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www.ingarfagnana.com
www.luccatourism.eu
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Balloons
in Tuscany
Fiona Fisher CBA QAI
 Balloons
in Tuscany balloon academy is situated in the centre of the small
village of Poggio in the beautiful valley of Garfagnana near Lucca. The
academy is in a restored eighteenth century farmhouse which was one of
the earliest houses in the village and still has some of the original
characteristics you would expect from a farm building of that period.
Sympathetically restored but with all the modern amenities you need for
a comfortable stay. It has stunning views from each side, especially
from the main terrace which looks over the snow capped mountains and
down the valley to the lake of Ponti Cosi. The
village has a population of around four hundred people, a shop / bar,
hairdresser and a train station. Poggio
is nestled on a hilltop (536 mtrs) in the centre of the
Garfagnana area which takes in the northern part of Tuscany, at the
border with Emilia Romagna and between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan -
Emilian Appennines.
The Garfagnana valley is of
outstanding scenic beauty, with high
mountains on both sides. With vast chestnut forests, several national
parks, caves and forts, it is sometimes referred to as little
Switzerland. For
the visitor who likes the outdoor life there is an abundance of
activities to choose from. Trekking, cycling, and exploring the lovely
villages by car or on foot. The four national parks will keep anyone
occupied for days. The Argegna park, the Orecchiella park, the nature
reserve of Arrido di Botri and the nature park of the Apuan Alps.
A
few minutes by car bus or train from Poggio is Castelnouvo di
Garfagnana the main town in the centre of the region. A vibrant
shopping town which hosts one of the bigger markets in the area every
Thursday morning. Throughout the year there are a lot of other
carnivals, fairs and specialised markets which celebrate the
gastronomic history of the region.
The traditional cuisine of the area is healthy, simple and a delight to
the pallet. Wild berries and herbs, chestnuts, faro, porcini mushrooms,
cheeses, nuts and vegetables are all locally grown produce. Slow food
is dear the hearts of the people of the region so whatever the season
there is always something tasty and 100% natural to feast upon, washed
down of course by one of the many local wines.
To get to
Garfagnana from UK or Ireland you can fly to Pisa airport with several
airlines from various locations and get a train from the airport to
Pisa Centrale (about ten minutes) and then direct to Castelnuovo and
Poggio (one and a half to two hours). By train or bus you can travel
from Pisa to Lucca and then on to Castelnuovo. On
the map, Lucca and Castelnuovo are north of Pisa. By car the journey
time from Pisa to Castelnuovo is around one and a half hours. Florence,
Siena, Chianti and all the other main tourist attractions of Tuscany
are only a few hours drive from Poggio and can also be visited by train
or bus. The beautiful walled city of Lucca is forty five minutes by car
or train and there are spectacular scenic mountain drives to many other
attractions like Forti di Marmi and Montacatini terme.
For more
information on Garfagnana you can visit some of the following web-sites.
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