Recipes & Reminiscing with Karen Wright – Midi-Pyrenees
From the spectacular countryside to the culture-packed cities, Tuscany is a region of Italy that never fails to enchant and inspire. While it’s a magnificent destination for adults looking for good food, fine wine and plenty of sunshine, a family camping trip to Tuscany is also a sublime option.
From theme parks and leaning monuments to marine reserves and underwater villages, here’s what to expect on family camping holidays in Tuscany.
Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The capital of the region and a hotbed of Renaissance art and music, Florence truly is one of the most charming city’s in Italy and an essential stop if you’re staying at a Tuscany campsite like Camping Norcenni Girasole Club. In the heart of the city is the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore that’s somewhat of an architectural icon thanks to its huge terracotta tiled dome. Kids will no doubt enjoy the adventure of climbing up the dome to view its vibrant frescoes and enjoy panoramic views of the city from above.
CavallinoMatto – Tuscany’s largest theme park
If fun and games are the only things that keep your kids entertained, this huge theme park just outside Livorno should definitely be on your agenda. Open from March through to October, it’s the biggest theme park in the region and boasts five roller-coasters, a 3D cinema, a safari adventure ride and various live shows.
The beaches of Isola d’Elba
The exotic island of Elba, located 65km off the coast of mainland Italy, is a quiet haven known for having some of the best beaches in Tuscany. It’s famously where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled in 1814, and the villa he lived in is now a popular historic attraction. Check into Camping Rosselba la Palme in Portoferraio and enjoy lazy beach days as well as snorkelling adventures in the surrounding marine reserve.
The enchanting Lago di Vagli
If you’re after some fresh air and greenery, Lago di Vagli in northern Tuscany is a good spot. It’s a manmade lake in the Valley of Garfagnana, on the edge of the Park Apuan Alps, that’s great for scenic walks, swimming and boat trips. As it was formed by flooding a valley in 1946, one of its most fascinating features actually lies under the surface – the medieval village of Fabbriche di Carreggine. When the water levels are low, you can even see the top of its church tower.
The leaning tower of Pisa
A visit to Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without witnessing the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person. It’s found in the city’s cathedral complex, known as Piazza dei Miracoli (the Square of Miracles), and sits alongside other impressive buildings like Pisa Cathedral and Pisa Baptistery. The Leaning Tower can be admired from the outside or you can pay to climb up its spiral staircase to the eighth — and final — floor for some incredible views.
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