The very word Bagni of course means that there has to be a Spa here! In fact the waters of this area were certainly regarded as being highly efficacious as far back  as Roman times if not before.

There are numerous Spas across Tuscany, not least those of Montecatini Terme and Chianciano, and many places have (see Excursions 'Pinocchio and Pianos') invested hugely in the building of edifices to water worship. That said the waters of Bagni di Lucca or Bagni de Corsena as it was known up to about 1600, have always been recognised as beuing of superior quality:"the very high therapeutic value of our waters...remains incontestable and they spring forth in a clean, restful atmosphere" (to quote the ubiquitous tortured 'Anglitalian' used all over Italy).
 
The first known brochure promoting Bagni's spa waters is believed to be the one published in 1471 and since then almost the world and his wife has arrived. The list of notables is almost endless - including various Popes and politicians, as well as Shelley, the Brownings and Dumas and indeed includes some, such as Falloppio the anatomist, who might actually have known something about their chemical properties! 

TODAY BAGNI OFFERS THE VISITOR THE WHOLE RANGE OF CURATIVE AND PREVENTITIVE TREATMENTS AS WELL AS MUD AND MASSAGE!

One of our guests writes:

"Can one ever be TOO relaxed?!" Three hours of pampering at Terme Bagni Di Lucca had myself, and a friend, pondering that question. We had just indulged in a visit to the spa, where we absolutely adored our Fango (mud) wraps, mineral baths, massages, and facials... we were told beforehand that Bagni di Lucca's waters were "the best in Italy...or so said the Romans" - well, they seem to have known their stuff. 

We walked into the spa's elegant surroundings as weary travellers, complaining of muscle aches and stiffness. After the technicians worked their magic, we walked out into the sunshine, feeling as though we were carefree, soft-skinned angels, floating on clouds! 

I must admit I felt a little apprehension prior to my visit, because the only Italian I've mastered, is the word "Ciao." That was not a problem, I quickly discovered, because the spa technicians are excellent communicators, and led us through the entire beautification process with tremendous ease. They took great care in tending to our comfort, and secured our personal articles in lockers, in each room where services were performed. 

Thermal spas are my passion, and I have visited many famous facilities throughout the United States, and other countries. Terme Bagni Di Lucca, with its sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium enriched waters, surpasses all of them in historic background, quality of services, and value. 

My friend and I selected the spa's Trattamento "Jean Varraud," which is the basic day package.. .when we booked the day before I recall telling the receptionist that essentially what I wanted was to be 'a NEW woman.' I was not to be disappointed! 

It cost - including a facial (an optional extra) - each of us 91 Euros. The exact same services would have run $300, we agreed, in the United States. This means that we had enjoyed three hours in paradise, for less than a third of the "normal" cost! 

Our visit to the spa at Terme Bagni Di Lucca was a delightful detour in our journey through Tuscany, and one we would recommend to anyone who appreciates the ultimate in spa indulgence! 

Amy Wilson, New Albany, Indiana, June 2002.

Swimming and the Beaches

At the Mulino, sitting as we do right on the side of the Torrente Fegana, we have the opportunity to dam the river every June which provides a crystal clean “swimming hole” which many of our guests have enjoyed over the last few years – especially their children.

Most swimming on the Med is ‘Bagno-style’ which means serviced beach areas – which given the amenities they provide are fair value – they charge around € 25 for a family of four for a day and that includes deck chairs, umbrellas, sunbeds and changing facilities with shower... and of course, a loo; some have little bars where they serve a snack lunch.. 

We recommend  your going to Forte dei Marmi which is just north of Viareggio itself, and where we have a “relationship’ with one of the nicer Bagnos – we include one day free, if you stay a week, as part of the deal.

In addition there are fishing clubs – open to Visitors at both Barga and Diecimo (12 kms) where the sport is more varied.

Should you wish for someone to show you the ropes that can be organized.

Bicycles and mountain bikes can be hired by the hour day or week in Lucca – one of the things many guests have enjoyed is to hire a tandem and pedal the walls. There are many trails for the “vertical” enthusiast... whilst of course the major professional “Tours” most particularly the Giro d’Italia are followed avidly by all Italians...not least here for the Great Cippolini is a Toscano. The Giro is in May.

