Campsite presentation: Tuscany campsite Barco Reale.
Campsite with a view!
In 1519, a man died in Amboise, France, about whom the world still speaks in amazement today. He is considered a millennial genius in architecture, engineering, painting, sculpture, natural philosophy and anatomy. In the 67 years of his life, he served many masters: the Medici of Tuscany, the Sforza of Lombardy, the Borgia of Romagna and finally the French king. He was born the illegitimate son of a notary from Vinci, whose clients included the Medici family. This genius seems to have left his mark everywhere, and even at the Barco Reale campsite several threads of this extraordinary life story can be seen: Barco Reale is located in a former Medici hunting ground.
The campsite is perched on a hill just four kilometres from Vinci. In complete rural tranquillity, this is a strategically unique location for exploring Tuscany:
With Florence a stone’s throw to the east, Pisa to the west and Lucca to the north-west, this natural retreat offers the best opportunities to immerse yourself in high culture during the day and relax in the evening. Of course, there is no such thing as indulgence without remorse: If the journey from the north to Pistoia via the motorway or from the south to Empoli via the state road is completely problem-free, the last few kilometres up the hill are quite challenging for drivers of large motorhomes. Especially with an overhanging rear overhang, you should approach the journey well rested and in daylight.
Once you reach the top, you may meet Leonardo himself. However, it is by no means the genius’ revenant, but Leonardo Neri, who runs Camping Barco Reale with his brother Orlando.
In addition to incredibly cosy pitches of various sizes and equipment, the top quote “Leading Pitch” with 470 sqm, private bathroom and kitchen, the friendly owners have specialised in regional leisure activities: From pasta-making or cheese-making to wine and olive oil tastings, horseback rides in the countryside or hikes with picnics, there are all sorts of things that introduce guests to a wonderfully decelerated Tuscany away from the hustle and bustle of the Uffizi Gallery.
The restaurant with adjoining wine bar helps to keep the camper’s kitchen cold and the campsite’s own shuttle bus, which runs to the nearest train stations, enables mobile-free travel to Florence, Siena, Pisa or other cultural highlights. For those who want it more Italian: You can also hire Vespas up there. There are certainly LeadingCampings with bigger pools, better playgrounds and better supermarkets. In view of the manageable size of 275 parking spaces and, quite un-Italian, not even 40 rental offers, what is on offer is always sufficient. And what the pool area may lack in absolute size, it has over other campsites in terms of spectacular location. At sunset, guests regularly gather here who don’t want to go for a swim but are armed with cameras. It is simply a marvellous spectacle to watch the sun sink behind the Tuscan hills from up here and then enjoy the starry sky and the towns shining in the Arno valley in the distance.
Interesting facts at a glance
- 235 pitches with electricity, 40 additionally with water connection
- 39 rental properties (mobile homes, bungalows, safari tents)
- 2 outdoor pools for children and adults. One pool (6 m x 12 m) is heated in the early and late season.
- Leisure programmes, sport
- Organised hikes and bike tours
- Bus trips to Florence, Pisa, Lucca etc.
- Green fee discount (golf course 7 km)
- Bicycle rental
- WLAN, Info-Point
- Bar, restaurant, grocery shop
Via Nardini 11-13
I – 51035 – Lamporecchio
Tel.: +39 0573-88332, -856003
www.barcoreale.it
info@barcoreale.com Â
