One of the great things about Florence is that you can easily hop on a train and be in another city within minutes. What I love about the train is you can relax and enjoy the views of the Italian country side. Our first time hopping on the train was painless; we purchased our ticket from the counter (using my Italian) since we were traveling with our dog but there are several machines in the Stazione where you can buy your ticket as well as online. We chose to check out Lucca; a Tuscan town close to the coast of Versilia.

 

You could say we were chasing the sun at this point since it had been chilly and rainy in Firenze. Lucca was forecasted to be all blue skies. On the train, we enjoyed beautiful views of hillside towns set to a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Lucca itself is a walled town known as the ‘city with 100 churches’. It also boasts several towers in almost every direction you turn. Once you exit the station you are only a 2-minute walk from the ancient town. Unlike many walled cities in Tuscany, Lucca’s has been well maintained. What was once intended for military use is now a gorgeous pedestrian promenade with trees, grass and wonderful pathways. With the sun shining the people were out in full swing pushing strollers, riding bikes and walking their dogs.

After our stroll on the promenade we sipped on vino and enjoyed our free aperitifs as we watched the locals with their children running and playing to the backdrop of the Church of San Michele. Life here is meant to be enjoyed, no need to rush.

As we passed shop after shop displaying signs saying SALDI 50%, I finally gave in and purchased a coat. I mean when in Rome right? Okay I was in Lucca but you get the point. In Italy January through March is when nearly every store has massive sales in preparation for the spring arrivals. It is not uncommon to see shops offering 70% off most items, so if you enjoy splurging this is the time for you.

If you are visiting Lucca you should be sure to climb the Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi). Dating back to the 1300s the Guinigi family later adorned the tower roof with holm oaks to symbolize rebirth as well as to give a refined look during a time when numerous bell-towers were going up inside the walled city. The views of the Lucca and mountains are breathtaking let alone seeing trees on top of a roof 125 feet in the air. Chloe was not too sure about all those steps and even less so when she realized we were what seemed like the top of the world.

One of the things I love about Italy and Europe in general are the doors. Every one you pass is beautiful and historic, made of jaw-dropping wood adorned with carvings and interesting knobs. I can’t help but take photo after photo after photo. Snapping photos with the doors of Europe has become a family tradition, so fair warning you will probably see lots of them. After a little more exploring we were back on the train heading home. Of course, we did stop in for a pint at an Irish pub once we got back to Firenze.