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A botanical treasure hunt in a fairy-tale villa, an outing with a medieval flavour, a picnic with a view on the river, on the shores of a lake hidden in the most authentic countryside or at the foot of a centuries old oak tree.

For spending Easter together we suggest you taking a bike to taste again the pleasure of a day in the open air, respecting the environment.
Here are our proposals for all legs, between nature, history and gourmet breaks.

1 – A HUNT TO THE GREEN TREASURE

… at the Villa Reale in Marlia, a few kilometers from Lucca, easy to reach even on two wheels.
An Easter Monday dedicated to families and little ones with the yearly special treasure hunt to playfully discover, leaf by leaf, petal by petal, plants and flowers in the gardens of Princess Elisa’s wonderful villa.
Up and down among groves and a scenic hillock, the little budding botanists, with a treasure map amidst botanical riddles and puzzles, will have to recognize the shape and essences of the many exotic plants brought by Elisa from every corner of the world, from the very fragrant wisteria to the colours of the camellias to the tulip tree and the fan palm.
From Petroni terrace, near San Quirico Bridge, follow the northern section of the river park bike path towards Ponte Moriano. From there, on a dirt road, follow the villa tour signposts to reach the monumental villa and its large park.

2 – A PICNIC IN THE MIDDLE AGES

Pedaling to discover small and pretty villages is a pleasant … destination.
Equip yourself with an e-bike or a gravel bike and wander through landscapes made of art, history and nature as far as the villages of Gattaiola and Meati, at the foot of Monte Pisano.
Among the jewels of the Romanesque architecture of Lucca, such as the parish church of San Michele Arcangelo in Meati and the church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo in Gattaiola, you will breathe in the atmosphere of medieval Lucca.
In the shade of centuries-old holm oaks, you can spread out a comfortable blanket, organize a picnic and enjoy a striking view of the peaks of Monte Pisano, which in this season, as if by magic, becomes a colorful garden of orchids, euphorbia and myrtle.
Leaving Porta Vittorio Emanuele, along the Old Pisan Way, the route is easy and inviting on small country roads lined with the high walls of the noble villas of Monte Pisano.

3 – BY THE LAKE

… for an Easter Monday in nature, in the show of water reflections and the many migratory birds that stop here to spend the spring.
Gherardesca lake, on the slopes of Monte Pisano, is a small but charming oasis of peace and biodiversity where you can relax listening to the silence of nature.
The lake can be reached by a country-style ride on a half asphalt and half dirt route of about 20 kilometers, riding along the dirt roads of the Padule towards Porcari, among cultivated fields, reeds and water ditches. Continue along Fossanuova and Delle Barche road to encounter the appearance of the body of water framed by a row of cypresses and willows.
The paths along the banks can be ridden or hiked and offer glimpses of the small villages perched on the Compitese hills to the south and, in the horizon, the peaks of the Apuan Alps and the Apennines to the north.
After a bit of birdwatching, it’s time to open the basket and spread the tablecloth for a tasty lunch, among egrets and herons flying elegantly over the water and, with a bit of luck and silence, also to spot beautiful storks and flamingos.

4 – THE PATH TO THE “GOLDEN WORDS”

A classic for Easter Monday outing in the Lucca area, a magical place nestled in the green hills south of Lucca. From the train station, using the pedestrian underpass, you can reach the Tempietto di Valle and from there follow the path under the arches of the 19th-century Nottolini aqueduct.
This takes you to the Tempietto di Monte and this corner of paradise.
It is here that the excellent oligomineral waters are collected, flowing from Monte Pisano and feeding the fountains in the historic center of Lucca, the ideal place for picnics and outdoor walks. At the entrance, a small bridge bears an inscription in brass letters, “scambiato” (traded) for gold by the peasants of the time. These are the famous “parole d’oro” (golden words) that give this park its name.
Bring your own sandwiches and salads but allow us to advise you to avoid disposable tableware. It will be easier for you and you will respect nature.

5 – UNDER PINOCCHIO’S OAK TREE

On the trail of the world’s most famous puppet to the oak tree in San Martino in Colle and to the village of Montecarlo in a charming and intoxicating landscape of vineyards and panoramic sunsets over the Piana di Lucca.
From Lucca, in the direction of Pescia, drive along Pesciatina road to the hamlet of Fontananuova and San Martino in Colle, in the territory of Capannori. Passing a small stone bridge and following a dirt road, one enters the estate of Villa Carrara, accessible from the vicinal road.
It is an enchanted world where the queen is a magnificent centuries-old oak, about 600 years old and 40 meters in diameter with twisted branches that form a prodigious architecture.
One catches one’s breath to rest in the shade of its majestic foliage that has breathed stories and legends such as that of the tree of murderers in Carlo Collodi’s famous novel.
Cycling enthusiasts can continue up a shady avenue to the medieval village of Montecarlo. A spectacular view from the mighty fortress overlooking the plain and a good glass of wine will be awaiting them. Return from Poggio Baldino and still along Pesciatina road back to Lucca.