The Natural Park of Garfagnana
Tuscany’s most spectacular scenery -and its best walking country, starts north of Pisa in two mountain ranges flanking the Garfagnana valley. To the west the Apuane Alps, dotted with marble quarries above Carrara and Massa at a height of 1900 metres. To the east are the Apennine Alps, the ‘backbone’ of Italy, with countless marked trails criss-crossing through the thick chestnut forests or cresting the panoramic and craggy topped summit ridges. The mountains are well mapped and there are plenty of day hikes in the area, giving some of the easiest in Tuscany to tackle without too much planning ahead. With its innumerable villages, lakes and mountains, the area contains so many natural treasures.

If you wish to drive instead, a network of tiny roads criss-cross the mountains with superb views of wild flowers, fast flowing trout streams and wide valley bottoms in rich, natural surroundings.

Pisa 1½ hours by car - an essential visit, the Leaning Tower is one of the worlds wonders, and no photograph can show it’s magnificence. Also in Pisa is our nearest airport, and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean.

Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
4 kms away from the house is this splendid medieval county town which provides excellent facilities. The region’s ‘capital’, is guarded by its Rocca, a castle decorated in the best 14th century manner. This is also reflected in its piazzas and pavement cafés. It has three good supermarkets, plenty of bars and restaurants, a good selection of shops and a lively market on Thursday mornings.
Tennis, horse riding and winter skiing are all available in the area.
Lucca Our nearest city is an easy journey by train or car. A spectacular walled city that took a hundred years to build. Like paradise, Lucca is entered by way of St. Peter’s Gate. Once inside, you’ll find well preserved Romanesque churches and medieval towers. Every Wednesday there is a market and every third Saturday & Sunday, a large antiques market.
Florence A good day trip from Alle Borre by train or car, Florence is celebrated as the most beautiful city in Italy. The architecture is captivating; the museums are rich in history and it has many art galleries that all other cities envy.
Barga A quiet and pretty town, famed for its art and culture, this ancient hill-town with its Lombard castle is certainly worth a visit. It’s surrounded by mountains; lush vegetation and stunning views.