La Spezia Something classic •Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Genoa •Portofino, S. Margherita Ligure

Something special •Five Lands , Gulf of Poets •Lunigiana castles and archaeology •Nature Reserves of Montemarcello Magra and Palmaria archipelago •Parma culture and gastronomy •Maranello and Ferrari world

September 2008

1 Index

The Port of La Spezia: Location p. 3 For cruise ships: technical info and services p. 5

Tourist areas from La Spezia p. 7 Something Classic Florence p. 8 Pisa p. 9 Lucca p. 10 Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure p. 11 Genoa and Liguria gastronomy p. 12 Something Special La Spezia and the Gulfs of Poets p. 13 Nature reserve of Palmaria Tino and Tinetto p. 16 Five Lands p. 17 Lunigiana: medieval castles and Roman archaeology p. 20 Nature reserve of Montemarcello-Magra p. 23 Parma: gastronomy and music itineraries p. 24 Maranello: the world of Ferrari cars p. 27 References p. 28

2 The Port of La Spezia Location

La Spezia is in the center of a magnificent Gulf - 13.5 km long, 8.7 km wide - having a surface area of 95 km sq, located in the far eastern part of Liguria (North West of Italy). The Gulf of La Spezia has always been considered a natural port because of its natural morphology. The Gulf is sheltered from northern winds (north/west mountains) and southern winds (islands of Tino and Tinetto): also for these reasons its location and services are available all year round. In the second half of the nineteenth century it became the seat of the Military Navy, and a large Military Shipyard was built at that time. The construction of the shipyard changed the aspect of the city. Newer and larger urban areas were reserved for the population thus making life a bit easier. Nowadays the port of La Spezia is one of the major Italian military and commercial harbours. An excellent network of roads and railways connect it to the main monumental, artistic and natural attractions of Tuscany, Liguria, and to Parma and Ferrari areas. Being the best starting point for boat and bus excursions to the Five Lands and the Gulf of Poets.

LAT : 44° 07’ N

LON : 9° 50’ E

3 La Spezia is in the center of the Ligurian Gulf of Poets (from Lerici to Portovenere), it is the best starting point to the beautiful area of “Five Lands”, and it is not far from Portofino and S. Margherita Ligure. The distances to the main tourist centers of Tuscany are similar to those from Leghorn.

Distance (km) from La Spezia to: Five Lands <30 Portofino 90 Genoa 110 Lucca 80 Pisa 80 Florence 140 Parma 120 Milan 220 Bologna 220 Venice 367

Roads and motorways La Spezia is the “crossing point” of 2 important routes: -- the Genoa-Rome route, by road with s/s Aurelia, by motorway, with A12 -- the Parma – La Spezia route, by road s/s della Cisa, by motorway, with A15 Motorways entrance is approx. 5 km from the Port.

Railways Also the railways station of La Spezia serves 2 routes: Genoa-Rome and Parma-La Spezia. It is 4 km from the Port Airports At 80 km: the international airport “Galileo Galilei” of Pisa ; at 125 km: the international airport “Cristoforo Colombo” of Genoa ; at 12 km: the third level class airport of Luni.

4 The Port of La Spezia For cruise ships: technical info and services

For cruise ships, the port of La Spezia arranges 3 anchoring positions , at 4-6 minutes by tender from the La Spezia Cruise Facility (LSCF ) land cruise terminal , a large and comfortable floating pier located in front of the city Public Gardens.

The anchoring of cruise ships is a positive economic aspect, as it greatly minimize port costs.

5 Embarkation/disembarkation operations are carried out through a floating platform; starting last June 2008, a second floating platform, JF type, 20 x 5.6 mts, has been working for mega-ships.

Ship tenders arrive at the floating pier / cruise terminal in 4-6 minutes.

The excursions Buses wait passengers in a specific dedicated area, at 50 mt from the floating pier.

