In and around Barga / Albiano
If you plan to stay in the immediate area for the duration of your visit then you are in for a treat as not only is Barga a good base to visit many fantastic places from but its also a great place in itself. There are plenty of bars / restaurants and enough to keep you occupied for a day or 2. Out of Barga I would also thoroughly recommend "Nonna Marys" in Fornaci Di Barga, which is only 5 minutes from Barga, the food is great and they really look after you not to mention having some great offers (especially their business lunch which includes wine for only 10 euros) http://www.labiondadinonnamary.it/en/. Ask for Leo and tell him you know Mark........ in fact don't bother just say you are here for Alessia's wedding instead as Mark eats and drinks too much
There is also a public pool if you want to cool down in the July heat. Life is very casual in Barga and we intend to carry this through to the wedding, so don't bring your gladrags to dress up in, shorts and summer dresses are fine and encouraged for evening wear even in nice restaurants and for the wedding day think linen shirts / trousers and dresses.
http://www.turismo.intoscana.it/allthingstuscany/aroundtuscany/a-day-trip-to-barga/
Day trips
Travelling from Barga is easy especially if you have a car, don't believe the stories you hear about driving there the roads are fine and its only in cities like Rome that its more chaotic. Hire a car and be free.
If you prefer not to hire a car then we will be organising a bus for the day of the wedding and may organise a day trip somewhere after the wedding. Outwith these times there are local taxis for local travel and the trains are excellent for going further afield.
For those seeking a little adventure http://www.canyonpark.it/en/
For ladies seeking some relaxation http://www.termemontecatini.it/en/ keep your man happy too get him to drop you off and he can go play golf not far away from the spa
http://www.montecatinigolf.com/Default.aspx?lang=l2
There are also quad bikes, helicopter rides, rafting, horse riding and loads more to do in and around Barga. Google the area and you will find lots of information.
Half an hour away you will find Lucca which is an amazing walled city with towers.
http://www.italyguides.it/en/tuscany/lucca
Whilst we are there a music event called Lucca Summer Festival will have started with major international and Italian music stars appearing for the Month of July. Keep and eye on this website for information about who will be appearing in 2017, as its the 20th Anniversary of this festival so I imagine they will be aiming for something special.
http://www.summer-festival.com/
You can also travel to many of the places shown below in our travel intinerary suggestions (see the driving times and weblinks)
Travel Itinerary Suggestions
If flying in to Milan then going to the wedding and flying home from Pisa why not stop off at Cinque Terre.
http://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/
Fishing Villages / Beach Resorts with a difference check out some pictures here
Milan to Cinque Terre - 3 Hours
Cinque Terre to Barga - 1 Hour 45
If flying in to Pisa and you want to explore for a couple of days before the wedding why not visit San Gimigniano for an afternoon on your way to Florence, its more of a postcard than a place a little walled city with the best ice creams in the world (Actual World Champions)
http://www.sangimignano.com/en/#
Then on to Florence which is a beautiful vibrant city with plenty to see and do with fabulous restaurants. Think upmarket Rome https://www.visitflorence.com/
Pisa to San Gimignano - 1 Hour 25
San Gimignano to Florence - 50 minutes
Florence to Barga - 2 hours 10 minites
Ps the Italians call Florence "Firenze"
Fancy some time at the Beach why not try Viareggio or Lido Di Camaiore ? About 30-40 minutes from Pisa Airport you will find miles of golden sandy beaches with a vibrant bar and restaurant scene. Its not like beaches anywhere else as most of the beach areas are privately owned and have what the Italians call a Bagno on each. A bagno offers restaurant, changing /.shower facilities as well as sunbeds / chairs / canopies, some even offer pools and accomodation. Its often more cost effective to book the accomodation as they may include your sunbeds / canopies etc for the duration of your stay.
We recently stayed at Bagno Milena which I can thoroughly recommend. The food was good, the staff nice and its right at a good bit for nightlife. They have a 2 bedroom apartment which was basic but good and had free wifI. See some pictures below for an idea what I am talking about but there are literally hundreds of bagnos so shop around for a good deal. If you cant get any accomodation in a bagno then the hotels are generally quite good albeit some can be quite basic. Bagno Milena
Pisa to Viareggio is about 40 minutes drive
Viareggio to Barga is about 1 hour 20 minutes
If you are thinking of going to visit the Eternal City and flying home from one of the Rome Airports why not have a break en route at Siena to break up your journey. Best have a look and make up your own mind but its lovely with a lot going on especially in the summer months.
http://www.italyguides.it/en/tuscany/siena
The on to Rome (enough said). I can thoroughly recommend friendly rentals in Rome having stayed at one of their apartments in Campo Di Fiorre
http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/apartments/rome/accommodation-220.htm
Pisa to Barga - 1 hour
Bargs to Siena - 2 hours 20 minutes
Siena to Rome - 3 hours 15 minutes
If your unsure about anything at all please contact us as we are more than happy to help or provide advice
[email protected] or call Mark on 07860 407534 outwith Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Please have a look at the pictures below which we hope will provide some inspiration
