4 weeks in Lucca

When I was in Lucca on an RS trip a few years ago - we stayed in Lucca and one day we went to see all the beautiful Villas near Lucca. Even got to go inside some of them.
Our tour group went in our minibus - but you would need a car or to book a villa tour.
here is a link for some info:Lucca area Villas

Thanks Frances for the info, we will check it out.

Pisa for sure, the Cinqueterre, Pistoia. Volterra is not that far either

Thanks Claudecyr65 we will sure to check that out.

Would anybody know what the weather would be in Lucca in October and what clothes to pack.
Steve

Montecatini is a 25 m. Train ride.
October should be in the 70F daytime, 60s in the evening.
Probably like your April temps.
Bring a rain jacket and sweater to layer.

Edit: Pistoia is 40 minutes from Lucca. Cute medieval town, lots of art there.

Thanks for the info gerri.

We plan to go to San Gimignano for 3 nights while we are staying in Lucca.

Make sure to listen to some Puccini opera while you're there. There are a couple of churches that have a concert every single night.
I went twice and was spellbound.
The quality of music was amazing. Puccini had strong links to Lucca.
You could drive up to, or take the bus, to Barga, and Bagna di Lucca; both towns worth a visit.
There is also a "hanging village" called Lucchio, up in the hills near there, not sure exactly where, you'd have to look it up. We had a car and found it by accident when we took a side road.
It's literally built hanging off a mountain.
Lucca is delightful!

The town of Collodi is where the Pinocchio Park is located. While there, we checked it out and decided it was too much like an amusement park aimed at kids. There is the Castello Garzoni just next to it, however, and it has beautiful gardens, including a wonderful butterfly house.

I spent two weeks in Lucca a few years ago, attending the Lucca Italian School -- highly recommend if you're interested in learning Italian. You may want to take a trip to Barga, a beautiful town in the Garfagnana, easily reached by bus. Also, I highly recommend a visit to the Paolo Cresci Foundation for the History of Italian Immigration. It is a tiny museum of artifacts about the millions of Italian immigrants (particularly those from Lucca and the surrounding area) and the hardships they faced. This museum is located in the Palazzo Ducale, Via Vittorio Emanuele. Well worth an hour or two if you get the chance.

DD

Thank you everybody for your information and suggestions, we will take note of all that is said and look into it.
Cheers
Steve

Would anybody know what the weather would be in Lucca in October and what clothes to pack.
Steve

I spent a week in Lucca last year in Oct attending a wedding at one of the outlaying villas.

Weather wise, Oct is very pleasant. The days are warm but, generally not hot, short-sleeves for sure. Mornings & evenings are nice if a bit chilly for those who are sensitive. Attending the Puccini recital (one hour) I wore a sport coat and didn't feel over dressed or, too warm. Cinque Terre is about hour away, perhaps a long-day trip or, spend a couple of evenings there would be well worth it. Forte dei Marmi, is the coastal vacation getaway for affluent Italians, and other Europeans, you can rent a cabana for a lazy beach day or, bike along the beach walkway. Wednesday & Sunday is the Ladies Market, where high-end fashion brands sell-off their off-season merchandise.

Hi zcorsair
Thanks for the info on the weather, Puccini and the markets (my wife will be very happy about the markets...lol). We have already been to Cinque Terre and it was a fabulous place, we only seen three of the townships because of train strikes.
Steve

I was in Lucca for 3 days last month. Beautiful town! Be sure to eat at La Bottega di Anna e Leo on Via S. Frediano. Great food!