Entertainment and services for passengers and crew are close to the port, within walking distance: shops, museums, restaurants, bars, pizzerias, pubs

6 Tourist areas from La Spezia “Something Classic, Something Special”

From La Spezia, cruise passengers can easily reach and visit the classic , worldwide known tourist sites , as : classic Florence * Pisa * Lucca * Portofino and S. Margherita Ligure * Genoa

But also they can discover something really special: special the Gulf of Poets poetry * the Five Lands small villages (Unesco Heritage) * Lunigiana: medieval castles and Roman archaeology * the Nature Reserves of Montemarcello Magra and Palmaria Islands

Parma : the town, its gastronomy and music itineraries * Maranello : the world of Ferrari motors and cars

where • to visit old villages ( mainly from the sea) • to practice walking or trekking • to try kayaking or rafting • to experience bird watching • to taste fantastic foods and wines • to admire archaeology remains of a Roman town and Middle Ages castles • to discover caves • to follow classic music passions • to meet the Ferrari world

7 Something classic

Florence

( at approx. 140 km , 2 hrs by bus)

~500,000 inhabitants

Florence is one of the most historical and artistic town of the world. It preserves an excellent artistic witnessing of centuries of civilization, admirable in its churches, museums, monuments.

What to see: Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, il Ponte Vecchio, the Michelangelo’s David, the Loggia della Signoria, the Carhedral, with Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower, Santa Maria Novella Church, the Uffizi’s Museum, Santa Croce Church, the Medicean Chapels ... and many other beautiful places.

8 Something classic

Pisa

(at approx. 80 km , 1 hr by bus)

~ 90,000 inhabitants

Situated on the banks and by the outlet of the river Arno, it had been one important Republic of the Sea and spreaded its power out to Corsica isle. Its decadence has been determined by both the rivalry with Lucca d Florence, and, most of all, by the clash with Genoa, the rival Republic of rhe Sea. Its artistic estate is mostly in Miracles' Square where you can admire the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Camposanto, and especially the bell tower, known all over the world as the Leaning Tower. Another important monument is the Church of St. Maria della Spina, recently restored, on the Arno's riverside. Something classic

Lucca

(at approx. 80 km , 1 hr by bus)

~ 80,000 inhabitants

Lucca was founded by the Etruscans and became a Roman colony. Its historical center preserves the Roman street plan and many traces of Roman sites. Lucca was important also during the Middle Age, the Italian Renaissance and in Bonaparte’s period.

What to see: the walls, fully intact todays, now a pedestrian promenade which encircled the old town; the St Martin's Cathedral ; Piazza dell'Anfiteatro ; Piazza Napoleone ; Piazza San Michele ; the Ducal Palace ; the ancient Roman amphitheatre; the church of San Michele in Foro; the Basilica of San Frediano Something classic

Portofino and S. Margherita L.

(at approx 90 km , 1 hr by bus)

Portofin o: ~ 550 inhabitants

Portofino , a small village on the Ligurian Riviera, was founded by the Romans and named Portus Delphini , or Port of the Dolphin , because of the large number of dolphins that inhabited the Tigullian Gulf. Nowadays it is a picturesque, small (ex fishing people) village and tourist resort, with restaurant, bars and shops, considered anyway one of the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. To visit: the village, the Castello Brown, the San Martino Church. Santa Margherita Ligure: ~ 10,500 inhabitants

Very close to Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure is a town surrounded by hills covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation: a paradisiacal setting for villas and gardens , all with spectacular views on to the coast Typical products and luxury brands are offered by the local shops, and the port welcomes luxury yachts as well as local traditional fishing vessels. The port is also the site for sporting activities, such as sailing and canoeing, as well as numerous fashionable social events linked to the international sailing regattas. classic Something white, as d olive oil. ti”, similar, ixture of chick- d most famously, ition in the North Tyrrenic sea. rta Soprana and the Colombo’s e List (UNESCO). urch, the Porto Antico area with the rning ovens. Local wines from east side of Liguria are mainly ine nuts, Pecorino cheese, garlic and copious amounts of goo he largest in Europe) ipycal sauce is the nuts sauce, for accompanying the “pansot fresh flavours, healthy seafood, extra virgin olive oils an e “Sciacchetrà” caccia, a flat bread with oils and salt, and Farinata, a thin m “Vermentino”, or “Pigato”, or, from Five Lands area, the rar The cuisine in Liguria is 100% Mediterranean, bursting with Pesto. Pesto sauce (typicalIt from usually Genoa) accompanies is trenette madebut with pasta different, basil, or to p raviolis. gnocchi.pea Liguria Another flour, is t olive also oil well and known water for cooked Fo in large pots in wood-bu LIGURIA GASTRONOMY LIGURIA Genoa (at approx. 110 km , 1,5 hrs~ 800,000 by inhabitants bus) (incl. suburbs) Genoa is aNowaday city part with of an theWhat old old to city history, see: is focused inscribedSan on the on Lorenzo World its Heritag Cathedral,House, central the Via pos Rolli Garibaldi,Bigo Buildings (Renzo (Palazzi Piazza Piano dei architectures), de Rolli), the Ferrari, S. hystorical center Matteo Po (t Ch Something special

