The National Tuscan-Emilian Apennines Park, covers 26,000 hectares from along the Tuscan Emilian Apennines among the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Massa Carrara and Lucca. This vast area includes some of the highest peaks of the Northern Apennines featuring rare botanical and animal species typical of high mountain areas. Within this mosaic of habitats, there is an extraordinarily wide range of biodiversity. The high altitude prairies surround the highest peaks, and a frequently characterized by many different types of plants, with endemic species of particular interest for conservationism, making this area full of natural botanical gardens (such as the glacial circle of Prado mountain, at 2,054 above sea level).

The Apennines, stretching from Liguria to Umbria, form Italy's spine and offer some of the country's best walking. Here, traditional villages cluster on the lower slopes of dramatic peaks rising to nearly 2,000 metres, and inviting paths lead up through thick, majestic woodland of beech, oak and chestnut to the high mountains.

Lucca is one of those Tuscan towns you should visit on your vacation in Italy.
Lucca is famous for its Renaissance-era city walls that have remained intact while so many other Tuscan towns saw theirs destroyed in past centuries. Lucca is located on a plain at the foot of the Apuan Alps and is less than half an hour from the Tuscan coast.

Lucca has one particularly stunning feature - ancient ramparts that ring the old city. The inhabitants built these brick walls in the 16th century for defense. Today, walk (or bike) around the city on the wide shaded walkways atop the walls. If that doesn't tire you out, climb up the Torre Guinigi - the 130 ft. tower has an ancient oak tree on top!

The Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. It is in the Liguria region of Italy, to the west of the city of La Spezia.
"The Five Lands" comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.