Day trips from Lucca

Viareggio, Pisa, Cinque Terre villages, San Gimignano, Siena and more.

Montecatini Terme would be an interesting nearby visit. Besides the spas and parks in the lower town, you can take the funky funicular up to the old town - Montecatini Alto - where there are views and some good lunch places. Other places that are easy to get to and interesting are Barga, Pistoia, and Viareggio.

Montecatini would be my suggestion too. The view of the Valley of the Arno from one of the outdoor cafes in the upper town is spectacular.

Very interesting walled hill town, kind of off the tourist tract. Wineries, olive oils. Short distance by train from Lucca.

https://www.e-borghi.com/en/village/Lucca/139/montecarlo

Montecatini head to Montecatini Centro.

Do you have a car?
We did a day trip all in one day, to Bagni di Lucca, Barga, and also accidentally found an old “hanging” village called Lucchio way up high on a mountain road.

https://mapcarta.com/18694734

Lovely countryside.

Thanks for the suggestions! We won't have a car. I'll look into a taxi service or does someone know of a local driver? I'm interested in Montecatini.

The train (a slow moving regionale) will get you there in less than an hour for just a few Euros - no need for a taxi or driver.