A few days in Lucca...

[The Leaper]

Wife and I have booked a four day trip to Lucca in September. We usually have a short break in Italy at that time of year, and this is our first vist to Lucca. Any experiences from PHers will be appreciated.

We fancy a day trip by rail to Florence. We realise that one day there is nowhere near enough but we fancy a quick look anyway. Anyone done this?

R

[DocArbathnot]

Absolutely the best way to get from Lucca to Florence is rail.

Quick, frequent, cheap and avoids the traffic/parking nightmare.

For me a day is enough in Florence but I'm not a huge fan of Art and Museums, I just like the atmosphere and wandering about.

[LeftmostAardvark]

Rail is the way to go. Enjoy Lucca, it is a lovely place to explore as well. Pisa is a short train ride away as well and it is good to wander round too. If you get time, go and explore north as well - some great roads up towards castelnuovo garfagnana (sp), including some good walks and a great mountain pass across to the coast. You'll need a hire car though.

[Steffan]

The Leaper said:

Wife and I have booked a four day trip to Lucca in September. We usually have a short break in Italy at that time of year, and this is our first vist to Lucca. Any experiences from PHers will be appreciated.

We fancy a day trip by rail to Florence. We realise that one day there is nowhere near enough but we fancy a quick look anyway. Anyone done this?

R

Lived on and off in Lucca for four years when we were looking for an accessible offshore base in addition to UK home. Magnificent City with superb almost intact walls all around originally Roman and then maintained until Napoleons sister became Counttess of Lucca in the 1800's arrived and rebuilt much of the city. The walled effect is better than anywhere else I have been.

Trip to Florence by rail is spot on we regularly do this and return same day or stay over depending on time and interest. I really do think Lucca is still a largely unappreciated gem and I do think you will be returning to revisit the many Plaza's and magnificent historic buildings and churches. The Ampitheatre is certainly worth a visit. Good Luck and ENJOY!!

[briang9]

Stayed many years ago not far from Lucca, there was a fabulous coffee shop there that did wonderful cream cakes and we went there every day, it was a long time ago so it may not still be around, wonderful place to visit. And yes take the train, they drive in the shade around there, but stunning place anyhow, enjoy!!

[Steffan]

briang9 said:

Stayed many years ago not far from Lucca, there was a fabulous coffee shop there that did wonderful cream cakes and we went there every day, it was a long time ago so it may not still be around, wonderful place to visit. And yes take the train, they drive in the shade around there, but stunning place anyhow, enjoy!!

Probably Bunters I suspect and it certainly is still there if that was the case. It IS quite outstanding and very bad for my waistline!

[Kapenta]

Besides the trip to Florence and Pisa, the train to Viareggio in the coast is a great place to be. The restaurants along the beach are great, as is the Art Deco architecture.

They build some great super yachts there too.

Lido di Camaiore is just north of Viareggio and the Florentine coastal hangout...