SATURDAY

Morning: Dolphins, ahoy!!

C.E.T.U.S., with its headquarters in Viareggio, is Tuscany's primary center for the observation of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Marine biologists are currently conducting research studies at this "sea mammal sanctuary", hoping to learn more about the behavior and potential of these fascinating and quite loveable creatures.

Whale watching trips can be arranged daily from January to the end of March. Weekend and 7-day boat excursions aboard the "Santuario" are available from April to September.
We to met marine biologist Silvio and skipper Andrea at the boat harbor in Viareggio. Leaving our shoes behind, we boarded the sailboat and cast off for the open seas. The gentle movements of the vessel were soothing and lunch was typical local fare: lardo and panzanella (a dish served cold consisting of bread soaked in vinegar, with vegetables).
Things got a bit too exciting when we beached ourselves on a sandbar in the Arno River, the one and only boat access to the Parco di San Rossore. A good motor and teamwork of the Italian "seamen" saved the day...

Information:
ph. +39.335.65.64.469
http://cetus.supereva.it

The park boasts a lush display of the plantlife to be found along Tusany's central coastline, which spans between Pisa and Lucca. The projects was founded to conserve the botanical, environmental and historic characteristics of the area as well as to promote scientfic study.
It has an area of some 3000 hectares stretched along 32 Km of coast between Livorno and Viareggio.
Of particular interest is the fact that varied biological zones exist so closely together, one often mingling with another. Such diversity of plant and animal life in such a limited area is quite unusual.

Water is the reigning sign: from the Tyrrhenian Sea, Lake Massaciuccoli, the Arno River and the Serchio, a network of ditches and irrigation canals, to the vast and characteristic swamplands, water is the primary feature on the face of this region.

At the center of the park, visitors can find the former Presidential estate of San Rossore, with a total area of 4.800 hectares.
Its favorable geographic location, the rich and varied habitats and the allure of its walkays make a visit to the park absolutely unforgettable.

The esate is partially open to the public on weekends, holidays and as part of initiatives sponsored by the Ente Parco Regionale Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli, which also organizes guided tours by bicycle or on foot, by eco-train, on horseback or in a horse-drawn buggy.

Beyond the Parco Naturale itself, the northern San Rossore coastline of interest as well; it's particularly untouched environment has attracted a wide variety of plant species typical of the Italian coastal areas.
The most important of these is likely the ammofila, a species of grass necessary to the formation of high coastal dunes.

The splendid weather inspired us to set out on an "aromatic" excursion by buggy from the Park to the beach with a grand view of the dunes: ferns, juniper, domestic pines, elms and knee-holly abounded. Wild boar, herons, cranes, fallow deer and ferrets observed our progress, rustling the brush and trees.
Though the animals are permanent residents of the park, humans are welcome for a few days as well: La Sterpaia offers a wonderful opportunity to listen to the silence, to fell the vibrations of the woods. Various "theme stays" are available (riding, relaxation program, new age, etc.)

Information:
ph. +39.050.523.019
www.sanrossore.it