We are off to Tuscany late Aug/early Sept. Aside from all of the must sees (Lucca, San G., etc.) is a visit to the Apuan Alps worthwhile? If so, where? What about a spot to spend a day at the beach? Maremma sounds great but we're going to be in Northern Tuscany. We will have a car. Any advice is most appreciated.

It's always hard to answer a question about whether something is "worthwhile." If it is 110 degrees in Lucca, going to the mountains sounds worthwhile to me!

In late August, the beaches between Pisa and La Spezia will be very crowded, especially on weekends. But if you want a swim, why not head that way and take your chances.

Here's a link:

http://goitaly.about.com/library/bl_versilia_map.htm

Hmmm, I wish I could name all the great places in the Garfagnana that we drove to from Lucca. I thought they were all very much worth it, because the entire area of that branch of northern Tuscany, especially in the mountains, was not heavily touristed and very beautiful. Gimme a minute here....

Ah, yes: I remember writing this, back in 2001. Scroll down to "The Garfagnana" and there is a short overview of places we visited:

http://www.florencevillas.com/newsletter/nl_8.htm

Here is a few links about those areas, maybe can help:

http://www.tuscanweb.com/news/?ID=164

http://www.tuscanweb.com/news/?ID=225

http://www.tuscanweb.com/news/?ID=196

Will read all links. Thanks for the info!

I have a trip report I could email you

sheila - that would be great. email address is [email protected]. Thx.