Tuscan Riviera

Food and Drink
As you might expect along the coast, fish makes a frequent appearance on the menus in Versilia. The local catch can be sea bass, red mullet or lovely langoustines, all are equally delicious, and the Ristorante Romano in Viareggio is considered to be one of the best fish and seafood restaurants in the area. The richer, rustic food of Tuscany also makes an appearance on menus; the hefty bistecca alla fiorentina is sure to satisfy even the largest of appetites.
There are many good wines to choose from, and the most notable include the famous wines of central Italy, such as the crisp and dry Verdicchio, a white wine that is a good accompaniment to fish and of course the excellent Chianti classico.
The strong espresso is consumed widely throughout Italy, though the milky cappuccino with a sweet dessert, or an ice cream, is a pleasant end to a meal.
Shopping
The famous promenade in Viareggio is filled with elegant boutiques and department stores, whilst the smaller streets in the town away from the coast are packed with smaller individual shops full of attractive souvenirs and gifts. It will come as no surprise that the tree-lined avenues and the promenade of Forte dei Marmi reveal an array of glamorous shops in which you will find the creations of some of Italy’s most celebrated fashion designers.
Where To Stay

• Viareggio – The Versilian coast’s most popular resort, famous for its fabulous Art Deco building and elegant hotels that line the promenade of this pretty seaside town. Well-manicured gardens and a beautifully groomed beach are also part of the charm and appeal of Viareggio. It’s also home to the famous Carnival, dating back to 1873, which takes place in the weeks before Easter, when the promenade is filled with a procession of paper maché floats, Viareggio is the most loved resort along the coast.
• Forte dei Marmi - The most exclusive resort along this stretch of coastline, Forte dei Marmi is frequented by the rich and famous Italians during the summer months; even the Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli has a summer retreat here. The wide sandy beach, elegant shops, restaurants and hotels, and tree-lined avenues make Forte dei Marmi the well-regarded resort that it is.
• Lido di Camaiore – Once a small fishing village linked to the town of Camaiore, today Lido di Camaiore is a pretty seaside resort in its own right, further along the coast from Viareggio and boasting a spectacular beach and an authentic atmosphere.
• Tirrenia - Historically a popular Italian destination, it has recently seen the addition of many new and modern hotels, whilst coastal Pietrsanta is a much-loved beach resort with a very pretty old town, just inland.

Things To Do

• WINE TASTING IN CHIANTI - Spend an afternoon in the heart of the Tuscan countryside amongst the vineyards where the famous Chianti wine is produced. At a beautiful manor house there will be a tour of the wine cellar and wine tasting.
• SIENA and SAN GIMIGNANO - An unmissable tour that takes in the enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano with its many towers, then travelling on to nearby Siena, one of the highlights of this region, where there will be a guided tour.
• FLORENCE CITY TOUR - A fantastic tour that’s a great way to see Florence’s many treasures, accompanied by an official guide. There’s plenty of time to explore by yourself too in the afternoon. Entrance fees to museums and galleries are not included.
• COOKING IN TUSCANY - Spend half a day learning how to make some of the most famous and tasty Tuscan dishes with an expert cook to guide you and go home with some of the gastronomic secrets of this region. Take time at the end to sit down and sample your dishes, accompanied by a glass of wine.

Insider Tip
If you haven’t already seen it, make time to see the famous leaning tower of Pisa, as you are so close by.Celebration
Why not enjoy a performance at the Puccini Opera Festival at Torre del Lago, just south of Viareggio? The open-air theatre by the lake house of the composer takes place during the months of July & August each year.