When people are unsure where to travel next they play a little game. They spin a globe and where their finger lands, it’s a place where they’ll visit next. That’s a great way of going about it. It’s even better to have a clear idea of what you want to see next and where you want to be. But, let’s stick to the globe principle. Just narrow the search to one country. Italy. You could take a map of Italy, close your eyes and point a finger at any part of this beautiful land.
The location where you’d land would be an ideal place to visit, without a doubt. Italy has so much to offer as a tourist destination that it’s hard to believe it’s a real place. It is rich in landscapes, history, cuisine, architecture, and everything else you as an adventurer could ask for. You could spend a lifetime in this country and the chances are you wouldn’t be able to see all of its wonders. When deciding to visit Italy for the first time, most tourists decide on monumental locations. We’re talking about Rome, the Vatican, Pisa, Venezia, Verona, Milan, Naples, Florence, and other big cities.
That’s not a bad route to take. But once you’re tired of city landscapes, one-of-a-kind Italy’s nature should be what you want to see next. This is where Tuscany steps in. We’re talking about a region that has some of the world’s most recognizable natural landscapes. They’ve been an inspiration to many artists, and have featured in numerous films. We’re sure you have Tuscany on your bucket list. Nonetheless, we’re talking about a quite large region. So, you’ll have to pinpoint issues such as where you want to go, where you want to stay, and how to get there.
Source: tripsavvy.com
How to Get There?
Let’s start with the main issue first. Lucca is quite accessible in many ways, all depending on where you’re coming from. If you’re a local, or traveling from another place in Italy, getting to Lucca is quite easy. It is accessible by car, by sea, and by train. It is well-connected in terms of all transportation options. Buses work too. But, if you’re getting there from abroad you need to know a few things. The nearest airport is located in Pisa. This monumental city is some 30 kilometers away. But, once you’re in Pisa all of the options from above are open. You can move to Lucca by train, a bus, or you could even rent a car.
Where to Stay?
Once you’re in Lucca, another question arises, and it is the most logical one: where to stay? This shouldn’t worry you too much. Like most other Italian places they are amazing in the domain of hospitality. Places such as Lucca Apartments and Villas offer accommodation in Tuscany, Italy on the highest of levels. We’re talking about accommodation that will take you back in time. This villa is equipped in a manner that reflects the local culture, and the villas of old where thousands of children of the region grew up. It will give you that authentic, warm feel, and you’ll be feeling like a local for as long as you stay. Of course, you’ll want to go back as soon as possible.
Source: lovefromtuscany.com
What to do in Lucca?
Another great question. Luckily for all visitors, there are plenty of things to do in this beautiful town. It is a beautiful place, a musical one. Just like many other Italian cities, it has something vivid and magical about itself. The city is built like a fortress. Once within its walls, you’ll feel safe and at peace. That’s an ideal time to visit one of its churches built in a Romanesque style.
Similarly, like many of the other towns and villages you’ll meet in Tuscany, it is decorated by many piazzas. One of those you mustn’t miss is of course the Roman Amphitheatre. While these are activities you can do in general, there are a few targeted ones you must do when in Lucca. They are as follows:
- Biking – now, biking is an activity you can do in any town you visit. But, Lucca has something more to offer. The place where you need to bike is called The Ramparts. If you didn’t know, this city is a 16th-century fortress. Biking on the Ramparts means that you’ll be biking on its fortress walls. Today it’s surrounded by trees that offer perfect shade during the warm summer days. You can either walk or bike them, but we suggest the latter. After all, we’re talking about a 3-mile stroll.
- Paying a visit to Guinigi Tower – this is a must do activity when in Lucca. Casa Guinigi is the birthplace of one of Lucca’s most famous families and it was built in the 15th century. Back in the day, if you were rich, building a tower was the norm. This one stands out due to the fact that it has Oak trees on the top.
- Puccini’s Birth Home Visit – another monumental place in this town. We’re talking about one of Italy’s greatest-ever composers. That’s right. Giacomo Puccini is from Lucca. This home is like a museum of his accomplishments. You’ll even find his piano there. A memory-creating place indeed. Furthermore, if you visit during the spring months of May and June you can attend a festival dedicated to his name which is held in an open theater Torre del Lago. Another place worth your attention.
Source: medium.com
How to Get Around?
This is the easiest part. When in small Italian towns like this one, you have so many options. Public transportation functions. You can rent a car or a Vespa. But, what we suggest is that you get active when in Lucca. The best way to get around is either by bike as we already suggested. Or, an even better option – walk. This town is best experienced on foot.
