I am back in Italy. I arrived in Bagni di Lucca in the late afternoon after a whole day of travelling, just time to get ready for aperitivo.
This was no ordinary aperitivo. We went to Lucca to climb the Guinigi tower…famous for the holm oaks growing on the top.
It is a 230 step climb to the top. I like to stop occasionally to admire the view.
A bit of rain fell as we got to the top, but it didn’t dampen spirits. Lucca looks stunning from this vantage point, especially in the fading light.
Prosecco time.
It had been planned that we would be serenaded under the holm oaks by 2 lovely young musicians, but the rain sent us downstairs. It was great anyway.
Thank you Paul and Paola Moschino for a great evening…and Paris Boheme, for the delicious dinner that followed. It is good to be back.
As many times as I have seen pictures of that Tower I still marvel at it. Great photos and such interesting light in some of the shots. Glad you are back there and will be supplying some great blogs on all you are doing.
By: Dianne CANT on September 18, 2016
at 6:28 am
It’s great to be back. Lucca is always wonderful.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:04 pm
I wish I was there. In theory, I would have been as today there is a big “Balestrieri ” event at the old Buonvisi (Webb) Palace…
I love the Guinigi Tower. GReat photos!
By: Mulino Dominillo on September 18, 2016
at 6:40 am
There was a lot in today, Sunday, but I was keen to get to Casa Debbio to see the garden…all is well.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:05 pm
Fabulous views from the Giungi tower. What a lovely homecomomg.
By: Francesca on September 18, 2016
at 6:45 am
I have climbed it during the day, but it is especially lovely in the evening.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:06 pm
What a wonderful way to come back to Tuscany, and what a great idea to make use of the long climb to the top of the tower. It’s a pity the rain didn’t hold off for a while.
By: Yvonne on September 18, 2016
at 6:54 am
It is lovely up there in the evening. We can’t do much about the weather.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:07 pm
Oh, I love the Guinigi, and the views from there!
By: Sue on September 18, 2016
at 7:52 am
Lucca looks fabulous from above.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:07 pm
Certainly!
By: Sue on September 18, 2016
at 4:01 pm
Great blog as always Debra. After that long flight and climb you certainly earned that glass of Prosecco. You could almost say it was for medicinal purposes. Salute!
By: Marco Martinelli on September 18, 2016
at 8:54 am
It is quite a climb, but I stop along the way to admire the view.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:08 pm
Lovely photos Deb…looking forward to seeing your posts on what is happening in the area.
By: Kerry & Jim on September 18, 2016
at 9:37 am
There is bound to be lots to see while I am here.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:08 pm
I have just returned from a break in Florence and Lucca.My first time in Lucca,what a beautiful place. Climbed the Torre del Ore for an amazing view of Guinigi and all of Lucca. Will definitely return to Lucca and maybe Bagni di Lucca.Can I get to Bagni by train or do you recommend a car?
By: Drew Brown on September 18, 2016
at 9:39 am
You can get a train or bus to Bagni di Lucca, but a car is better. You can’t get to the mountain villages successfully without a car.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:09 pm
In in awe of your ability to plan a great evening after such long travel. I guess you’re still young! Welcome home! At least if I can’t be there right now, I can live vicariously through your blog and you. Ben tornata!
By: Diane Kosmalski on September 18, 2016
at 12:48 pm
I suppose 63 is still young, it depends on your view. I like to get right into life as soon as I arrive.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:10 pm
From beautiful Helsinki to beautifull Lucca……..
By: Kirsi Säde on September 18, 2016
at 12:52 pm
I do get to see some wonderful places.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:11 pm
Enjoy your time in Bagni and Lucca again Deb. I have just had a month in Orvieto with my son, his wife and gorgeous bambina. One day we will catch up again.
By: Jan Fabretti on September 18, 2016
at 1:31 pm
I hope we can meet up soon…somewhere.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:11 pm
And a great workout as well
By: Mallee Stanley on September 18, 2016
at 2:50 pm
It is a bit of a hike, but worthwhile.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2016
at 3:12 pm
Glad to hear that you arrived safely. Welcome back!
By: paninigirl on September 18, 2016
at 11:16 pm
what a lovely italian evening.
By: corneliaweberphotography on September 19, 2016
at 2:40 am
Looking for a trip next year. Bagni Lucca may be the go! Beautiful photos.
By: Anonymous on September 19, 2016
at 1:44 pm
Can’t wait to see/visit Lucca again – hopefully heading back in Spring 2017. Maybe our paths will cross once more! Joe
By: Joe"s Retirement Blog on September 19, 2016
at 7:51 pm
I hope you come back and that we meet again.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 19, 2016
at 7:54 pm
The best time of year to arrive in Italy. Enjoy your posts immensely. Someday we’ll visit you. Lucca is our second favorite place to be in Italy.
By: Seattle ciclista on September 20, 2016
at 8:49 pm
Loved our stay on Lucca on the Bia Francigena. Great connections with Ireland
By: Turlough on September 21, 2016
at 9:34 pm
Loved your post on Lucca! I’m going back next year, God willing.
By: greenchefpress on September 23, 2016
at 12:51 am
[…] the year there were many visits to lovely Lucca, fabulous Florence, marvellous Modena, Castiglione Garfagnana with Victoria, Bologna and Parma with […]
By: 2016 travels | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 27, 2016
at 7:56 am