Montecatini Terme is right in the middle of Tuscany. There are plenty of places worth a visit right close to you.
Come and see Pisa, Lucca, Val d'Orcia and many other stunning attractions. Follow our Tuscany Itineraries and enjoy your holiday.
One of the grand old ladies of Tuscany, Lucca is a city that fascinates you with its medieval atmosphere. Get a sense of the whole city by walking the path along its still-intact ancient walls that surround the city and host parks and playgrounds. Ideal for exploring with children, in this "city of 100 churches", the imposing Duomo stands out above the rest: a Romanesque building with an asymmetrical façade that holds superb art treasures inside. Other churches worth a visit are San Michele - recognizable by the high façade rising over the city roofs - and San Frediano, one of the oldest in the city.
Take a walk to the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, a unique partly-enclosed square that is accessed by four entryways. With its harmonic circular shape, and traditional outdoor cafes, restaurants and shops, this is the ideal place to take in the atmosphere and try the local fruit-cake, buccellato.
The city famous for its Leaning Tower is full of other things to see. If you’re short on time, start here, at the Piazza dei Miracoli and you’ll see some of the main attractions which include the Duomo, the Baptistry, and the monumental Camposanto (old cemetery) as well as the tower itself.
After you’ve had enough miracles, head to city center and the beautiful Piazza dei Cavalieri and take some time to explore the treasures around you: the Palazzo della Carovana, the Palazzo dell’Orologio, the Canonica, and the churches of Santo Stefano and San Rocco.
A wander along the impressive embankments of the river Arno will bring you past the beautiful palazzi and churches of the town. Before leaving, get a little taste of something more modern: the famous mural created by artist Keith Haring, his final one, which is on the back wall of the convent of Sant’Antonio.
Florence is just 50 km from the Grand Hotel Panoramic, making it the ideal destination for an easy day trip. If you travel by train, arriving at the central station brings you right into the heart of the city. Look up and you’ll immediately see the iconic dome built by Brunelleschi to top the beautiful cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. When you arrive at the cathedral square (piazza del Duomo) you can’t fail to be impressed by the gleaming marble steps and decorative green and white facade, as well as the imposing bell tower known as Giotto’s tower. Just a few minutes away from the Duomo is the ever-lively Piazza della Signoria, dominated by the beautiful, imposing Palazzo Vecchio, and the Neptune Fountain.
Allow yourself half a day to explore the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most amazing art collections in the world. Or if it’s a fine day, you could walk across the Ponte Vecchio, with its stunning jewelry shops, and then spend a few hours among the sculptures, fountains, and rare plant collections of the Boboli Gardens.
Siena achieved its full splendor during the Renaissance, but in its main monuments you can still see the imprint of an earlier time and style, the Gothic. The best place to see this is in the famous main square – the Piazza del Campo - and the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia which front it. The architectural elegance and refined air of these buildings, along with the characteristic slope of the shell-shaped piazza, make this one of the most evocative places in Tuscany.
Once inside the city’s historic center, you’ll be struck by Siena’s cathedral, the Duomo: its facade of black-patterned white marble is a masterpiece in itself. But the real treasure lies further inside these thick walls: the multicolored floor, which includes symbols and biblical stories that shine, and almost dance, in the sun that filters through. The Duomo contains works by Donatello and Lorenzo Ghiberti. If you like painting, we recommend a visit to the National Art Gallery (Pinacoteca), to see paintings by Duccio, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
Grotta Giusti is a resort and wellness center in Monsummano Terme, just a few minutes away from the Grand Hotel Panoramic. Formed from a karst cave, its timeless atmosphere is actually quite recent, being discovered only by chance in 1849 by some workers from the Giusti family who were working in a lime quarry. The cave they found presented an amazing natural scene, with high temperatures in the air and internal pools.
Today, Grotta Giusti is one of the most popular spas in the region. One of the latest innovations is the outdoor thermal pool, which has water games and hydro-massage. If you’d prefer more traditional wellness treatments, let yourself be pampered with a massage or try a scrub with toning or purifying mud.
The Padule di Fucecchio is a key destination for nature lovers. During your stay in Montecatini, why not take a few hours to relax in this green oasis, just 30 km from the Grand Hotel Panoramic. Here you can visit the 200-hectare nature reserve, which was created to safeguard biodiversity. It is the largest marsh basin in Italy and is well worth a visit to see the natural heritage protected within it.