La Spezia and the Gulf of Poets

From the Cruise Terminal floating pier:

La Spezia downtown: 5 min by walking
Portovenere: at 13 km by bus, 20 min by boat
Lerici: at 12 km by bus, 20 min by boat

The Gulf of La Spezia is one of the most wide and deep inlets of the whole Tyrrhenian coast. It is encircled by two promontories and delimited by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains. The coasts are mainly high and jagged, with imposing rocky spurs that separate the calm bays, well-protected from the wind.

For over 2,000 years, the beauty of these places has been sung by the words of poets and writers and has been portrayed by the works of painters and artists who were attracted by the nature which was wild but at the same time friendly to this gulf, impressed by the light sea breeze, by the winding hills or by the harsh rocks steeply overlooking the sea.

Shelley, Lord Byron, Wagner and Montale have all been inspired by the beauty and the romantic scenery of La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere and the small cliff top villages facing the sea. The towns and villages of the gulf are all popular tourist destinations, thanks to their enchanting atmosphere.

The name Golfo dei Poeti (Gulf of the Poets) was born in this way: thanks to the famous people that have lived the atmospheres of this landscape, silent and romantic atmospheres that blend with the most intimate feelings of the soul.

13 Something special

La Spezia (~ 100,000 inhabitants)

For centuries, from pre-historic times, La Spezia has always been a port, because of its natural morphology. After Romans period (Luni remains near Sarzana), due to pirate invasions, the village was protected by defensive walls and a castle. Today it is one of the major Italian military and commercial harbours. In the historical centre of La Spezia (within walking distance from the cruise floating pier), Prione Street is closed to traffic therefore allowing pedestrians to walk safely and fully enjoy shopping, as is the parallel Corso Cavour, with splendid examples of “Liberty” style buildings On the first Sunday of every month, you may enjoy the “CercaAntico”, a rich exposition of furniture, silverware, jewels and antiques which attracts more than a hundred exhibitors from Italy and abroad .

The visit of the Amedeo Lia Museum , in the city center, is also very interesting: it includes paintings (from XIII to XVIII cent.), ivory and silver objects from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, ceramic, glass and crystal objects from different periods.

The San Giorgio Castle hosts the archaeological museum, with marble and other materials recovered from the Roman colony of Luni. It offers a fantastic view on the city and the Gulf, too.

Chiodo Square is the entrance to the Military Shipyard and to other great 19th-century military buildings. Recently, this important naval base, an area of 165 hectares with 12 kilometres of roads has been open to the public, also for visiting the prestigious Naval Museum.

The city-tour through the tourist train includes stops for shopping and cultural visits. 14 Something special

Lerici (~ 10,600 inhabitants)

Lerici is situated in the eastern part of the Gulf of La Spezia, in one of the most enchanting inlets of the whole coast. The village, surrounded by green hilly olive groves, offers to visitors two different features: dominated by the castle , the antique part embraces the characteristic port, and the modern part, with hotels, restaurants, bars and typical shops.

Even nowadays, tourists can admire the original Middle Age configuration of the village, with characteristic houses lines along the tortuous streets called "carruggi

Around Lerici: the enchanting S. Terenzo and Fiascherino , and Tellaro , inside the Monte Marcello Natural Reserve

Portovenere (~ 4,000 inhabitants)

What was once called 'Portus Veneris', is situated in the most western part of the Gulf of La Spezia and is considered one of the most suggestive villages of La Spezia's coast-line.

