Tags
Bagni di Lucca, caves, Grotto del Vento, italy, Lucca, Photography, Ponte a Serraglio, travel, Tuscany
About a 40 minute drive from the apartment in Ponte a Serraglio is the Grotto del Vento. Cave of the wind. Just like most of the roads we travelled in this area it is a very picturesque drive. Although the last 12 km to the cave are not necessarily for the faint-hearted. The road up to the Grotto is narrow and winding and hair raising to say the least. Some parts of the road are only wide enough for 1 car. Just be sure to honk your horn before going around the narrow bends to avoid a catastrophe. I actually found it very thrilling and a fun adventure. The drive up does take time, but it is definitely doable. Just take it easy and enjoy the ride and the views.
We were blown away by both the wind in one small section of the caves and by the incredible sights within. There are three different tours at least so you can pick one to suit. We chose the 1 hour tour which cost about €9 and it was perfect…the right amount of time for our interest level and there were stairs but they weren’t overly challenging. The tour guides spoke perfect English and were really excellent and very informative; the various sites were stunningly illuminated and quite awesome.
Although the main commentary is given in Italian there are headphones which are supplied in several different languages. Of course I had an English speaking set.
Wear good shoes with rugged soles and also bring a sweater or jacket as you may find it chilly. Also, you are not allowed to bring any bags or backpacks inside the cave. They have a wooden shed structure at the entrance of the cave that you can store your belongings in and the guide will lock with a key. Be prepared to be amazed at the beautiful stalagmites and “curtains” inside the cave and have a wonderful time! Oh…and the wind inside is breathtaking…hence the name “Grotto del vento” which means cave of the wind!
There is an excellent shop for gifts and a café which appeared to be reasonably prices but we did not eat here.
The Grotto del Vento is about an hour and a quarter drive from Lucca.
It looks amazing and quite a drive – hard to imagine the wind.
Thanks Georgie. It was amazing and an amazing drive On 16/02/2015 8:03 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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Wow what an interesting and lovely place. I so enjoy reading your blogs and seeing you beautiful pictures. Xx
Thanks Leah. Glad you like. It is always great to hear from you xx On 16/02/2015 8:14 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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Incredible, so much beauty and an adventure drive just to get there.
Once again a fabulous blog.
xxx
Hey Donna. Thanks. The caves are spectacular but I think Jenolan is better xx On 16/02/2015 9:18 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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Lyn . Caves are usually exciting places to visit and if you make it up the winding road, you are sure to be blown away literally.
Yes Gail. It was definitely worth the effort
I love grottos with stalagmites. Illuminating post!!
Yes Susan this one is pretty fabulous
Amazing! I love caves. And these look spectacular…think I would be too faint hearted to drive there though!!
Hey Mary. The drive up was exhilarating to say the least
I love cave tours. Your pictures are great!
Thanks Linda. The caves really were great
I have only been once to Grotta del Vento…I must go again soon, especially as it is so close to my house.
Yes Deb. Just up the road from Casa Debbio
Beautiful photos! I’m hoping to go down that way myself this year so will check it out! x
Thanks Sue. It is a beautiful part of the world. I especially love Bagni di Lucca area On 17/02/2015 10:12 PM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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Fascinating – Spectacular – and pretty scary too…Kay
Yes Kay. The drive up was spectacular and exciting enough
Gorgeous photos. Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada. :)
Thanks Linda. Very nice to hear from you. Greetings from rainy Australia
Looks like a beautiful cave.
Yes it is and in a stunning area On 20/02/2015 9:51 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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Every corner of Italy is just beautiful. Can you tell that I love Italy? Great pics, thanks for sharing. It made me be there in thoughts.
Thanks Cecelia. My blog stories let me re live every experience
Hi Lyn! What a great place! I know caves like this one from Germany and when I was a kid I loved exploring this world “down under” ;) I’ve never seen one of these in Italy yet, so during my next stay in Tuscany I will know where to go!!
Thanks Julia. The drive up to this area is also spectacular On 25/02/2015 3:52 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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