How do we drive to Barga?

There are a few ways to get to Barga:

1. From Milano Linate international airport - drive south on the A1 Autostrada until you reach the A15 at Parma which takes you to the west coast. You then head south again on the A11/A12 to Lucca.
   
   
2. From Rome Fiumecino airport take the Aurelia SS1 to drive along the west coast until you reach the A11/12 to Lucca.
   
   
3. From Lucca take the SS12 Superstrada, and follow the signs for Abetone and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. This will take you past the walls of Lucca and out of the city. You keep following the signs until you reach a town called Chifenti. Take the turn to the left where it says Aulla and follow the SS445 sign. When you reach Fornaci di Barga, you take the right turn at the sign that says Barga.

How can we get to Barga by bus?

This is the preferred way to get there if you don't have a car. Take the Lazzio inter urban bus line from Florence or Pisa to Lucca, then get the connecting bus Clap directly to Barga. You get off the bus at the old part of town at Piazza del Fosso. La Lucchese is a short walk away.

How can we get to Barga by train?

You can catch the train from most major centres to Lucca via Pisa or Florence. There is a regional train from Lucca to Fornaci di Barga, then you catch the bus to Barga.

Where can we go to eat in Barga?

There are a number of small restaurants in Barga such as Osteria Angelio. Trattorie in Barga are inexpensive, friendly and make great food. There are also a number of Slow Food restaurants close by to Barga. We have a Slow Food Guide on our book shelf with contact details.

What is the minimum stay at "La Lucchese"?

La Lucchese is rented on a weekly basis, from Thursday to Thursday.

Do we need to bring anything?

All kitchen equipment, bed linen and towels are provided. However, you will need to provide all grocery items.

We love cooking and want to buy local ingredients. Where should we go to buy these?

There is a great market held in Barga every Saturday morning. There are stalls that sell fresh fish, fruit/vegetables, bread, cheese, and salumi. There is also a small shop which sells local specialities. Details of the shop and market are in a folder at La Lucchese.

Is La Lucchese heated?

La Lucchese has central heating which is available during the colder months. There is also an open fireplace in the kitchen. Fire wood is available from the local vendor.

What day trips can we do from Barga?

If you have a car, you can travel to Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Siena, La Spezia, Le Cinque Terre, Montecatini Terme, Forte Dei Marmi and Colonnata. See Picturesque Day Trips for details.

If you don't have a car, you can take the bus or train to Lucca and then connect to Florence, Montecatini, and Pisa. You can also catch the bus to the coast to Viareggio or to any number of villages in the Garfagnana Valley.

Are there walking treks around Barga?

The valley is known for its walking treks either from village to village, or if you are a keen mountain climber, you can take walks up into the alps. The local tourist office has information and maps on these walks or you can visit www.caibarga.it for detailed itineraries.

Can we ski near Barga?

The Tuscan ski fields of Abetone and San Pellegrine in Alpe are located about one hour by car from Barga.

What sporting facilities are there in Barga?

Barga has the BEST clay tennis courts located nearby. There is also an open air swimming pool (summer only).

How can payments be made?

Payment may be made via international bank cheque mailed to Peter S. Scuderi at:
Peter Scuderi
50 Abbott Street,
New Farm 4005, Australia

Or electronically to:
WESTPAC NEW FARM BRANCH QLD
Westpac Swift Code: WPACAU2S
Account Name: Peter S. Scuderi
Account Number: 734065 567959

Can you recommend any useful websites for additional information?

www.barganews.com.au

www.comune.barga.lu.it