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While wintering in an Italian shipyard may not be as exotic - and certainly not as warm - as floating about the Caribbean, there are so very many things to love about spending the cold months in Italy.
Yes, it does sound very romantic, to be stuck in Tuscany for months on end — although sometimes the view from the shipyard doesn’t quite live up to the picture of the Tuscan idyll. So climb out of the bilge for the day, discard your dirty overalls, and escape into Tuscany to reignite your Italian dream.
Bliss out in Tuscany’s Wild Hot Springs
Tuscany has more thermal hot springs and baths than anywhere else in Italy, and winter is definitely the time to enjoy them. Whether you’re opting for a spa centre with indoor thermal baths or outdoor hot pools fed by toasty warm spring water, there is nothing quite like relaxing in a thermal pool in Tuscany.
Head to the Snow!
At less than two hours from Viareggio to the slopes of Abetone, there is no excuse for not getting some snow time in this winter. The low-key, inexpensive resort at Val di Luce is a perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend, with cheap gear hire, good, simple food, and most importantly, 50kms of runs in the pretty Pistoia mountains.
Explore Florence
Great shopping, Michelin-starred restaurants, and Michelangelo’s David. What’s not to love about Florence? This magnificent Renaissance city is often called an ‘open-air museum’, with masterpieces at every turn. But in summer, even its biggest fan would have to admit the crowds can take the shine off the experience. In winter, you get to skip the intense crowds, and walking around the city becomes an act of joy rather than a battle, as you admire the extraordinary Duomo and visit the Uffizi Gallery to see Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. For shopaholics, you really won’t want to miss the winter sales.
Sign up for a Tuscan Cooking Course
Where better to spend your time on a cold Tuscan day than in a warm kitchen, learning to make fresh pasta from a local nonna? There’s a plethora of cooking courses for all abilities in Tuscany.
Walk the Walls of Lucca
Lucca might not be quite as well-known as Florence, but for almost everyone who has been there, it is as well-loved. This desperately pretty and authentic town is known for its perfectly preserved walls, which you can walk on top of, all the 4km way around. The walls were designed by none other than Leonardo da Vinci, and are just one of the wonderful aspects of this small, delightful city. Climb the walls, climb the towers, and explore the rabbit warren streets. You’ll want at least an overnight here.
Explore Quiet Tuscan Towns
Grab the crew car and head out into the rolling hills of Tuscany, stopping at the sleepy, near-deserted hill villages that would be completely overrun by gelato-eating tourists in the summer. Enjoy the crisp winter air and stunning views, and find one of the few restaurants open for a delicious local meal by a roaring fire. (We suggest visiting these smaller towns on weekends as you’ll probably struggle to find lunch options on weekdays.)
Watch the Region Come Alive for Carnevale!
In February, Tuscany throws off its wintery slumber for a month of festivals and parades. You won’t have to travel far from the boat for this one, as the reigning king of Carnival festivals in Tuscany is in good ol’ Viareggio. Expect a procession of hundreds of huge floats along the seafront, streets full of costumes and dancers, and a rollicking good time.
Hunt for Winter Truffles
Head into the cool winter hills for a truffle-hunting adventure. Between September and December, you’ll be seeking the legendary white truffle, while between January and March, you’ll be looking for the dark winter truffles. Your truffle-hunting tour will often conclude with a feast of silky-soft homemade pasta served with truffle shavings and lashings of hearty local wine. Tuscan heaven!
Fall for Siena.
It’s unlikely you’ll have any choice but to fall headlong in love with this breathtaking city. Spread across three hills, Siena is the quintessential mediaeval town, with thick walls and rabbit warrens of narrow gothic streets marked by stone sculptures of exotic beasts. The heart of the city is a piazza built on the site of a Roman amphitheatre, and the city is surrounded by lush rolling vineyards and fields, creating a visual and gastronomic masterpiece to explore at your leisure.
Tuscany. There’s worse places to be ‘stuck’ in a shipyard. Get out there and make some memories.
