The Apuan Alps, near the Tuscan coast, are rugged. Turns are sharp, mountains are steep. Heavily loaded trucks drive back and forth. Everything is covered with a white, chalky layer. Welcome to Carrara, the marble capital of the world.
Sirmione. What was once an idyllic Italian village on Lake Garda has become a real tourist trap. The village is ruined by its own success if you ask me. However, because the castle Rocca Scaligera is an impressive sight, I think you shouldn’t skip the village. So go in town, and get out asap.
In the southwestern part of Lake Garda lies the beautiful town of Salò. Salò has a walking boulevard for seemingly endless strolling, many outdoor cafes to test, and a handful of beaches to laze on.
In theory, the Italian city of Lucca (in Tuscany) is small enough for a day trip. However, in reality, a day is much too short. Because yes, in a day I get a reasonable idea of the city, but I now I want to come back one more time to really get to know this orange and red-colored town. So, if you only have a few hours too, these are Lucca’s highlights.
Outdoor fans have known it for a long time: the university city Trento makes the perfect home base to discover the Italian Alps, from South Tyrol to the Dolomites. Trento is hidden between majestic mountains, endless vineyards, and clear blue lakes and rivers: a gorgeous city where the word mass tourism has not (yet) made it to the dictionary.
