LEG 2 – WEDNESDEY 12th JUNE
Acqui Terme, Genova, Rapallo, La Spezia, Massa e Viareggio
On the second day, the convoy will begin its descent southwards, passing through the Langhe region and through the centre of Acqui Terme before making its way to Genova, where the crews will stop for lunch. Continuing along the Tyrrhenian coast, the convoy will pass Rapallo, La Spezia, Massa before arriving in Viareggio.
Acqui Terme
The Most beautiful race in the world in the 2024 ”European City of Wine”
Acqui Terme is a fascinating spa town already renowned in Roman times for its steaming waters, surrounded by vineyards and landscapes recognised in 2014 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their breath-taking beauty, and proclaimed in 2024 as ”European City of Wine” with the territory of Gran Monferrato and Alto Piemonte.
Situated in the province of Alessandria, a borderland between Piedmont and Liguria in the Alto Monferrato territory, rich in environmental, landscape, artistic and eno-gastronomic charm. The imposing remains of the Roman aqueduct that stand out along the course of the Bormida river bear witness to how water has always been the vital element of this city, which offers its visitors an enviable combination of art, culture, history and gastronomic excellence, making it a unique and captivating destination.
A monument, symbol of the city and a must see for anyone coming to visit. A gift of nature, that flow of thermal water defined as salty-bromine-iodine-sulphurous, which gushes out at an incredible flow rate of 560 litres per minute at a temperature of 74,5°C.
Genova
A city to visit, to discover, to love.
A city with a thousand faces, but wears no masks. Genoa always looks different, at every hour of the day, from every angle, and yet unable to lie. Authentic in its popular districts, its carruggi, but also in its elegant neighbourhoods.
Genoa is a seaside and a land city, with a mild climate all year round, set between a horizontal and vertical perspective that spills over into the mountains, through flowering parks, patrician villas, and fortifications.
It has one of the largest historical centres in Europe, an impressive cultural heritage, with wide green spaces, fascinating hiking trails, cosy corners like precious hamlets, and great contemporary architecture.
A city of a thousand faces, hybrid by nature, multicultural like all port cities, yet with its own distinct personality, reflected in the shops, markets and cultural ferment.
Unforgettable flavours of the most authentic Mediterranean cuisine, embodied in the fragrance of pesto and focaccia, of blue fish, of aromatic herbs.
Dynamic in all its manifestations, Genoa retains the imprint of history, and yet brazenly looks to the future. Genoa is European Capital of Sport 2024, another important recognition that will bring to the city a rich calendar of sporting events for all tastes!
The ancient maritime republic that rivalled Venice has been reincarnated into a city that lives at the pace of the contemporary world.
Massa
From the sea to the peaks in a single glance
Nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Massa is ready to welcome you in the regenerating embrace of sea and mountains.
Relax along its comfortable and well-equipped fine sandy beaches, immerse yourself in the protected nature of the Apuan Alps, from the Botanical Garden to the historic Via Vandelli, in the timeless tranquillity of small hilltop villages, to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Slow down, let yourself be surprised by the heart of the city with its imposing Castle and the many signs of its rich history: stately palaces and Renaissance churches, the medieval Cathedral, enlarged and embellished several times over the centuries, the scenic Piazza Aranci, dominated by the imposing Palazzo Ducale, and Piazza Mercurio, the ancient city market.
Between the centre and the marina, in the splendid setting of the historic residence of Villa La Rinchiostra, the fascinating museum dedicated to the works of the internationally renowned Massese sculptor Gigi Guadagnucci, one of the last masters of marble.
On the Candia Hills, the production area of the renowned “Candia dei Colli Apuani DOC” wine, verdant vineyards stretch along steep terraced slopes overlooking the sea where vines have been cultivated with great effort and sacrifice for over 2000 years.
The wine, flavours and aromas of an ancient cuisine and a long tradition of hospitality envelop you in a unique experience, from the sea to the peaks in a single glance.
Viareggio
One of Italy’s oldest seaside resorts
Viareggio means hospitality: thanks to its beaches, it is mainly identified as a seaside resort, but it also takes pride in the proximity of the inland mountains and the presence of Lake Massaciuccoli and the protected areas of the Migliarino San Rossore Park. Many national and international events are held during the year: from Carnival to the Puccini Festival for music, the Viareggio Cup for sport, and the Rèpaci Prize for literature.
However, Viareggio is also art, with the Decò Promenade, Art Nouveau buildings, and a Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art overlooking the sea. And then there is shipbuilding: Viareggio’s docks are home to one of the most important nautical districts in the world.
Torre del Lago Puccini is the only hamlet in the municipality and is named after Giacomo Puccini, whose 100th anniversary of his death falls this year. Characterised by a less tamed nature than the “main town”, it nevertheless retains all the deco charm and prestige of one of Italy’s oldest seaside resorts.
On the lake, on the other hand, it is silence that dominates, interrupted only by the rustle of the wind in the cladium mariscus plants. A scenario dear to the Maestro who chose to live here and compose his works here.