We are extremely well served for walking enthusiasts. The Orrido di Botri, Monte Rondinaio, the Garfagnana itself, San Pellegrino and the Pania di Corfino are just a few rambling ”centres” on our doorstep. ‘Rifiugi’ (little huts/refuges) are available stopping or overnight camping. Excellent maps are available.

Guide services are available at:

• Campeggio Pian’d’a Mora – (0039 – 0583 74426 or 0039 0583 86525) 
• Coop. Terra Uomini Ambiente – Castelnuovo Garfagnana (0039 0583 644344)
• And Information Offices at Castelnuovo, Barga and Bagni di Lucca (0039 0583 644242)

If you wish over the weekend to hack across the Fegana valley, horse-riding is available in the forests above the mill.  If you are interested in a more involved excursion on horseback, please take a look at our "Sui Dorsi dei Cavalli" excursion!
 

Bagni di Lucca has an excellent if small Tennis Club with four first class hard courts ...and a bar! Rackets can be hired but you must have proper shoes of course

Volleyball

Volleyball is almost the Village game in Italy so there are many courts all over.

Basketball

The Palazzo del Sport at Lucca has a top quality basketball court

Golf

There are three eighteen-hole courses within an hour’s journey from the Mill: at Tirrenia on the Coast near Pisa;  at Pietrosanta just north of Viareggio; and at Montecatini.
 

Skiing One of Italy’s principal skiing resorts, Abetone, is just 40 curvy kilometres from the Mill – so it probably will take you an hour to get there.

“Fast Little Red Motor Cars”

The Ferrari Museum at Maranello is over the hill from Abetone – a glorious 2 hour plus drive through spectacular scenery... the museum is pretty good too!

Spectator Sports

Italy’s main spectator sport is of course soccer........invariably Sunday afternoon. Lucca’s stadium is on the east of the City...though one has to say they haven’t been playing too well in the last 3 or 4 years!  There are horse-race and, most particularly, trotting courses at Pisa and Montecatini.

Discotheques/Bars

We have two large Discos within 5 miles of the Mill - Jo-Jo’s and Skylab, both of which have hot-spots for the younger set and a dance floor usually with a full blown orchestra for the more sedate of us! Entrance costs about € 8 and drinks are at normal bar prices. We have also both in Lucca and around here a goodly number of “fun” bars.

Theatres

At Bagni, there is the Teatro Accademico which often has plays or musical evenings in the summer; whilst in Lucca, there is the famous Teatro Giglio where Pavarotti amongst others, had his Theatrical debut.

Also visit Lucca On Stage for more information about theatrical and cultural events in and around Lucca.
 

Opera/Jazz/Concerts The principal Opera festival is, of course, the Puccini Festival at Torre del Lago – about 45 mins away – which runs from late July to mid August (open air) and invariably features 3 of the great man’s works... and is totally super!  Be sure to buy at least second-best tickets (and take binoculars or opera glasses!) - tickets at this level cost about € 55 Smaller Opera Festivals are held at Barga.

There are jazz festivals at Pistoia, Barga, Lucca and Viareggio. For those more pop-oriented, the Lucca music Festival always has top liners featured such as Elton John, Joe Cocker, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Lionel Ritchie and Bob Dylan.

Throughout the summer there are often concerts both in the piazzi in Lucca and Barga and elsewhere , most especially at some of our Villas.

Feste There are probably over 1000 separate festas in Tuscany in any given year – including the Palio at Siena, the Giocco del Ponte and the Luminara at Pisa, the Santa Croce in Lucca , the Giostra di Saraceno in Arezzo and the Calcio Storico at Florence (the B IG ones) - the best plan  is therefore to check  Dan’s Feste Guide.

If you are coming by car – do yourself a mega-favour and save the Petrol cost...easy-peezy!– buy a demigiana (54 litres – 72 bottles) and get it filled with some excellent Toscano. When you get home and have a real “bottle(ing) party” you’ll have some first class drinking wine for under  £1 a bottle.........better than you buy at the local supermarket for £5!   Visiting local vineyards is not hard and, of course, the last Sunday in May is ‘Cantine Aperte’, when virtually every vineyard in Italy opens is cellars for you to go and have a “gusto” or 2... or 3...