Lucca visit

We did a tour of Lucca and Pisa in one day from a cruise ship. We spent about 4 hours in Lucca and pretty much covered the city. You can do the city on foot.

At least 2 nights for Lucca. Other day trips could be Montecatini Alto, Carrara, Cinque Terre. I have never stayed in Lucca, so I have no hotel recommendations. Try Booking.com

It depends on what your style and what else you wish to see in the area. I don't like to go anywhere for less than three days.
I wish i had gone to Pistoia, and I stayed a few days in Barga but you can also visit it as a day trip from Lucca. I visit to Viareggio might be nice.
Are you looking for public transport accessible places only?
Is this part of a wider itinerary? (that might help us advise.) I also suggest getting a really meaty guide to Tuscany, like the Blue Guide, to get a sense of the many small towns in the area. Since you are so close to Liguria, check out what would be in reach there also.

I stayed with my parents in Lucca for a little over a week, using it as a base from which to visit Pisa and Florence (by train) and Cinque Terre, Carrara, Vinci and areas in Tuscany by car. We rented the car from Lucca. The pick-up was an easy walk across the town center from our hotel.

We stayed in Albergo San Martino which is on the SE corner of town, just inside the walls. We had a "family suite" - 2 bedrooms with an adjoining bath. The hotel is a 10 minute walk to the train station. Though I would advise a taxi if you're not traveling light or have any mobility issues.

Yes, you can "see" Lucca in half a day or as a day trip with Pisa from Florence. We enjoyed it as our homebase, going to concerts at the churches in the evenings.

Thank you so much to all for your prompt reply!
This is a part of 21 days trip from North to south. We are planning to visit Cinque Terre while staying in Lucca. From there going to Siena for a 4 days stay in that area. Thereafter we'll travel to Sorrento to visit AC.

CW-
I think the this a good road map for us too. except we'll exclude Pisa and Florence
Thanks

I would warn against a day trip to Cinque Terre. Those who day trip (as I did from Lucca) are in danger of disliking the experience--seeing only the crowds without the benefit of quiet mornings and evenings.

I agree, our plan is two days visit of CT
Thanks

okay great--be sure to check out the park website to plan your visit (some trails are closed and if you want to hike, best to know which trails) enjoy!

Thank you , I will

hey mmona
you can check
apartmentslucca.com
come&seeitaly.com
frattoriaaldotto.it
cucina-italiana.com
luccatours.com with wanda
you'll have a great time, enjoy
aloha

Appreciate the information.
Thanks

Any suggestion for Siena hotels? We are getting there by train but renting a car in Siena to visit the area?

Thank you

We stayed at the B&B Arena Di Lucca, right in the Anfiteatro, overlooking the piazza. Built into the original theater walls, in the center of Lucca.

http://www.bbarenalucca.com/

Thank you

I recommend La Butterfly Relais in the center of Lucca:
https://www.facebook.com/laButterflyRelais

I love Lucca. Walking around the city on top of the wall morning and evenings, opera every night, wonderful food and just a great ambiance over all.
My favorite day trip is a train ride through beautiful countryside to Barga.
http://lovefromtuscany.com/where-to-go/small-towns-in-tuscany/barga/
Barga also has an interesting and unusual connection to Scotland. The train station is at the bottom of the hill but there are buses to take you up the short trip up the hill. (I'd normally walk the short distance, but the road is curvy with little sight distance around the curves.)

I would spend two nights in Lucca. It’s a beautiful small city with some great trattorias, very easy to walk within and on top of - as someone pointed out the wall that encircles Lucca is essentially a big park that you can walk on or, even better, ride bikes on. We, together with two other couples, stayed for two nights at La Romea: https://www.laromea.com/ I highly recommend this beautiful B&B in the heart of Lucca - a very old building with immaculately restored rooms and a wonderful couple that are your hosts. It’s also a big Rick Steves recommendation. And it should definitely be under $200/night.
If you’ve not done Pisa it’s an easy day trip from Lucca. Even if you have a car, do not drive into Pisa - you can see the Leaning Tower from mikes away, but getting near it and parking - yikes. If you do drive into Pisa, follow RS recommendation as to where to park (where the buses park). Otherwise, take the bus from Lucca to Pisa and back. The bus leaves from across the train station in Lucca and arrives right outside the Campo dei Miracoli where the Leaning Tower is. It’s a little tricky to find exactly where to wait to catch the bus back, but ask some of the locals.
And certainly don’t attempt Cinque Terre as a day trip from there. If you can splurge, for the CT visit, I would stay two nights in the Grand Hotel Portovenere in Portovenere, just south of the Cinque Terre. It’s a fabulous hotel with a fantastic balcony overlooking the bay - the best bread pot on the planet! Very easy to get from there by boat to each of the Cinque Terre towns (except Corniglia which is not accessible by sea).

My last paragraph about Portovenere should read “the best breakfast spot..”, not “bread pot”!

Another vote for La Romea B&B.
Giulio and Gaia are lovely hosts.
I spent 4 wonderful nights in this beautiful B&B.

Have a wonderful trip!

we really enjoyed a half day walking tour with wanda martinelli our first day in Lucca. She is great and will point out things to do and see during your visit, she really helps you maximize your time in Lucca!! Luccatours.com

La Butterfly Relais
Beautiful and charming. Perfetto!
This is a large and airy space that is very charming and well decorated. Laura, the owner, gives personalized attention to each guest. She is also an accomplished chef and takes delight in providing treats for her guests. There is a well equipped kitchen with an Illy coffee maker for that early morning, afternoon or late night espresso. There is a wonderful story about her family who once lived here on the website, but urge her to tell you. You will see and feel the love she has for this home. Her attention to every detail makes this a sumptuous and very elegant choice for your stay in Lucca.

we've been to Lucca many times and I highly recommend "La Butterfly Relais", they're everywhere, on airbnb, booking, expedia...
Laura is a wonderful host and it's located in the very "centro storico" (inside the walls). Just so you know, she's a pastry chef, so you're in for a treat at breakfast! If you ask her, maybe she'll take you on a little walking tour like she did with us.