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.
I can’t wait to see al those beautifull places! Including Fornovolasco one of my favorits!
By: Annelies Monnereau on March 18, 2023
at 8:59 pm
Fornovolasco is lovely. I must go back.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2023
at 5:36 am
Debra how lucky are you with all those wonderful places available to visit in a short time. Every photo had us green with envy – magnolia, views of Florence etc. Plus the pasta dish with truffles, Yum!
By: Camillus Davall on March 19, 2023
at 9:13 pm
Really lovely photography Debra! You must be thrilled to be back in Tuscany!
By: Doug Petroni on March 18, 2023
at 9:03 pm
I am certainly happy to be back here!
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2023
at 5:36 am
I love Lucca and look forward to returning someday. Your photos are absolutely stunning and I love that you post about nearby villages.
By: Judy Yung on March 18, 2023
at 10:08 pm
Lucca is one of my favourite places to be. I am lucky that I can go often.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2023
at 5:37 am
Love Lucca. I will be there soon!
By: Isobel Stuart on March 18, 2023
at 11:44 pm
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Lucca!
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2023
at 5:37 am
I so love seeing you photos Deb. Looking forward to your adventures this trip.
By: Kerry & Jim on March 19, 2023
at 1:51 am
I will find some new places as well as favourites.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2023
at 5:38 am
Bagni di Lucca is a wonderful base for day trips. So much to see!
By: mulinodominillo on March 19, 2023
at 6:34 am
There are many wonderful places nearby and I love to explore.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2023
at 6:58 am
What a fab posting – Lovely Lucas, Fabulous Florence etc etc. Photos enchant, as usual, and this blast of beauty is really a treat. The night shots, vibrant coloured pansies, those truffle shards….your photos just thrill. You have a gift; and a wonderful Life. Thank you for sharing.
By: Catherine Rowley on March 19, 2023
at 12:49 pm
Thank you! I am surrounded by beautiful things.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2023
at 3:46 pm
P. S. – Lovely Lucca was intended…
By: Catherine Rowley on March 19, 2023
at 12:51 pm
Such beautiful photos 🙂
I was wondering if you have your Italian Drivers License to get around or because you come and go do you just get by on your Australian License?
By: Tanya on March 19, 2023
at 5:59 pm
I do have an Italian licence. To buy a car in Italy you need to be a resident. If you are a resident you need to have an Italian licence.
If you come and go and don’t own a car here an Australian licence is probably enough. It is a good idea to get an International licence as well. Some car rental companies require them and sometimes police will ask you for one if they stop you.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2023
at 6:07 pm
I was just reading about Tuscany and remembering my trip there a few years ago. We also happened to be there during a food festival and I remember the truffles-heavenly!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on March 21, 2023
at 5:43 am