but the ancient walled town is a delight to explore. However the new Pisa Museum of Ancient Ships in the former Medici arsenale is a sensational new attraction.

Pistoia Blues Festival in July is well worth a visit with Simple Minds and The Script appearing in 2020.

Forte dei Marmi has a large market every Wednesday and Saturday if you are after some fine threads at a bargain price. Wander the marble streets and wonder at the designer shops. Bling bling!

Col di Lavacchio Agriturismo Promiana Molazzana 55020 Lucca Italy