The reserve is a favorite nesting place for some rare migratory birds, including herons, cormorants, mallards, and storks. Enjoy a walk through this special habitat, which also became the preferred home for the many plant species which have adapted to different climates over the centuries. If you’re visiting Padule di Fucecchio with family, you can take a guided tour, boat trip or go bird watching. Or simply enjoy the complete peace and quiet all around.
This valley runs through the areas around Siena and Grosseto and is a protected park, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. To understand this special place you just have to walk through the sinuous hills, lose yourself in the villages or noble castles, or wander through the fragrant olive groves. The Val d'Orcia is perfect for your Tuscany tour, for whatever type of relaxation you crave. If you love nature, you can feast your eyes on the warm golds and bright greens characteristic of these landscapes, the avenues of cypress trees, rows of vines that produce the top-class wines like Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano.
Among the many unique villages, we recommend Pienza – home to a tasty pecorino cheese - Castiglion d'Orcia with its fortress, Radicofani that overlooks the valley, Montalcino, and the Renaissance town of Montepulciano. To relax, take refuge in the spa resorts like Bagni di San Filippo and Bagno Vignoni which has a charming hot pool right in the village square.
Versilia is the go-to region for anyone who loves the sea alongside a dash of La Dolce Vita. In Forte dei Marmi, however, you’re more likely to feel at home. Just 60 km from Montecatini, this elegant resort is a magnet for tourists and bon vivants from all over Europe and abroad in search of a luxury vacation. The town gets its name from the 18th-century fort that overlooks the historic center, and the monumental blocks of marble that were excavated from the famous quarries nearby.
You can see why this Versilian town has become a luxury destination: the pine-protected villas, the long beaches, the chic bars and nightlife, all accompanied by spectacular views of the Apuan alps beyond. You’ll find some top-quality fashion boutiques and shops in Forte dei Marmi. Even the local Wednesday market, the Mercato del Forte, surpasses expectations with best quality clothes and accessories.
The town which saw the birth of the one and only Leonardo da Vinci is just 20 km from the Grand Hotel Panoramic. We recommend a visit, not just to follow in the footsteps of the great genius himself but also to take in the medieval atmosphere of one of region’s best-preserved hilltop towns, watched over by the castle of the Guidi counts.
Families will particularly enjoy the unmissable Museo Leonardiano: see machines reconstructed according to Leonardo’s designs or join a children’s workshop.
For the full Leonardo effect, head over to Leonardo’s birthplace in Anchiano, a few kilometers from Vinci. Your ticket – included in the museum’s ticket – will open the doors to a home that’s modest, but memorable. The future scientist and all-round Renaissance man had some of his most significant insights while walking through the area’s vineyards and olive groves.
Pistoia is one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. Always loved (so much so that it was mentioned first by Dante in the Divine Comedy and then by Gabriele D'annunzio in the Laudi), it has gained the attention of many tourists since the Ministry of Culture designated it as the Italian capital of culture, in 2017.
Built in Roman times, the main monuments of interest are in the historic center, dating back to the Middle Ages. In Piazza del Duomo, Cathedral of San Zeno stands out, which preserves the precious silver altar of San Jacopo and on which Filippo Brunelleschi worked; the bell tower of the Cathedral; the Palazzo dei Vescovi; the Baptistery of San Giovanni in court.
On the 25th of July, many tourists flock to the city, curious to attend the Carousel Bear. During the event with a medieval flavor, the representatives of the four districts of the city compete in a highly anticipated palio. For the occasion, the city disguises itself: from each house each citizen celebrates the proud belonging to their own district by displaying pennants and banners.
Among the most visited cities in all of Tuscany, Lucca is not only beautiful above the surface.
There is a part of the city less known to most, which tells a story that began in the Renaissance: it is underground Lucca. In correspondence with the Walls, in the subsoil there are tunnels and corridors, built between 1513 and 1630.
The underground tunnels share the construction period and purpose with the Walls: the engineers built them both for military purposes. In fact, soldiers deposited their weapons in the tunnels to defend themselves from enemies. During the Second World War, they offered shelter and protection from air attacks.
