While lots of people associate a vacation in Tuscany with good eating, architectural gems, picturesque wineries, incredible museums full of world-famous works of art, historic old towns, a pretty and pastoral rural landscape, and holidays full of rest and relaxation, those looking for a little bit of adventure will discover that there is plenty for them to enjoy in the region, as well. From canyoning experiences, to hiking, to horse-riding, and more, there are lots of things to do in Tuscany that will keep you active and offer plenty of excitement. However, for one of the most unique adventures that Tuscany has to offer, you need to head to the spa resort town of Monsummano Terme. You won't be coming for the wonderful spa facilities (although you could always kill two birds with one stone and book in for some spa treatments and time in a natural hot spring while you are in town), though but an one-of-a-kind diving experience. Conveniently located between Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, the town and this unique adventure makes for a perfect day trip if you have found a luxury villa in Florence, a luxury villa in Pisa, or a luxury villa in Lucca or is just one activity that you can pencil in and enjoy during your stay if you have found a vacation rental in Monsummano Terme.
The Grotta Giusti is a cave located in Monsummano Terme that was discovered in 1849 when some workers in a limestone quarry owned by the Giusti family moved a large boulder and found an entrance to a cave behind it. The cave was found to have water in it and when the owner, Domenico Giusti, was informed, he ordered them to expand the entrance and have some workers lowered down to explore the well. What they discovered was a magnificent beauty with stalactites and stalagmites, tunnels, underground openings, and a pond of hot water that filled the space with steam. The steam made the men sweat profusely and one man who had suffered from joint pain for years noticed that it appeared to ease his symptoms. They realised that this water and steam had healing properties and word of the cave soon spread through the surrounding area. Respected doctors came to study these claims and found confirmation of the clinical effectiveness of the phenomenon.
The Giusti family realised what a wondrous thing they had on their hands and built treatment rooms in the cave to make it a proper spa retreat for the visitors that had been arriving. These enhancements furthered the reputation of the cave and began to attract French and English tourists, in particular. By the end of the 19th century, the cave and the town was known to host noble guests such as the Prince of Naples and famous cultural figures such as the opera composer Giuseppe Verdi. Officially the largest thermal cave in Europe, the cave and resort have been much improved and enlarged and still attract plenty of guests from all over the world to this day.
Inside the cave are three distinct areas which have been named Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell, boasting temperatures ranging from 28° to 34°C and steam that naturally has healing and therapeutic properties. At the bottom of the cave is another area, called Limbo where the temperature is always 36ºC and visitors can soak in a sparkling pool of water. However, the most unique experience at the Grotta Giusti and the one that we are interested in today, is the opportunity to go diving in the underground lake.
The Giusti family realised what a wondrous thing they had on their hands and built treatment rooms in the cave to make it a proper spa retreat for the visitors that had been arriving. These enhancements furthered the reputation of the cave and began to attract French and English tourists, in particular. By the end of the 19th century, the cave and the town was known to host noble guests such as the Prince of Naples and famous cultural figures such as the opera composer Giuseppe Verdi. Officially the largest thermal cave in Europe, the cave and resort have been much improved and enlarged and still attract plenty of guests from all over the world to this day.
Inside the cave are three distinct areas which have been named Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell, boasting temperatures ranging from 28° to 34°C and steam that naturally has healing and therapeutic properties. At the bottom of the cave is another area, called Limbo where the temperature is always 36ºC and visitors can soak in a sparkling pool of water. However, the most unique experience at the Grotta Giusti and the one that we are interested in today, is the opportunity to go diving in the underground lake.
There are different diving packages available including the Natural Spa Floating option that sees visitors just float, assisted by an instructor, and make the most of the therapeutic warm waters and feeling of zero gravity to really relax. Meditative and good for relieving stress and tension in the body, it doesn't offer much adventure but is very much worth while. Those looking for more of an actual diving experience can choose the Spa Diver option (for which you'll need an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent) that sees you diving through the amazing cave system, flying weightless from rock to rock, with an instructor to explore and relax and enjoy the spa experience at the same time. Plus, due to the warm waters and closed water system, you'll be able to enjoy this interesting dive in crystal clear waters without the bulky equipment often needed when diving elsewhere. There is also the Spa Diver Advanced option that requires an Advanced Licence and two dives at Grotta Giusti previously, involves more technique, and, “aims to increase the diver's self-control skills in particular situations of darkness and obstructed environment.” For serious divers looking to learn some new skills and try diving in a unique environment, this is a must!
No other place and no other diving experience in the world is quite like this so if you're interested in learning new skills, diving in a special environment, and soaking your tired bones all at once, then this is very much the activity for you. Plus, if there is anyone in the group who doesn't want to join in, they can go swim in the pool in the resort, sunbathe by the poolside, or go get a massage or facial while you have your adventure – pleasing everyone in the group is always a bonus! So, if you were thinking about finding a vacation rental in Monsummano Terme and coming to explore this incredible town in Tuscany then bear in mind that it boasts the best of both worlds when it comes to relaxation and adventure.
No other place and no other diving experience in the world is quite like this so if you're interested in learning new skills, diving in a special environment, and soaking your tired bones all at once, then this is very much the activity for you. Plus, if there is anyone in the group who doesn't want to join in, they can go swim in the pool in the resort, sunbathe by the poolside, or go get a massage or facial while you have your adventure – pleasing everyone in the group is always a bonus! So, if you were thinking about finding a vacation rental in Monsummano Terme and coming to explore this incredible town in Tuscany then bear in mind that it boasts the best of both worlds when it comes to relaxation and adventure.
