Mycology
Leccinum aurantiacum: Red-Capped Bolete of Tuscany
Where Leccinum aurantiacum, the red-capped bolete, grows in Tuscany, how to tell it from the aspen bolete, and why its cut flesh …
The Journal
Journal
Field notes from the Tuscan Apennines: trails, mushrooms, birds, light, and the slow craft of reading a landscape.
Hidden Tuscany
Wild Horses in Tuscany: Hiking the Calvana
Where to see wild horses in Tuscany: the semi-wild herd on the Calvana ridge, 30 minutes from Prato and 45 from Florence.
TrekkingHidden Tuscany
Best Day Treks from Pisa: Mountains & Ruins
The mountains near Pisa start ten minutes away by train on Monte Pisano, and the Apuan marble road and Apennine lakes make day …
HikingHidden Tuscany
Day Trips from Lucca, Italy: By Train or Car
The best day trips from Lucca, Italy, with or without a car: the Nottolini aqueduct by train, the Apuan Alps, glacial lakes and …
Hiking
Walking in Tuscany: Best Hikes & Trail Guide
Walking in Tuscany, from a local guide: Apennine peaks, glacial lakes, Apuan marble and easy trails near Florence and Lucca.
Hidden Tuscany
Things to Do in Tuscany Besides Wine Tours
Tuscany is more than wine and hill towns. Discover high Apennine peaks, marble mountains, ancient aqueducts most visitors never …
Mycology
Truffle Hunting in Tuscany: What to Know
Planning a truffle hunting tour near Florence or in Tuscany? Learn what’s real, what’s staged, and why authentic mushroom foraging …
Mycology
Armillaria Mellea: Tuscany's Most Complicated Mushroom
Learn where Armillaria mellea grows in Tuscany, how it kills and then decomposes trees, and how to tell it from the deadly …
Trees and floraMycology
Bracken Fern in Tuscany: A Sign of Porcini Country
Bracken fern often marks acidic soils where porcini thrive in Tuscany. Learn to read the forest floor and discover this ancient …
Hidden Tuscany
Hiking Near Pescia: Apennines, Lakes & Forest Trails
Best hikes near Pescia: Apennine lakes, ancient forests, and train-friendly trails through Tuscany's most rewarding landscapes.
FaunaHiking
Salamandra Salamandra: Fire Salamander in Tuscany
Salamandra salamandra (fire salamander) in the Tuscan Apennines: identification, habitat, behaviour, and where to find them.
Hiking
Montecatini Terme: What to Do & Day Trips
The best day trips from Montecatini Terme: Montecatini Alto, Lucca by train, the Acquerino reserve and the Valdinievole wetlands.
Hiking
Is Pisa Worth Visiting? A Local Guide's Honest Answer
Is Pisa worth visiting? Yes, for a day. Stay longer only as a base: the mountains near Pisa and Lucca's aqueduct are a train or a …
Trees and floraHiking
Galium Aparine: Cleavers in Tuscan Hedgerows
Galium aparine (cleavers, goosegrass) in Tuscany: identification, edibility, traditional uses, and where to find this sticky …
Trees and floraHiking
Umbilicus Rupestris: Wall Pennywort in Tuscany
Discover Umbilicus rupestris (wall pennywort) in Tuscany: identification, habitat, edibility, and where to find spectacular …