Viareggio and Carnevale
Viareggio is a seaside resort town, located on a part of the Tuscan Coast called the Versilia Coast. While it's popularity has ebbed since its heyday in the roaring 20's, it's still the number one place to go for Carnevale, the carnival festival featuring, in this case, giant papier-mâché floats, some with fantastic objects, and some featuring famous people.
About the Pictures
These pictures are courtesy of Serena Giovannoni who runs Wish Versillia, a personal travel consultant/wedding planner and personal concierge. Since this event is a tough one to plan if you don't plan a year ahead and especially if you don't know Italian, you may wish to let Serena plan your Viareggio Carnival vacation for you. Here's what she can do: Carnival with a View.
Viareggio on a Map
Below is a map showing Viareggio. To the east are two interesting excursions one might take, to the walled city of Lucca (via train or car) or to Massaciuccoli, a small town with ruins of a Roman Villa overlooking the lake and a bird watching sanctuary with railed trails over a marshland teeming with birds. Just south of Viareggio is Torre del Lago Puccini, host of the famous Puccini Festival (you can book tickets through Select Italy.)
Where to Stay
If you prefer a hotel, you can find many user-rated hotels in Viareggio at fairly reasonable prices (for Italy). Since the area (and Tuscany in general) is a fantasyland of small, rural travel treats, you might wish to rent a vacation rental, from rural cottage to villa, near Viareggio: Versilia Vacation Rentals.
To Learn More about Lucca
See our Lucca Map for some suggestions on things to do and places to stay in historic Lucca inside the walls. If you have a short time in Lucca, you may wish to view our video: Lucca: How to Spend a Morning in the Walled City.
Just outside Lucca you'll find some very interesting Villas to visit: Lucca Historic Villas.
For current weather conditions and historic climate information on Lucca, see: Lucca, Italy, Weather and Historic Climate.
Videos of Italy
See: James Martin Italy Travel Videos.
Viareggio is a quiet town on the Tuscan coast lined with beaches.
Viareggio Travel Resources
Content on this page ©2011 by James Martin, all rights reserved.