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Cinque Terre - Cinqueterre - Liguria-far from nord tuscany 20 km |
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(Riomaggiore ,Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso)
Cinque Terre Five miles of rocky coast south of Liguria, two promontories,
one at each end, endless lines of dry stone wall terraces cultivated
on vine, five hamlets on stony spurs or arranged in clusters in
tiny creeks: this is the sight of nature that awaits you! Recently
made a National Park and protected area from Unesco in 1977 as a
habitat of naturalistic interest .The area is characterized by the
typical steep hillsides cultivated on vine on terracing obtained
by means of laborious effort over the ages. |
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The evocative coast of overhanging cliffs alternated by charming
bays, gorges and small beaches, the clear deep sea water crowded
with a great variety of fish makes this area one of the “works of
art” of nature. |
| Routes
on foot: |
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The only way to enjoy the Cinque Terre is on foot. The train service
on the line Genova-La Spezia stops at all the villages on the coast
and the ferries make trips to and fro La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere,
Levanto e Sestri Levante. Once there you can admire the Mediterranean
vegetation between sky and see. The land is in fact a close mesh
of paths, including the coastal one, which in five hours connects
one village to the other. This paths can be covered in single sections
or with more effort towards the ridges or the Sanctuaries: the routes
are many and all of them of great cultural interest.
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driven in mesh of paths, between which that coastal one, that it
catches up in five hours of way a country to the other, and it can
therefore be covered also at times single, or the demanding one
on the crinale or towards the Sanctuaries: the routes are numerous
and all of remarkable interesting for excursion and culture. |
| Diving-Tuscany : |
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The Panettone
The immersion begins in the first creek we meet by Punta di Montenero
leavin from Riomaggiore. We descend on the pebbly sea bed at approximately
9 metres in depth then following the wall towards east going down,
until the 3 metres high pinnacle covered in polychromatic horny
coral (Coelenterale) is reached. Once passed the rocky projection
we continue by going across a strip of sea bed parallel to the coast.
A few meters further we come across the western wall of the Panettone,
so called for its shape similar to the Italian Christmas cake. From
a sea bottom of 35 metres to a capping of –25. On this shoal rich
of gorges, several kinds of sea life ore found, including lobsters
and horny coral of considerable dimensions. We continue along the
shoal clockwise to reach the emersion point. The organic reef is
covered in sponges and many other organisms. From here the emersion
to the surface will be facilitated .
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Lover’s way
We dive beneath the Batteria Racchia underwater video cameras towards
a stratified drift of about 5 metres and follow, perpendicular to
the coast, the slightly declining profile of the sea bed. Once reached
18 metres, there is the first part of a steep escarpment that in
a short time leads us to the lobsters wall. More lobsters are found
on the muddy sea bottom 32 metres clockwise from the shoal. Continuing
on the set course, at a depth of about 28 metres we can encounter
some other members of the lobster specie and the dens of large school
of fish. Emerging to the surface, going back to the starting point
at about ten metres, we should stop to take a look at the clefts
of the rocks, to spot beautiful examples of typical Mediterranean
fish. |
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Ferry Service: |
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From La Spezia there are a number of ferries to reach Le Cinque
Terre.
From Viareggio:
La Zattera – Viareggio
Phone 0584 427242
Ferry service to Le Cinque Terre only throughout spring and summer.
Time
Charter
Ferry service to Le Cinque Terre and other islands of the coast
of Tuscany.
From La Spezia:
Monterosso – Vernazza
Manarola – Riomaggiore
The ferry service connects the above mentioned villages up to Riomaggiore.
Fares:
Daily €11,50 Reductions €6,50
Two ways Monterosso-Vernazza €4,50
One Way only €2,70
For further information
Consorzio Marittimo Turistico – Via Don Minzoni,13 – 10100 La Spezia
Tel. 0187/732987 – Fax. 0187/730336
navinfo@navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it
http://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it/home.htm |
| Apuane
Alps on Tuscany: |
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The Apuan Alps are a mountain chain of complex morphology. Since
the Paleocene they have undergone endless changes due to sedimentation,
submersions and re-emersions. In general it can be said that the
core of the mountains is formed by sedimentation and metamorphosis.