For many years, in Middle Age, with the 3 islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, it belonged to Genoese Republic, that built the majestic castle and the characteristic houses, having residential and defensive function.

Nowadays Porto Venere is a unique resort site, a pleasant combination of a primitive environment and modern equipment, like hotels, bars, restaurants.

To visit: the Castle , the S. Pietro Church , the Byron Cave , the village

15 Something special

Nature reserve of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto (Unesco World Heritage Site from 1997) Archipelago of three closely spaced islands jutting out south from the mainland at Portovenere, that represents the natural continuation of its promontory: over 9,000 years ago, they were joined. The islands are characterized by caves and cavities : in the “Grotta dei Colombi “ cave (the most famous, in Palmaria Islands) finds dating from the Paleolithic Age to the Iron Age have been discovered. Isola Palmaria Caves and ravines: Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Vulcanica, Grotta dei Colombi; birds: the largest colony of Herring Gulls of the Ligurian Sea; botanic: the Mediterranean maquis . At the summit of the island, near Batteria del Semaforo, an Environmental Education Center has been established: it welcomes groups of experts dealing with research activities and, during the summer , proposes also activities organized by WWF. Isola del Tino Military area: it has always been surrounded by mystery, probably also deriving from its historical inaccessibility. Starting last year, thanks to an agreement between the Park and the Navy, it is possible to have a guided tour every month.

MARINE EDUCATIONAL BY BOAT A special, inter-active tour that allows also no-diver people to discover the underwater secrets of the Portovenere archipela go. During navigation, passengers are educated by specialists on environmental and nature aspects of the area. Then, they arrive to the immersion site, where it is possible to dive with guides. Not-diving passengers can remain in contact with them through audio-video systems, while guides explain them what divers are watching and discovering.

16 Something special

Five Lands (Cinque Terre)

From La Spezia:
Monterosso: at 30 km
Riomaggiore: at 11 km

RIOMAGGIORE – MANAROLA CORNIGLIA – VERNAZZA MONTEROSSO :

Five miles of rocky coast in eastern Liguria, two promontories lie at each extremity, thousands of kilometres of dry walling, cultivated into vineyards, five southerly villages castled up on spurs of stone or disposed in clusters of very small inlets. These are the co-ordinates of the Cinque Terre (Five lands). Finally recognised as a National Park in 1999 and UNESCO protected territory since 1997 as a system of naturalistic environmental interest. This zone is characterised by the presence of precipitous slopes which have been cultivated into vineyards by means of fatiguing system of terracing the only evidence of transformation operated by the laborious human activity on the territory.

The suggestive type of coastal projections on the sea with sheer cliffs that often overtake the verticality alternated with bays, winding paths and enchanting small beaches between cliffs with a profound back drop, a rich variety of fish all of which make this district an authentic natural ”work of art".

17 Something special

Monterosso (al Mare ) (~ 1,600 inhabitants)

Monterosso is the westernmost of the Cinque Terre and (for expert walkers) is also reachable by walking along a quite difficult part of the "Sentiero Azzurro" footpath. The village is protected by hills covered with vineyards (the famous Cinque Terre wine) and olive groves. Its beautiful beaches, steep rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, make this one of the most charming resorts on the Ligurian Eastern Riviera. The medieval tower "Aurora", located on the hills of the Cappuccini, separates the ancient part of the village from the more modern part. In the church of San Francesco, works of great importance such as the Crucifixion (believed by many to have been painted by Van Dyck), are preserved.

Vernazza (~ 1,000 inhabitants)

A path with breathtaking views winding along Mediterranean groves and partly deserted fields and vineyards, reaches its peak on the route leading to Vernazza. This village, founded around the 1st Century, over time acquired deep- rooted maritime traditions. Some examples of excellent architecture, such as loggias, arcades and portals are evidence of a standard of living that was economically and socially superior to that of the other villages of the Cinque Terre

18 Something special

Corniglia (~ 250 inhabitants)

Corniglia is located on the ridge of a rocky promontory, at the foot of a terraced vineyard. More concentrated on agriculture than on fishing, this farming community is very similar architecturally to inland agricultural villages. The parish church of Saint Peter, 'San Pietro', built in 1334 on the ruins of an old 11th century chapel, is one of the most beautiful, Gothic-Ligurian style monuments to be found in the Cinque Terre. It has been subsequently renovated but still retains a baroque overlay. Under the churchyard there is a black stone building with Gothic arches which is traditionally thought to be the ancient seat of the Fieschi family.

