We will be in Lucca for three nights for our "downtime" between Rome and Venice. Grandma, Grandpa, Daughter, and three teens ages 13, 15, 17. Training it, Doing Pisa on the way there. Sleep Lucca. Day 1 Plan on biking, laundry, relaxing next day, Puccini in the evening. Sleep Lucca. Looking for a good suggestion for the Day 2 for something to do with all that would interest teens too. Just want to stay in immediate area of Lucca, rather than long day tripping somewhere as we will be heading to Venice the next day via train. We are all early risers. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Posted by
11606 posts
Rent bikes to ride around the city walls, that’s what we did. Fun time. Teens should really love doing this!It is very popular to do this in Lucca.
Posted by
5097 posts
Maybe a cooking class?
I'd just let everyone do their own thing--they can shop, go to a museum if so inclined!
Posted by
North Carolina
2499 posts
They might like to climb the Giunigi Tower (the one with trees growing on top).
Also, there’s a horse riding outfit nearby (although you’d have to take a taxi to get there). https://www.luccahorseriding.com/
It would be a great way to see the countryside.
Posted by
21 posts
Teenagers? As long as they have their phones they'll be fine!
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
382 posts
As already mentioned, bike around the walls, have a picnic up there (even if it's take away pizza - Pizzeria da Felice is the best - via Buia 12, just off the via Filungo) and after you drop off your bikes, climb the Torre Guinigi (already mentioned here). Window shopping on via Filungo and via Roma can be fun too.
Posted by
58 posts
When we etayed in Lucca we went to Cinque Terre for the day.
Posted by
189 posts
Pisa is an easy day hop from Lucca.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7994 posts
For the Puccini at night, we got a 2 for 1 voucher from our B&B. Any chance you’re staying at La Boheme (recommended by Rick Steves)? If not, other places in town may also be providing the discounted coupon to their guests. Get a seat closer to the front, for the pianist and the sopranos. We were towards the back, and a woman sitting behind us (I’m guessing a Lucca resident who attends these shows regularly) was humming and singing along with the opera divas in the front. She knew every aria, but wasn’t nearly as talented as the performers, and we moved seats for the remainder of the performance to get away from her. It wasn’t a sing-along, but for one woman, she must’ve thought it was.
In addition to biking along the pathway atop the town walls, there’s a pathway route along the Serchio river just outside the old town walls. The park and river north of old town Lucca offer a ride of however many miles you want to do, and you can cross the river on bridges at points along the route to towns nearby, then ride back along the other side of the river. I enjoyed that additional ride on my bike rented inside Lucca last October.
Posted by
OP
29 posts
We are staying at La Boheme! Thank you for all your advice! We will get there early for sure!! And the additional bike rides. Sound great!
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1144 posts
La Boheme is great.
Don't miss Pizzeria “Da Felice” right across the street Via Buia, 12
Cecina (salted chickpeas pie) from the oldest place around as well as other local delicacies like chestnut flour crepes.
https://en.pizzeriadafelice.it/from-felice/
Also if no one mentioned it you can climb Torre Guinigi if you're looking to get your teens some exercise.
We didn't go when we were there so this isn't a recommendation but there is the Botanical Garden of Lucca.
https://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/the-botanical-garden-of-lucca/
Have a great trip!
=Tod