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A non metamorphic nappe circles the core while various rocks such
as diabase, gabbro and serpentine frame the nappe Of some interest
are the numerous caves of different depths in which flow underground
natural streams. The stalagmites in the caves, make a spectacular
sight. |
The rocky surface of the Apuan Alps is characterised by steep
slopes, sharp cliffs and crests making the mountains similar to
the Alps; hence their name. Where the morphology of the ground has
allowed it, a luxuriant vegetation has established itself and since
the use for timber has diminished, several trees such as chestnuts,
oaks and beeches have grown in their ideal habitat forming woods
and forests of rare beauty. |
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REGIONAL
PARK OF THE ALPS APUANE
Extension: 20598 ehctares
Center: Via Corrado del Greco,11
55047 Seravezza (LU)
Phone 0584/75821
internet www.parcapuane.toscana.it |
| Colonnata
Pig Speck |
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speck pig of Colonnata While spending a week end on the Apuan Alps, you
can taste the delicious Lard of Colonnata. The country fair dedicated
to the Lard of Colonnata takes place during the last week end in
August, the 25th and 26th. The Lard of Colonnata was traditionally
the meal of the quarry workers. It was sliced and accompanied with
bread, row anions and tomatoes. |
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The Lard of Colonnata is still cured following procedures dating
back from the year 1.000, handing down the secrets of its preparation
from generation to generation. The seasoning takes place in marble
tubs placed in caves or in cellars. To give the lard its unique
flavour the tubs are rubbed with garlic. The pork lard is immersed
in brine. Sea salt is added together with spices and herbs. The
procedure repeated on each layer. Once the tub is full is covered
with a wooden lid. Curing time 6 to 10 months. The lard is removed
from the containers in August.
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The best way to eat Lardo di Colonnata is simply with hot toasted
bread or let it melt slowly on polenta. A real treat! To keep the
lard after slicing, wrap a damp cloth, making sure the salty part
of the rind touches the lard itself. Store in a cellar or at the
bottom of the fridge by the vegetables.C In order to taste the true
Lardo of Colonnata, it is suggested to contact one of the twelve
producers of the Consortium or one of the authorized dealers. |
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Colonnata Colonnata is a small village on the hills of Carrara.
It is inhabited by quarry workers whose origins go back to the beginning
of the second millennium. Not only the well known marble, quarried
in the area, is used to adorn beautiful houses all over the world
but it is essential for curing the lard. Each family in the village
has a personal version for curing lard making variations to the
type and quantity of herbs and spices. The basic method stays the
same.
Where to buy the lard
Further
information
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| Gombitelli - Camaiore - Versilia - Tuscany |
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Gombitelli, (7 km from Camaiore). Drive up the bendy road (altitude
492m – 12 km) until you reach the ancient village on the slopes
of Mount Calvario: old houses close to one another hanging on the
cliff. The inhabitants, probably settlers from Emilia, spoke a gallic-roman
dialect until recently and were great experts in working iron and
copper. Leaving Gombitelli drive on to the other side of the mountain
towars Passo della Lucese: The view here is vast, from the planes
of Lucca beyond Livorno, from the Tuscan Archipelago to the coast
of Liguria. Lucese is the starting point to climb Mount Prana and
Campo all’Orzo. Gombitelli is very well known for the production
of traditional high quality cured meats.
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Cycling Routes in Versilia (Tuscany) |
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Along the coast of Versilia A cycling itinerary on the sea front
of Versilia, pleasant even in winter. From Forte dei Marmi to Viareggio,
through Marina di Pietrasanta. The trip foresees a stop at Giosuè
Carducci’s house and another stop at Giacomo Puccini’s villa. The
trip on two wheels covers about 21 km and takes 3 to 3 and one half
hours., strain medium to high. Interesting from a scenic point of
view. We start from Forte dei Marmi (easily reached by train or
motorway), founded around a fort in 1788, Starting point is Piazza
Garibaldi by the statue of Victory not far from the old marble fountain.
