Hello! We are traveling with 3 adults and two kids (13 and 10), in July. We'll spend 2 days in Athens, 2 in Nafplio, and 5-6 days in Crete. We can then fly nonstop from Crete to Milan on Friday night, or to Rome Sat. Night. We fly back to the US from Rome on the following Thursday. We would like to spend some time in a smaller town in Italy as well as having 2 days in Rome. One possibility is to fly to Milan on Friday night, stay the night, then drive or train to Lucca on Sat., stay 2 days, then drive or take train to Rome on Monday. Or, we could go to Viareggio or Cortona instead of Lucca. We would have loved to see the CT, but maybe it's too difficult on this itinerary? What town would you recommend given the kids' ages and the fact that they will have spent serious beach time in Crete? Thanks.
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
Would recommend the old town in Lucca as there really isn't a whole lot to do in Cortona for the kids. From Lucca, take the train to Pisa--my 11 year old grandson really enjoyed the tower and even the Duomo.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17572 posts
We loved Lucca. Stayed with our daughters in this nice apartment right in the historic center: http://www.knowital.com/tuscany/lucca/casaolivieri/apartment1.html It sleeps 5. The kitchen is nice and well-equipped for cooking.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Just a note that there is no train station in Cortona. You take the train to a nearby town and there is a regular bus run to and from Cortona.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10687 posts
I also suggest Lucca, both for the activities there and the ease of going to Pisa for a few hours. Since you will have plenty of beach time in Crete, I wouldn't spend the time in Viarreggio. Cortina would be more difficult transportation-wise, and I doubt the children would like it as much as Lucca.
Posted by
Shawnee, OK, USA
396 posts
I would recommend Lucca, wonderful small town. Ideal for walking. Walk, rent bikes and ride around the wall of the city. Neat merry go round in one of the park/piazzas. Can take a day trip to Pisa and back...nothing to see in Pisa except the tower and the church. Train station is outside the walls. Take a taxi to your hotel. I would recommend staying inside the walls at the San Frediano (converted convent)...great location, backs up to the wall, great pizza place right across the street and steps from via fullingo...the main shopping street in Lucca. I was there for three days last year and am going back in March. I love Lucca.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Another vote for Lucca as your base in Tuscany. The town is charming and has lots to do for both adults and children. There always seem to be a lot of local kids the age of yours about, and I suspect your children would wind up making some new Italian friends. In addition to nearby Pisa, Viareggio is only 20 minutes away by train should the beach urge strike.
Posted by
Auburn, Washington, USA
515 posts
LUCCA AL THE WAY!!!!! We took a day trip from Florence and loved it. The towers are amazing and the mosaics in the churches are gorgeous. Plenty of museums to keep you little ones occupied and actually entertained. You could even take a short bus ride to Pisa.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17572 posts
Another nice thing about Lucca is the park and trees they have put on the walls. Makes it very nice in the summer. Your kids and you will enjoy the bike ride on the path built on the walls.
Posted by
San Francisco, CA, USA
131 posts
I haven't been, but chose Lucca for my upcoming trip. If you are looking for an apartment try vrbo.com and homeaway.com. I found tons of great options on both in Lucca.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, Wa
26 posts
Many thanks to everyone who posted! We have chosen Lucca and are very excited to visit.
Susan