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Relax
in Montecatini's thermal baths
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Do
you come home from holiday more tired than when
you left? Maybe you should follow in the illustrious
footsteps of Verdi, Orson Welles and Princess Grace
and take some time out in the delightful spa resort
of Montecatini.
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 We're
still in Tuscany, right in the middle of an area
called Valdinievole, which, up until the
1300s was a disease-ridden swamp. The land, which
has since been reclaimed, is one of the richest
resources of the region. Montecatini is a
spa resort and all of the town seems to have been
planned to be in harmony with nature. Visitors can
relax with a stroll around the parks which surround
the town's thermal
baths. There are nine in all - Tettuccio,
Excelsior, Regina, Salute, Tamerici, Redi, Torretta,
Leopoldine and Grocco - once the haunt of world-famous
musicians the likes of Verdi, Rossini, Leoncavallo,
Puccini and Mascagni. Treat yourself to a day
at the baths: LIT 20,000 for a full day's relaxation.
If you happen to look north you'll notice the old
town of Montecatini
Alto, which dates back to before
the year 1000. Take the trip up to the town in the
original cable-car, complete with wooden seats and
still in perfect running order after 150 years.
Feeling sporty? Why not give the cable-car a miss
and walk up the hill? You may prefer a trip to Montecatini's
race track, a sporting landmark in the town, or,
if you're lucky go along to support the local basketball
team, which to the delight of all, plays in
Italy's Serie A.
 Choose
from one of the wide selection of hotels
on offer and then grab an early night as tomorrow
we're off to Padule
di Fucecchio, a natural reserve which is renowned
for its birdwatching facilities. Padulle,
and nearby Lake Sibolla, are just two of
the protected reserves which account for 8% of the
total area of Tuscany making it one of Italy's most
environment friendly regions - a refuge for both
man and beast in these polluted times.
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| by
MARCELLO
PARMEGGIANI |
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May
2001
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THE SURVIVOR'S 
