by Camryn Samuel
With the chilly month of February approaching this weekend, it’s the perfect time to explore Italy’s winter charm. From festivals to chocolate tastings, the diverse region of Tuscany has everything for your winter getaway. There are beautiful sights and exciting experiences, whether you are looking for activities to warm you up or relaxation to cool you down.
Viareggio Carnival
Carnival festivals can be found all over Europe; however, none of them compare to the celebrations in Tuscany’s beach village of Viareggio. This weekend, the town reignites its century-old tradition of filling the streets with masked dancers, music, and the world’s largest papier-mâché floats. These floats are intricate pieces of art that often confront and humor current issues through depictions of political, cultural, and entertainment figures. Viareggio will hold six parades, starting February 1st at 3 p.m. with the opening parade and fireworks show. There will be additional parades on the 7th, 12th, 15th, and 17th, ending on the 21st with the Closing Night Parade, where the winners of the season will be announced along with another fireworks display. This is the perfect event to attend for an authentic Italian festival, complete with plenty of music and gorgeous beach views.
Ski at Abetone
In the center of the Pistoia Mountains, you will find the Abetone-Val di Luce ski area. With 50 kilometers of slopes and 17 ski lifts, it is the largest ski area in central Italy. The peaks range in altitude from 1,200 to 1,950 meters, and this paradise offers slopes for skiers at every level. Skiers also have the opportunity to develop their skills by booking lessons provided in the area. For those seeking thrills and chills, these Tuscan forests and ridges showcase Italy’s natural beauty while you venture down the mountains.
Saturnia Thermal Baths
Saturnia may be a small village in the Maremma area of Tuscany, but it is also known as one of the most ancient towns in Italy. The community embraces this title by recreating the ancient Roman atmosphere in their thermal baths. These natural springs improve blood circulation, enhance the skin, and reduce stress with their water’s rich mineral composition and strong antioxidant properties. The water flows at a temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) and at a rate of 500 liters per second, and it has flowed uninterrupted for 3,000 years. The combination of hot springs and cold air will calm your body and soothe your mind, making it the ideal place for those seeking to escape the busy season.
The Chocolate Valley
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, everyone is searching for the perfect chocolate to gift their loved ones. To narrow the search, journey through Tuscany’s Chocolate Valley. Pontedera, a town in the province of Pisa, begins the chocolate experience at Amedei Toscana. This premium artisan chocolate factory holds the most Golden Bean awards, the highest honor presented by the Academy of Chocolate. Next stop is in the beautiful city of Lucca, where you can find Cioccolateria Caniparoli. Treat yourself at this local bakery with their handmade pralines and creams before you visit the city’s new and stimulating Giovanni Boldini exhibition. The tour continues in the Pistoia province of Monsummano Terme, home to Slitti, a chocolate and coffee company featured in publications such as Vogue and Forbes. Also in the province of Pistoia, chocolate pioneer Roberto Catinari creates his chocolate art in the town of Agliana, while Casa Tuscani operates its organic chocolate factory down the road in the town of Uzzano. Finally, in Prato, you will find Pasticceria Mannori. This bakery ends the trip with their handmade tablets, cakes, and chocolate eggs.
Vacations shouldn’t have to wait for the summer - discover the best food, art, and culture Tuscany has to offer this February. To fulfill all your winter getaway needs, book your tours and experiences with Accord Solutions. Our packages throughout Tuscany include our expert guides and audio app, so you won’t miss out on anything Italy has to offer!
