Below we list some of the well-known places of interest, starting on the coast travelling south and inland. However there are numerous smaller fascinating towns and villages where weekly markets and summer festivals abound. Many of our guests have visited Florence from our Tuscany holiday apartment and this is perfectly possible, although a long day.

THE CINQUE TERRE

The Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is a string of 5 fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera which until recently have only been linked by a mule track and accessible by rail or water. An ancient system of footpaths is still a good way to visit these villages or use the inexpensive ferryboats, which run a service from Lerici or La spezia at the same time taking in the Gulf of Poets. Breathtaking views of the coastline, medieval fortresses and vibrant colours make this a memorable day out or more.

PORTOVENERE

Portovenere situated between the Gulf of Poets and the Cinque Terre. One of the most romantic villages on the Italian Riviera, with its delightful harbour overlooked by a massive fortress and the church of San Pietro which was built on the site of a temple to Venus.

APUAN RIVIERA

The Art Nouveau architecture and Art Deco style along the coast bear witness to the tradition of Tourism on the Apuan Riviera. In the summer, the beaches explode with the bright colours of endless rows of beach umbrellas and sun beds put at tourists' disposal and which also offer all sorts of facilities for sports and fun activities, in the shade of the coastal pinewoods.

EQUI TERME

An ancient hamlet set at the foot of the Apuane Alps. The spa town has a light scent of sulphur whose waters calms and said to have restorative and healing powers. There are also gravel walks to the waterfall and caves where Palaeolithic men and dogs were found.

CARRARA

In the Apuan Alps, the spectacular marble quarries offer an evocative sight. This precious white stone has been quarried since Roman times. Since then, it has been used for all sorts of different purposes - from simple objects to more famous works of art and architecture. In the art studios of Carrara, at the Marble Museum and Open Air Exhibition, it is possible to learn about the history and working of marble.

LUCCA

The city with its appealing main streets is a meeting place full of shops and any trip would not be complete without a walk around the Lucca Curtains, its impressive ramparts with its tree lined promenade, offering fabulous views of the city. The annual music festival livens the main Piazza during September with renowned bands and artists. There is a large antiques market around the Duomo every third weekend of the month. A great way to see the town is to hire a bicycle, as most of the streets are traffic free. To miss Lucca would be a shame.

PISA

Undoubtedly the leaning tower is its attraction, however there are elegant 16th century buildings along the banks of the river Arno. During June there is a special event named San Ranieri, an old contest held on the Arno with decorated boats covering the river followed by a costumed procession.

TORRE DEL LAGO

Perhaps the best way to experience opera is outdoors. This spectacular venue is the lakeside arena in Torre del Lago, a stone's throw from Puccini's villa. Madam Butterfly, Tosca and Turandot are all in rep there during the summer.

ORECCHIELLA (NATIONAL PARK)

An easy walk from the Visitor Center leads one to the Botnical Garden, which highlights the Orecchiella's floral diversity. A series of trials heads from here to the summit of Pania al Corfino, a dramatic limestone peak that dominates the Serchio Valley. At over 1600m the Pania is one of the highest peaks in Tuscany, affording climbers panoramic views of the Serchio river valley and the entire majestic Apuane Alps range.

The Orecchiella Park has a variety of rare flora, due to the fact that it is something of an alpine island within a warmer region. In addition it boasts an array of special fauna, including royal eagles, royal owls, hawks, deer and more recently introduced rams and wolves.

APUAN (NATIONAL PARK)

These marble mountains are a jewel, protected by this regional National Park, making them an ideal destination for nature lovers. This extraordinary Alpine landscape on the sea encloses an incredible variety of rare flowers and plants. The mountainsides, numerous Karst Caves and deep Caverns of the Apuan Alps attract many speleology and mountain-climbing enthusiasts. Within the park, it is also possible to go on beautiful walking or horse riding tours.