As part of a longer trip, we plan to spend 3 nights in Lucca @ the Grand Universe Lucca and 2 nights Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort
Quick overview--
--Monday: arrive in Lucca via train from Monterosso al Mare--explore Lucca--sleep in Lucca
--Tuesday: explore Lucca--sleep in Lucca
--Wednesday: rent a car and explore countryside and small towns--sleep in Lucca
--Thursday: drive to Grotto Giusti--enjoy the resort and explore the area--sleep @ Grotto Giusti Thermal Spa
--Friday: enjoy the resort and explore the area--sleep @ Grotto Giusti Thermal Spa
--Saturday: drive back to Lucca, drop rental car, train to Florence
Since it doesn't seem that simple to rent a car in the area around Grotto Giusti, we are thinking it would make more sense to pick up and drop off a rental car in Lucca. Does this make sense? If so, does anyone have insight into car rentals in Lucca? Would also love to hear ideas for relaxing drive from these 2 towns to visit a few small villages.