Manarola (~ 400 inhabitants) Manarola is a very ancient village; in a dominant position, overlooking the centre of the village, there is the Church, built in Gothic style in 1338. Sheltered in a deep gorge between two promontory rocks, there is the little port, and a few shops selling typical products. It is connected to Riomaggiore with a beautiful coastal footpath, called the Lovers'

Riomaggiore (~ 1,700 inhabitants)

Riomaggiore is the easternmost of the Cinque Terre and is located in the narrow valley of the "rio Maior", along whose course the village was born (8th Century). Though maintaining its fishing and agricultural roots, tourism has become very important to the economic life of the village over the last few decades, partly due to its easy access from La Spezia.

The village has an urban layout made up of a series of footpaths which follow the outline of the land. These steep footpaths allow direct access to the upper floors of some of the houses, the oldest of which are tower-like and built vertically in parallel clusters. Overlooking the village is the parish church of Saint John the Baptist, built in 1340 by the Bishop of Luni; remarkable are the ruins of a 15-16th Century castle.

19 Something special

Lunigiana: medieval castles and Roman archaelogy

La Spezia
Pontremoli: at 43 km, approx 1 hr by bus La Spezia – Sarzana : at 20 km, less than ½ hr by bus

The Lunigiana area is well situated in Italy and Tuscany, between the classic city of Pontremoli , in the north, and ,the beautiful town of Sarzana , in the south, along the course of the Magra river and its affluents. Its name comes from the ancient Romanport city of Luni; around XIII Cent. the area was controlled by the Malaspina family: from those days many castles (about 100 !) and villages (borghi) as well as palaces still remain to visit . The great poet Dante stayed here while working on his Divine Comedy and helping keeping the peace between the competing Malaspina family members. Visits are possible not only by bus but also by biking on the famous Via Francigena , the pilgrim's road from Canterbury to Rome.. For fishermen, there are various places for (free) fishing . The prestigious Bancarelvino prize for best wine and winebook of the year, is presented during the festival in the village of Mulazzo; it take splace in the first week of July. In August, all villages organize festivals. Borghi and castles: Montereggio, Castiglione del Terziere, Malgrate, Filattiera, Bagnone, Filetto (most from Byzantine origin), Tresana, Lusuolo, Caprigliola and Fosdinovo, the Malaspina Casltles in Fosdinovo, Lusuolo, Castevoli…

20 Something special

Sarzana and the Roman town of Luni

~ 21,200 inhabitants

The position of Sarzana, in Lunigiana, at the entrance to the valley of the Magra river (ancient Macra), the boundary between Etruria and Liguria in Roman times, gave it military importance from Middle Ages period.

To visit:

-- the Gothic Cathedral , the former Citadel , the Palazzo del Capitano , the castle of Sarzanello

-- the archaeological site of Luni : the city had risen as a roman colony in 177 B.C. to assure definite possession of the Ligurian coastal area, protection of the port, and control over the Ligurians. Originally the city was at the sea, while today it's almost 2 km away . Its name has been interpreted as that of the goddess Luna, whose cult is witnessed by inscriptions, or probably deriving from the sweeping line of its port. Points of interest include remains of the elliptical Roman amphitheate r(first century AD) and the Archaeological Museum .

