Massa-Carrara, Lucca & Pistoia​

The province of Massa-Carrara lies in the north of the region and is characterised by the Apuan Alps, which mark the border with Liguria. In the mountains of Carrara the most beautiful stone in the world is broken – marble! The capitals of Massa and Carrara are only a few kilometres away from one of the most beautiful coasts of the Mediterranean, the coast of Versilia. The beautiful lake Lago Puccini owes its name to the famous composer Giacomo Puccini, who comes from nearby Lucca.

The province of Lucca joins Massa-Carrara to the east. The capital Lucca is the epitome of the Tuscan city and attracts with its open, lively atmosphere, romantic old town streets and the magnificent city wall, which is considered the most beautiful in the region. The Garfagnana mountain valley with its deep green, wild landscape and the river Serchio invites you for excursions and walks.

Pistóia stretches east of Lucca. The provincial capital of the same name is an important economic and commercial centre of the province. In the hilly areas of Montalbano you will find the birthplace of the universal genius Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519). In Anchiano you can visit his birthplace. In nearby Vinci, two museums in the Castello di Vinci pay homage to him. The village of San Miniato south of Pistóia attracts connoisseurs with its annual truffle fair.

Prato, Florence & Arezzo

East of the province of Pistóia is the province of Prato, which was under the province of Firenze until 1992. The provincial capital of the same name is the second largest city in Tuscany and was once an important wool empire. Even today, the focus is on textile production. The old town attracts with numerous historical treasures, such as the Medici palaces (UNESCO world cultural heritage), baroque churches and museums. In terms of landscape, the province offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities, from the Montalbano mountains, ochre-coloured hilly landscapes to the Benzio valley.

The province of Firenze stretches east of Prato, and its capital Florence, the economic and cultural centre of Tuscany, is a must for every traveller to Italy! Divided by the Arno River, this lively regional metropolis is the “cradle of the Renaissance” and attracts visitors with its world-class art and culture. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. The idyllic landscapes are characterised by the Arno River, which runs through the hilly landscapes of the famous Chianti wine region.

To the east is the province of Arezzo, whose capital Arezzo is famous throughout Italy for the frescoes by Piero della Francesca in the main chapel of San Francesco. The city is also an ideal base for exploring the northern Casentino Natural Park with its dense green forests and ancient castles, as well as the Etruscan Country between the Tiber and Chiana valleys.