| Hidden amongst the magnificence of the Versilian | | | | a series of concerts while theater and dance |
| coast lies Viareggio, gemlike offspring of the | | | | performances run throughout the city. Another |
| jewels of Tuscany, consisting of one of the most | | | | notable summer event is the Puccini Opera |
| magical beach towns set against a mountain | | | | Festival, held just outside town at Torre di Lago |
| backdrop that does nothing short of take ones | | | | Puccini. The seaside promenade is always the |
| breath away. Built up by tourism, festivals, | | | | perfect spot for an afternoon or evening walk |
| shopping, and everything that goes with that, | | | | but something about summer dusk makes this |
| Viareggio is known as the "Pearl of the | | | | stretch of shops and cafes an especially magical |
| Tyrrhenian." The soft, delicate beaches, fragrantly | | | | experience. |
| clean pine woods, fascinating Liberty style | | | | Another plus side is Viareggio's proximity to such |
| architecture, and vast array of shopping options | | | | lovely spots like Lucca, and other Tuscan cities, |
| cater to any taste, especially those with a keen | | | | styles of cooking, and wine tastings one can't |
| eye for beauty, and is a point not to be missed. | | | | afford to miss. Travel between towns is quick, |
| Aside from the main tourist draw of the glorious | | | | convenient, and highly recommended to relish the |
| beaches, nightclubs, and general nights whiled | | | | most the region has to offer. |
| away barefoot on the white sand or dancing the | | | | Lovers of seafood will not be disappointed as |
| soles off your shoes? Viareggio is one of | | | | Viareggio offers some of Tuscany's best and |
| Tuscany's biggest celebrators of Carnevale or | | | | most varied choices. Restaurants are numerous, |
| Mardi Gras. Festivities here and in other | | | | and mainly stocked with fresh ingredients, making |
| participating regions aren't usually the week prior, | | | | this the perfect spot to indulge your taste buds. |
| but take place for a whole month before to the | | | | A dining delight is La Terrazza Restaurant with its |
| actual festivity taking place. | | | | fabulous views of sea and mountains alike. |
| Carnevale/ Mardi Gras here is celebrated in all the | | | | Caringly prepared food bursting with flavor against |
| traditional ways since 1873. The usual extravagant | | | | a backdrop like this is nothing short of heavenly. |
| parades, costume parties, masquerades, and | | | | Part of the prestige of this restaurant is entwined |
| costumed children can be seen running the streets | | | | with the history of the Plaza e De Russie Hotel |
| happily, a proud statement to the fact this has | | | | itself. |
| been Italy's most important carnevale, and | | | | An extremely romantic 4 star historical landmark, |
| definitely on par if not on a higher level than many | | | | this 1871 founded hotel was actually the first hotel |
| of the others Europe has to offer. | | | | ever built in Viareggio and still stands proud today. |
| The biggest parades are held not only on Fat | | | | Enjoying an optimum sea front position near the |
| Tuesday itself, but 3 Sundays prior and the | | | | town's historical resorts and buildings and |
| Sunday after, and admission is charged. Since their | | | | overlooking the much renowned promenade, Plaza |
| introduction in 1925, paper mache' floats are a | | | | e De Russie has retained every bit of its original |
| Viareggio carnevale staple and the source of | | | | elegance and attention to service, while offering |
| much local pride. In fact, carnevale is such a big | | | | only top service to its modern clientele. Fully |
| deal here that there's a museum dedicated | | | | updated and well maintained with spa service too, |
| completely to the holiday open on weekends | | | | this hotel is the pinnacle of comfort and an |
| between 15:30 and 17:30. Televised by the RAI | | | | important piece of Viareggio history well worth |
| network since 1954, carnival revenue is vast | | | | experiencing. |
| enough to necessitate a "Carnival Town" where | | | | Whether here to revel in the decadence of |
| the event craftspeople have worked since 2001. | | | | Carnevale and make merry in the many parades, |
| Carnevale of course is not the only magical time | | | | dine on delectable seafood and indulge in high end |
| of year. Summer is gorgeous, beach season, and | | | | shopping, bathing in the warm sun or calm blue |
| the nightlife rocks the hardest, while the pine | | | | sea or enjoying the fresh forest air, this corner of |
| woods are at their pinnacle for picnicking. Mid June | | | | Tuscany truly caters to all tastes and is not to be |
| through Mid August Cittadella Jazz and More runs | | | | missed. |