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special Something tower of , the La Rosa, lthe fortress of Castelnuovo, , and the famous sts also the Museum of Lunigiana Stele Statues, s and spelt, cooked zia, cooked in different cci” of Podenzana, the rticular boiled and served , and, like in Genoa, the d in elaborate recipes. But Bancarella espect for such an important l gastronomy is characterized ral vegetables and herbs and and his “Locanda hisand ” cheese, sweet and fresh honey . premio : award literary churches of San Nicolò, San Geminiano, San Francesco , the important (remind to Guelfs and Ghibellines disputes), the theatre of most Castle Italy's the “testaroli”, the “raviolis” from lunigiana, the“vermentino” “pecorino (wine tasting inParacucchiValley: ChefspecialAngelo in MagraA local cellars) LUNIGIANA AND LA SPEZIA GASTRONOMY Now very “up –to-date”by due to a its 'poor original cuisine', products, the based loca on local resources and not codifie they include flavours and freshness, fish and seafood, natu the skilful use ofingredient. olive oil. They areSome proof examples: of a• heritage and From r the sea, rare and delicious mussels, mainly from La Spe ways, or the octopus (from every rock coast of the area), in pa with potatoes (“polpo alla• ligure”) From the fields: the “mesciua”, a soup with chick peas, bean separately and then mixed together with olive oil and pepper farinata • Special from Lunigiana: the beans of Bigliolo, the “paniga Local tDOC wines: the “Colli di Luni “, with white and red ones dell’Angelo”, in Ameglia dell’Angelo”, Tuscany, near the source of the Magra river and the To visit: the Pontremoli 8,500 ~ inhabitants Pontremoli is located in themountains. northern part ItDoor of to is Lunigiana Tuscanyits and along dominated name the to by Francigena thebeen way, wood constructed. the of the theartistic village Pontremoli poplar Castle and owns monumental with is memories. which of today perhaps it a Piagnaro. had precious coffer of Cacciaguerra the complex of the convent of the Agostiniani. Pontremoli ho and, Something special

Nature reserve of Montemarcello-Magra From La Spezia to Montemarcello: 20 km The Montemarcello-Magra Nature Reserve is placed between Liguria and Tuscany, and includes an area of 4,320.8 hectares, rich in nature, historical and cultural values, crossing the borders of 18 municipalities.

It includes 3 areas: the River Magra valley the slow and curvy track of the river creates small lakes and large meanders, with humid areas unique in Liguria, very important for the nesting of migratory and local birds, and a large fish fauna the River Vara valley the valley is characterised by hills with secular woods of chestnut, historical villages with high cultural interest, fortresses, like the Doria Malaspina Castle at Calice al Cornoviglio, and karst areas, with caves as in Riccò del Golfo and Pignone. The River Vara, that dominates and draws the valley, born in the Appennino mountains, flows for 58 km between rocks and small cultivated planes. It hosts a significant fish and amphibian fauna, and allows many water sports, like kayaking, rafting, hydro speed The Caprione promontory It is the system of hills that separates the south-west waters of the La Spezia Gulf from the alluvial plane of the Magra river, from the suggestive Punta Bianca (White Edge) , a thick layer of white limestone. The west side, steeper and less green than the eastern one, shows tall, vertical walls on the sea, with small beautiful beaches, like the one at Punta Corvo, and some inlets between the marine villages of Tellaro and Lerici. Not to be missed are the villages of Ameglia and Montemarcello

How to visit the park Walking, along many and suggestive paths; kayaking on the River Vara; by boat, sailing back up the River Magra while bird watching or tasting some typical local foods; on horseback, toward the Alta Via of Liguria Mountains; biking, along the bicycle tracks on the river coasts.

23 Something special

Parma: gastronomy and music itineraries (at approx 120 km, 1,3 hrs by bus)

Parma (~ 180,000 inhabitants)

Parma is an elegant city where reigns a refined atmosphere that can only be breathed in a 'petite capitale', with its centre rich of art, parks and treasures from different ages . A vital town rich in history, art and culture, Parma has been shaped along the centuries by great painters and architects the likes of Antelami and Correggio .

Parma is also worldwide famous for its gastronomy, being the “capital” of the food valley. Something to taste and buy? Tortellini, parmesan cheese, prosciutto (ham) di Parma, culatello, potatio gnocchi, champignons of Borgotaro, castagnaccio, torta fritta....

To visit: the Cathedral , the Baptistery, the Regio Theatre , the National Gallery , the Paganini Auditorium , and the modern architecture buildings.

