The Serchio River runs through the Province of Lucca for approximately 100 km. The river source is located in the northernmost part of the province in the mountainous area between the Apuan Alps and the Apennines. The river flows down through the valley as far as Lucca and enters the Tyrrhenian Sea a few kilometers north of Pisa. At one time, people referred to the valley as the Tuscan Switzerland because of the panoramic views of the mountains and woods but also because of the Swiss-like industrious character of its inhabitants.
Many fortified medieval villages still stand on the tops of the hills as a reminder of the many wars between Lucca, Florence, Pisa, and Reggio Emilia.
There are many trips you can arrange to explore the area. Some places can be reached only by car or minibus while others are accessible by normal bus services (up to 50 people).
Here are some ideas for tours in this still undiscovered area, but feel free to request other itineraries:
TOUR 1: Full day (6 hours plus time for lunch)
MORNING: We visit the Museo del Castagno (Museum of the Chestnut) in the village of Colognora. In this area, the chestnut tree was considered to be the ‘tree of life’ because it was an important resource able to supply food, wood, and jobs.
For lunch, we can give you suggestions to eat in simple but great traditional restaurants. The menu may include some chestnut flour specialties, if in season (autumn).
AFTERNOON: We visit Barga with its wonderful hilltop Romanesque church and then proceed to the Ponte del Diavolo, better known as the Devil’s Bridge at Borgo a Mozzano. According to local legend, this famous medieval bridge was built by the Devil!
TOUR 2: Full day (6 hours plus time for lunch)
RECOMMENDED ONLY FOR CARS OR MINIBUS (MAXIMUM 8 MT LONG)
MORNING: We drive as far as Vergemoli to visit the spectacular Grotta del Vento (The Wind Grotto).
AFTERNOON: We visit Celle dei Puccini, the village where Giacomo Puccini’s ancestors lived and where the Maestro spent many of his summers as a boy.
Please note: Any entrance fees and cost of lunch are extra.