One of the reasons we bought our apartment in Bagni di Lucca 20 years ago is because of its proximity to lots of great places. There are many wonderful villages, towns and cities at our doorstep. Here are some of my recent visits.
Lovely Lucca is only 30 minutes away, so I go often. There is a 4.2 kilometre wall around Lucca and it is possible to walk or cycle around the top. It is still winter and many of the trees are bare, but soon they will turn green. Lucca is a great place to visit in any season.
A few days later.
Corso Garibaldi, just below the wall is lined with magnolia trees and right now they are almost finished blooming.
Florence is an easy day trip. I usually drive to Lucca, park near the station, and catch the train. It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. (Make sure to catch the more direct train or it will take 25 minutes longer.) Sometimes I stay the night. The city takes on a different character at night.
Even on a rainy day the views along the Arno River are gorgeous.
Cosimo di Medici is off his horse for some renovations.
Santa Maria Novella church is always stunning.
Spring fashion is appearing in shop windows.
My pick was this gorgeous dress from Australian brand Zimmerman.
Another favourite place to visit is Pietrasanta, an hour and 10 minutes drive away. There is always something to see and do in this gorgeous town on the coast. See more…Pietrasanta again
There are constantly changing art installations in the central piazza.
On a recent visit to Pietrasanta we went on to nearby Forte dei Marmi. The main street was being dug up and many businesses were closed so we had a short walk around the town and out onto the pier.
San Miniato is just over an hour away. The drive is a bit dreary as there seems to be a roundabout every few kilometres. It is worth the bother.
The town is famous for food, truffles in particular. After a walk through the tiny town and up to the tower on top of the hill we tucked into a delicious truffle lunch. See more here…Truffle festival in San Miniato
There are hundreds of ancient villages in the mountains around us. Elio Sassi is a beautiful 30 minute drive away and we go occasionally for Sunday lunch at Il Totto.
The weather here in Ponte a Serraglio has been mixed since my arrival. I actually like the wet, misty days as much as the sunny ones.
The nights here are beautiful.
There will be many more day trips over the next couple of months.
