Lucca

I liked the wall-turned-park a little. IMO it wasn't worth a stop and I didn't think the rest of the town was charming or special. I know others think a lot of Lucca though I'm not really sure what the attraction is. The piazza that used to be an ampitheater shows no resemblence to anything other than a circle surrounded by shops.

Yes, if you have the time. The Michelin Guide rates Lucca "highly recommended" in its 3-star category, and many reporting in here have enjoyed a visit. You could take a break at Antico Caffe Di Simo, Via Fillungo 58, where Puccini, Verdi and Leopardi used to hang out (I am told).

Great little town, wonderful sights, walk or ride along the walls that surround the city, it's Puccini's hometown, and GREAT shopping!

Ciao,
Ron

Lucca is charming. The piazza was built around a Roman ruin. Lots of churches, and a cool tower that you can climb that has a tree growing out of the top of it!

The side streets are fun to wander, and you have to walk along/ or bike on the wall.

4 hours is enough. We did this as a rushed day trip from the Cinque Terre! More than 4 hours would be wonderful, but just stopping to see Lucca for any amount of time is great.

We will be in CT for four nights, so we could make it a full day trip. Or, we could just do a quick few hours on our way to CT.

I hate to always think of money, but it looks like it will cost about 46 or more Euros to make it a day trip from CT for train costs (three people). That would also take away from one of our days in CT. But, it sounds like such a great little city!

Which way would you go...four hours or a full day?

Susan and Monte:

My short answer is absolutely.

My wife and I have spent a few nights in Lucca and loved it. Last fall we traveled with 2 other couples and we did not have time for an overnight in Lucca - but we really wanted to show them the town. So, on our way to Tuscany from CT we stopped in Lucca - rented three tandem bikes - bought a picnic lunch and rode around the ramparts (a Lucca requirement!) and had a delightful picnic. We were there no more than 3 hours but it was happy and memorable experience.

Have fun.

Given your choices and itinerary, I'd opt for the 4 hours on the way to CT and save the money of back-tracking to it. Of course one could easily spend more than 4 hours, but given your choices....

Yes!

Lucca is gorgeous. Climb the tower with the trees on top, walk briskly or otherwise around the ramparts, wander slowly through the little streets.