24 Something special

Gastronomy roads around Parma

Winding around the province , three different Roads of wines and tastes invite visitors to experience real local food, reflecting the influence of history, culture and the craft of man. Parmigiano reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham factories welcome people fan of Italian food, for a very interesting and satisfying experience

The Road of Culatello crosses the vast plain along the river Po, area of production of the sweet and sparkling Fortana wine and Spalla Cotta ham of San Secondo. The Road of Culatello runs through the villages along the river Po, renowned for the production of Culatello as well as many other typical gastronomic products such as Spalla cotta (shoulder of ham) from San Secondo, the sweet wine Fortana, the Spongata of Busseto cake and last but not least the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese While discovering this incredible variety of tastes, you ca n also enjoy a trip by boat on the river Poor byke on the cycling routes linking the castles to the landof Giuseppe Verdi.

Worldwide famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and mouth-watering slices of Prosciutto di Parma and Salame of Felino can be tasted along the Road of Ham and wines running south, while sipping the Wines of the hills. Running across the hills surrounding Parma, crossed by the rivers Parma and Baganza, this itinerary offers the chance to taste different and famous typical products, such as Prosciutto di Parma (Parma Ham), Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese, Coll i di Parma Wine, the Black Truffle from Fragno and the Salami from Felino. All matched with the traditional delicious gastronomy

Last but not least, the Road of Porcino mushrooms will bring visitors to discover the mountains of Taro, Ceno and Baganza valleys, their traditions and stunning views. The road runs on the hills of the valleys crossed by the Taro, Baganza and Ceno rivers, offering charming landscapes marked by a mix of nature, history, castles and ancient churches. On these mountains the Porcino Mushroom from Borgot aro is the protagonist of an old tradition, made of a rich gastronomy and village fairs.

25 Something special

Music itineraries within the Parma area

Teatro Regio (Parma) The current Regio Theatre , which was named only after the Italian Unification (before it was simply called Ducal Theatre), was built under Maria Luigia from 1821— 1829 to keep the heredity of the Ducal Theatre. It is internationally known for its acoustics, as for the severity and competence of its public. It host the Verdi Festival .

Auditorium Niccolò Paganini (Parma) The new citizen Auditorium (architect: Renzo Piano) was built upon the remnants of the walled structure of the Eridania Sugar Factory (Zuccherificio Eridania). It shows an admirable work of connecting the past and future

Arturo Toscanini birthplace (Parma) The birthplace of Arturo Toscanini (via Borgo Tanzi n. 13) houses a collection of heirlooms, personal objects and photographs of the great orchestral director. The house was purchased by his children and donated to the city of Parma.

Giuseppe Verdi birthplace (Roncole di Busseto) This is found on the provincial road to Busseto at the crossroads in the centre of the village. Giuseppe Verdi was born in the small house in the locality called Roncole, on the night of 10 October 1813. Once this humble construction was used as a public house; now a favourite destination for hundreds of visitors.

Villa Verdi (Roncole di Busseto) The famous villa that Giuseppe Verdi purchased in 1848 personally attending to its park’s development and the furnishings, is a symbol of the character and passions of a man who always strove to define himself as a “farmer” of Roncole.

26 Something special

Maranello: the world of Ferrari cars

(at approx. 190 km, approx. 2,2 hrs by bus)

Maranello

(~ 16,500 inhabitants)

Maranello represents the myth of the " Prancing Horse ", but it's also synonym of the delicious food from the Emilia region, of typical products and of a hospitality in direct contact with nature. This town embodies the myth of the " red cars ": here, in 1943, the most prestigious car industry in the world was founded, a symbol of high technology and passion for the human craftsmanship, innovation and know -how.

The public museum Galleria Ferrari, which displays sports and racing cars and trophies, is also located here. The Ferrari 550 Maranello and Ferrari 575 Maranello are named after the city. Near Maranello is the town of Fiorano Modenese where the Fiorano Circuit is located, a private track owned by Ferrari used for its car testing.

27 References .

La Spezia Cruise Facility srl Vial San Bartolomeo 109 19126 La Spezia – Italy Tel 00 39 0187 5512 10 Mob. 00 39 348 7677361 (Mr. Troiani) – 00 39 348 8805725 (Mr. Battolla) Fax 00 39 0187 551302 Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.speziacruisefacility.it

For further information: [email protected]

La Spezia Port “Video Clip” web link: http://www.ftptopcruises.it/spezia.mpg

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