Lucca - a wonderful walled town - well worth a visit or a stay- Read what the New York Times has to say about Lucca



with its 16th-century walls, featuring some of Italy's finest medieval and Renaissance architecture, superb dining, antique markets, classical and rock music festivals, easy access to stunning nearby villas in the surrounding hills and with endless beaches less than half an hour away. Lucca is one of Tuscany's best-kept secrets.











Beautiful villas are dotted throughout the countryside and the hills surrounding Lucca. Napoleon' sister settled here for a time - followed by many nobles looking for 'favour' - the result - some stunning villas in the hills above Lucca, beautiful gardens and more. Great estates in the countryside surrounding Lucca - within a short 15 min drive, 30 min drive to the beaches of Viareggio ( see what the New York Times has to say about this popular beach destination







Classivacationrental.com has many lovely villas in this area - within easy reach of Lucca and the beaches of the Tuscan coast.







From here it is an easy drive to Cinque Terre for a long day trip, to Florence for some great shopping ( or take the train from Lucca station) - but more on this another day; You may want to visit Prato on the way - the textile centre of Italy's fashion industry ( see what the NY Times says about Prato)