Many things have to be seen in Versilia (we had talked about it in this post), but wanting to spend a day out, what are the excursions that can be done starting from Borgo4case? Today we want to answer this question that many guests ask us, to let you know that Versilia is not only a fantastic place in itself, but also for the convenience of the trips that can easily be done from here. Here are our five favorite excursions starting from Borgo4case.
1) Lucca
Lucca is an increasingly popular destination for a trip to Tuscany and we cannot but agree: its historic center, almost intact within its walls, makes it unique and noteworthy. Lucca, also called the “city of 100 churches”, is perfect for a nice walk in the historic center and upon the surrounding walls. Do not miss the Cathedral of San Martino, the Church of San Michele in Foro and the Basilica of San Frediano, Guinigi Tower with trees on top, Piazza Napoleone, made famous by the Lucca Summer Festival. The main artery of the old town is Via Fillungo: after a little shopping you can reach the Piazza Anfiteatro, built up on the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheater. Leaving Borgo4case you can reach Lucca by car or by train and bus from Camaiore.
Where to eat: Quick lunch with products to km0 at Con tanto Amore, or a first dish fresh made at In Pasta and a good ice cream made with Walter’s honey at the Cremeria Opera.
2) Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre are one of the most recurring daydreams of every international traveler. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are located on the coast of the East Ligurian Riviera and only by pronouncing their name they evoke a rocky coastline overlooking the sea, bays, beaches, backdrops and colored houses. In 1977 they were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and, due to their fame, in the high season you risk finding them very crowded. I therefore recommend you visit them in spring and reach them by train.
Special Encounters: If you want to hear a very special story about the Cinque Terre, I suggest you meet Margherita in Vernazza, with whom I met during my experience in the reconstruction of dry stone walls. She will be able to guide you through the impassable stone walls and tell you about really unusual local stories.
3) Firenze
Florence needs a few presentations, but I want to point out some tips just as I do with our guests: first of all, I recommend going by train, since just a few steps from the Santa Maria Novella station you are in Piazza del Duomo. Then for one day trip you cannot see everything and you have to make a short selection based on your interests. You cannot miss the views from Piazzale Michelangelo or upon the Dome of the Duomo, if you appreciate the art go straight to the Uffizi (having booked before) and the Galleria dell’Accademia, if you want to try the Florentine street food, treat yourself to a “lampredotto” sandwich. Whatever you decide to do … you’ll probably want to come back the next day!
4) Siena
The historic center of Siena, as well as Florence and the Cinque Terre, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO so even in this case the fame precedes it and is well deserved: Siena is the medieval city par excellence. All the streets of the historic pedestrian center in Siena lead to Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city and do not miss the Duomo of Siena, which is something special even inside. If you do not suffer from vertigo climbs on the Torre del Mangia, one of the tallest Italian ancient towers, otherwise dedicate yourself to more relaxing activities such as sampling some typical local dishes. Siena is easier to reach by your own means, leaving the car outside the historic center and then moving on foot or by public transport.
5) Garfagnana
I would like to add something less known but worthy: I’m talking about Garfagnana, a land full of medieval castles, mountains, green valleys, traditions and legends. The Garfagnana is dotted with a large number of small characteristic villages, each with its fortresses and stories to tell. Do not miss the Ponte della Maddalena in Borgo a Mozzano, better known as Ponte del Diavolo, and Barga, a medieval city included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy and awarded the Slow City and Orange Flag awards of the Italian Touring Club. The tour could continue with the Grotta del Vento, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Vergemoli … but it all depends on how much time you can dedicate to this excursion.
Today we stop here but from Borgo4case you could find everyday something new to do. As to say Pisa, Lunigiana, Livorno, Chianti … and who do not know an excursion to be recommended to our guests?
