Blogs from Lucca, Tuscany, Italy, Europe - page 6

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Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Lucca June 12th 2011

Day 4 - Lucca Day 1: We checked out of the hostel and headed to the Roma Termini to catch our train to Florence then Lucca. The first train from Rome to Florence was very nice, with comfortable seating, restrooms, and laptrays. The only problem that the train on the track we were supposed to leave from said "New Parmington" or some such, not Florence or Venice, which was supposed to be the end point. I guess we look confused, so a lady that I assumed was train staff asked to see our tickets and proceeded to help us get on the right car (carrozza), store our bags and lead us to our seats. I had already figured I should tip her, so I had 2 Euros out and hand. After I took my seat I ... read more
Ostello San Frediano Room
Ostello San Frediano Courtyard
Chiesa San Frediano

Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Lucca June 8th 2011

Wednesday 8th June - update. Things are bubbling along here. Countryside is wonderful, wine, beer & spirits are cheap in Italy. Food also. We’ve had a fair bit of rain, but it remains pleasantly warm interspersed with periods of sunshine. Attended Puccini opera in Lucca on Monday night in the original chapel that Puccini was baptised in and later performed. The concerts run every night in Lucca (Puccini’s birthplace) and various professional opera singers perform. Funds go toward maintaining the chapel and the event. The night we attended it was a single Pianist and just two 2 singers alternating and then combining toward the end. Sort of a mini opera, but in that hall it sounded oh so good. Goose bump stuff really. Went for a drive up into the Tuscan hills yesterday (relying very much ... read more
Having a meal after Puccini
Tuscan countryside
Tuscany

Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Lucca June 6th 2011

2 June to 6 June Update – Ambulances, missed flights & connections and, paradise. Spent a really nice evening (Wednesday 1 June) in inner London walking around enjoying the summer evening air (weather had warmed considerably to around 24 degrees). We had a very English dinner in a very English pub. A lovely end to our week in Britain. Got the EuroStar very fast train to Paris this morning. The channel section took just 20 minutes and was extremely under-whelming except for the knowledge that we were trundling some 100 metres below sea level at around 150-200km/h. Quite an engineering feat when you think about it. Katie got a little over-whelmed when we arrived at Gare Du Nord train station in Paris. It’s a busy place and we got pounced on (well not literally), by beggars ... read more
Pimped Yammy in Paris
Villa Clara - Lucca
Villa Clara - Lucca

Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Lucca May 27th 2011

Lucca, situated in Northern Tuscany, is one of the few cities in Europe to have its centre completely surrounded by a wall. The massive wall built in the 16th and 17th centuries is predominantly made of brick and provides a traffic barrier giving the city its special character and atsmosphere. It is a peaceful city with narrow cobbled streets shaded by tall old buildings on either side. Most motor traffic is banned and the cycle reigns supreme. A wonderful view of the city can be obtained by climbing many steps to the top of the medieval tower known as Torre dei Guinigi. The top of the tower is shaded by several holm-oak trees which were planted there many years ago and they appeared to have survived with regular watering. The local hero is Puccini, who was ... read more
Torre dei Guinigi
Top of Torre dei Guinigi
View of Lucca from tower

Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Lucca May 24th 2011

I hemmed and hawed quite a bit last night trying to make the decision as to whether I would go to Lucca or whether I would go back to the Cinque Terre area. It feels like there is some unfinished business there. There is also a part of me that needs to see it with a more positive eye. But in looking at the trains and such, it makes for a very long day (strike or no strike!) and I am leaving early in the morning and spending a good part of the day on the train tomorrow making my way to Naples. So Cinque Terre was unfortunately going to have to be for another time (if I am ever that lucky!!) If I had more time in Pisa, I would have done it in a ... read more
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3 - Cathedral di San Martino
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Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Lucca May 16th 2011

A few days ago we went to Lucca. The apartments and other buildings are beautiful. So many photo opportunities. There was a lot of bikes around because I would imagine with the narrow streets and with lots of people that riding around town would be the most convenient way of getting around. I love that almost all of the bikes that people ride in Italy are the retro-style that I love. Lucca was our favourite town so far, easily. I think it still is for me. We went to a restaurant in the circle and I had spinach and ricotta canneloni, which was beautiful. Italy's food has blown us away. And so cheap. Even with our stupid colds. :) I knew I would love Lucca, and I did. It was so beautiful and peaceful, even with ... read more
Lucca
lol
Lucca

Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Lucca May 13th 2011

Today we had a much needed rest day. I finished a book and started another one, had a sleep in and pretty much just chilled out a bit. Believe it or not, traveling like this and doing something every day isn't always relaxing. What with the long walks and worrying about bus times, as well as trying to get through streets that really aren't made for a pretty large RV, or worrying about knocking someone off their Vespa. Do just doing not much was pretty nice. Everyone was relaxed and happy today. WE finished the day by hiring some bikes for an hour and rode along beautiful tracks. It was great to have a nice ride on a really nice track with beautiful trees everywhere the whole way along. I recommend a rest & relax day ... read more

Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Lucca May 12th 2011

Thursday May 12th, 2011 Tuscany Hill Towns We are living under the Tuscan sun and enjoying every minute of it. After leaving Rome we took the train back to Civitavecchia and I rented a car for 18 days. The Avis office is about four blocks from where we will catch our next ship, very convenient. After that we have spent the last four days touring through the Hills of Tuscany. Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza and a really cute small town called Murlo have all been dramatic and exciting. We have walked up and down the cobblestone streets with every turn yielding something interesting, quaint and unique. The shops are filled with all the meats, cheeses and wines that this region is famous for. I met a cantankerous old shop keeper who had a very extensive wine inventory ... read more
Italian Road Trip 085
Italian Road Trip 091

Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Lucca February 25th 2011

A WALK ON THE WALL We caught the train on Friday morning to Lucca one of our favourite places. We stayed in a boarding house for 55euros for all of us a night.(bargain) can recommend it if you are ever in Lucca on a budget trip. We had a great time we walked the wall, hired bikes and rode the wall, the gods were shinning on us because the weather was glorious and rained the morning we went to catch the train home. We walked to the top of Guinig Tower very high and very steep at the end, not for people with a fear of tight little stairs. It was well worth it when we got to the top the views were amazing and it was so calm sitting under a tree at the ... read more
TRAIN RIDE TO LUCCA
BIKE RIDING
SOME IDIOT WHO HAS TAKEN UP SMOKING

Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Lucca February 5th 2011

First we drive down the peninsula to Portofino, more narrow windy roads, some enough for only 1 car, on the bend! Get to Portofino unscathed, so far, but no parking, so u turn and head back via Rapallo for a nice drive along the coast. Get to another little coastal town (Chiavari) and walk the promenade and have a coffee (only 1 euro). Back on the road to Lucca which we find around 1PM. Into the old city, get lost again, get directions from the local police! Still not fnding it, we park and walk to the B&B only to find we are only 50 metres away. Drive to the front to unload and then follow the guy from the front desk to the designated carpark & not having Jules to say over your way a ... read more




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