We now point towards the shores, to the sea front road. We cycle
along Viale Manin until we get to Via Nizza. This enchanting residential
area is immerse in luxuriant vegetation. |
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At the end of the road we turn left in Via Barbiere, parallel to
the sea front and we continue through Via Dell’Acqua and then Via
Padre Ignazio da Carrara. We have covered about 2km. We reach Viale
Apua and we go along the tree lined road until we find Via Aurelia.
At the first junction we turn left and go across the Ponte della
Madonnina to the built up area of Marina di Pietrasanta. We have
covered approximately 4 km. In order to visit the house of Giosuè
Carducci,we divert for 5 km. To this modest house the poet dedicated
some of his melancholy verses. We turn back to the sea front of
Marina di Pietrasanta. Along Viale Apua we can admire the immense
areas of typical Mediterranean vegetation, untouched and protected.
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Following the coastal road, our excursion will take us to
Viareggio from Tonfano for a distance of about 8km (approx.
45 minutes). Viareggio is a port of ancient seafaring traditions,
boasting numerous shipyards and a marine that accommodates
luxury yachts. Our next target is getting through town by
turning left at Piazza d’Azeglio into Via Garibaldi, passing
the town hall, turn right by Piazza Mercato Vecchio to get
to admire Torre Matilde, a watch tower and fort from the
XIV century. We now pouAint south to Torre del Lago by taking
Viale dei Tigli across the pine forest. Turn left at the
T-junction at the end of the road and we cycle straight
on till we get to the lake by which Puccini the composer
and musician lived.His house is a museum and can be visited.
Here end our tour. We have covered about 21 km in about
3 to 4 hours or maybe more if consider the stops to visit
the houses. |
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| Chocolate
Valley |
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The area in between Pisa and Prato, going through Montopoli, Monsummano
Terme and Agliana, is developing a quality hand production of chocolate.
In this parts many famous international chocolate craft-man meet
with promising young chocolate artisans to make sure to keep high
the quality of their chocolate. A few well known names of producers
and craft-man are Federico Salza of Pisa, Simone de Castro of Montopoli,
Andrea Slitti of Monsummano, “Cioccolato and C”, Massa and Cozzile
of Pistoia and and Corsini, the pioneer of chocolate in Tuscany
Corsini of Pistoia and Luca Mannori who holds the confectioner world
prize. In January this confectioners and others took part in “Cioccolosità”,
an event born to promote the “black gold mine” known to the press
as Chocolate Valley. |
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Natural hot spring baths Tuscany (vacation in Baths) |
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SPA baths are not only health centres but somewhere to socialize.
“Bonamus” was an ancient divinity who left his name to the river
Pò. The ancient cult is due to the exceptional therapeutic properties
of hot springs. Tuscany is the region in Italy who boasts the most
number of such centres, each chosen for different ailments. They
are the right place to spend a day in total relax while improving
your health. |
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Costa
degli Etruschi Tuscany |
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This stretch of coast called evocatively Costa degli Etruschi is
a unique chance to enjoy all those elements that make Maremma a
land rugged and gentle at the same time. Maremma is different from
other resorts because there is a different choice in each season.
In this part of Tuscany comes true harmonious cohabitation between
sea, nature, art and history. The land has different spirits: the
dominant is the sea spirit which reflects in its stretches of crystal
clear water hues varying from intensive blue to emerald green. Endless
deep beaches, reefs that gives off a wonderful salty smell all protected
by pleasant pine woods. It is a part of the Mediterranean whose
life is pulsating. Discover then the spirit of nature: the varied
and rich habitat where numerous protected areas and parks can be
found together with botanical oases, shelter to rare animal species,
a lush vegetation of pine woods and hill embraced by forests. Last
the lazy yellow and orange spirit of the country side with its reviving
scents, the “road of wine” mother of noble vineyards and silver
trees. |
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Numerous archaeological sights to go in search of the ancient inhabitants
of this area. Populonia where the Etruscuna settlement can be found.
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