The basements have valuable vaulted ceilings. Each is different from the others in shape and size. The visit to this part of the city projects into a dimension full of charm and mystery.
Viareggio is a renowned seaside resort located on the Tuscan Tyrrhenian coast.
If you like going to the beach, Viareggio has plenty of establishments. Bask in the sun, and enjoy a refreshing swim in its waters, honored with the prestigious Blue Flag award. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and get enchanted by the fashionable boutiques, restaurants, and elegant cafes that line the promenade.
Marvel at the exquisite facades and intricate details of the villas in the Art Nouveau district. These architectural wonders serve as a testament to Viareggio's historical era as a favored destination for the elite.
Last but certainly not least, a visit to the Citadel is an absolute must. This dedicated area is the vibrant epicenter of the Carnival and its preparations. It is here that skilled local artists meticulously shape larger-than-life floats using their mastery and passion for papier-mâché.
Montalbano is an enchanting area covering approximately 16 thousand hectares amidst the provinces of Florence, Pistoia, and Prato. This region beckons travelers with its rich cultural and historical attractions, stunning natural landscapes, and delightful food and wine traditions.
This journey begins with a visit to the area's magnificent medieval castles. Among them, the Castle of Larciano, now housing the Civic Museum, and the Castle of Cecina Larcianese, an ancient Etruscan edifice majestically perched atop the Montalbano hill, are indeed not to be missed. Explore the splendor of historic villas, such as Villa Rospigliosi in Lamporecchio, and take in the beauty of their elegant gardens.
Lastly, savor the delight of tasting exquisite local wines and savoring typical Tuscan dishes at charming trattorias or restaurants.
Carmignano is a quaint Etruscan village located between Florence and Prato. Start your journey by visiting the Villa Medicea La Ferdinanda in Artimino, designed by Bernardo Buontalenti and recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
In front of the Villa, you will find the Rocca di Carmignano, which offers an amazing view of the surrounding countryside. The Rocca is accessed by a pedestrian path that starts from the Church of Saints Michael and Francis.
Carmignano is famous for producing high-quality wines, as evidenced by its Vine and Wine Museum. Here you can immerse yourself in a journey to discover the history and agricultural flavors of Montalbano over the centuries. To complete the gastronomic experience, treat yourself to lunch or dinner at one of the traditional restaurants.
The Valdinievole is a Tuscan area stretching between Lucca and Pistoia provinces. It offers a fascinating blend of natural wonders and artistic masterpieces. Its lush hills harbor villages and castles steeped in history, bearing witness to a glorious past. The region, dominated by centuries-old chestnut groves and olive orchards, slopes down towards the valleys, where the rejuvenating waters of Montecatini Terme and Monsummano Terme flow.
Yet, the Valdinievole is more than just a picturesque landscape. It is a land of illustrious figures, such as Carlo Lorenzini, the creative mind behind the iconic character of Pinocchio, and renowned artists like Verdi and Puccini, who drew inspiration from its enchanting surroundings.
The area is also enticing from a culinary perspective, offering exquisite products such as Tuscan IGP olive oil, renowned wines, and flavorful Sorana beans. Also tantalizing are the wafers of Montecatini and the brigidini of Lamporecchio, irresistible delights for both young and old, found at every local fair.
The Chianti hills enclose a universe of enveloping palettes, irresistible fragrances, and novel flavours. Not to mention the vistas they bestow upon visitors: a kaleidoscope of soft shapes and hues typical only of Tuscan vegetation. Amidst vineyards and olive groves as far as the eye can see, many medieval villages rise, such as Greve in Chianti and Radda in Chianti, guardians of a past rich in history. Or Panzano in Chianti and Castellina, delightful to explore unhurriedly, lingering in the squares and venturing into the farmers' markets.
Yet, exploring the sinuous hills doesn't only delight the eyes: Chianti Classico wines, the pride of these places, awaken the taste buds and sense of smell, releasing on the palate the tannic notes of great Tuscan reds. Numerous wineries offer the opportunity for interesting cellar tours with wine tasting tasting, accompanied by tastings of local products. An excellent way to discover the true essence of Chianti, perhaps by abandoning the gaze on those views so picturesque and vivid as to recall an impressionist painting.
