My husband and I are arriving in Rome on May 2 and plan to go to Abruzzo Region first, not sure if we should go to Villa Santa Maria or Pescara first, take transit or drive (will be travelling as soon as we arrive from Philadelpia) and then I presume we are renting a car and driving to Lucca in Tuscany where our family will be staying (already have a villa). We are thinking that we should stay 2 of the 3 nights in Pescare. We want to go to Villa Santa Maria as both of my parents' families are from there. We were in Italy over 15 years ago and went to Rome, Venice, Cinque Terre and Florence. We used Rick Steves' book back then and it was very helpful.
Thank you,
Margie
Posted by
Boston
1813 posts
If you want to go to Pescara, you can take either take a train or drive. If Villa Santa Maria, driving is easier.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Since you want to do this upon arrival, take the train to Pescara first. Driving first, is similar to driving under the influence.
If you've never driven in Italy, please read this and download their e-book, each driver will also need an IDP (translation of your home license)
It's available at AAA $25.
Posted by
Boston
1813 posts
I think the previous post wanted to add this excellent link about driving in Italy:
https://media.sumo.com/3edd7a94b19350d13b81f277e1c2f5b5c0f917d5965b529d238da52daa2b93f6
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Mike, thank you. That's the link.
Posted by
Spokane WA
256 posts
While in Lucca, the nightly Puccini concert is a delight. 7:00, San Giovanni Cathedral, an intimate medieval chapel, within the walled city. One hour of Puccini selections are performed by two exceptional vocalists (varies nightly) and a pianist. The natural acoustics enhance this ethereal experience. Doors open by 6:30, so be there by then to purchase your tickets, @16€, for that evenings performance. Bellissimo!
For added interest, there are layers of Roman ruins being escovated in the left nave. Check it out earlier in the day, and while ther, inquire about concert tickets.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you all for the helpful information and if anybody else has something to add please let me know !
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2427 posts
hey margied56
how long will you be staying in lucca and are you within the walls? we were planning a trip but family health issues put us on the back burner. saved some of my research that you're welcome to check things out.
lucca.com
luccatours.com with wanda offering an intro tour to the town, a bike tour, lots of villas and gardens
come&seeitaly.com click on lucca and you'll find what's offered.
tripsavvy.com search day trips from lucca
discovertuscany.com (places to go click lucca scroll down to day trips.) towns near lucca by driving or public transportation.
town of collodi is home to pinocchio and garzoni gardens/butterfly house
barga and the garfagnana, stopping in villages to taste buccellato and the bread from altopascia "bread city" from bakeries. we would stop in a "butchery shop" and buy an assortment of salamis and deli meat for wine, appetizers for happy hour.
cooking classes: extravirginlucca.com or cucina-italiana.com
wineries: frattoria al dotto in lucca; frattoria del teso, frattoria II poggio, buonamico tenuta in montecarlo.
as you say the family is staying, anyone interested in going to leaning tower, book early for walk up tower, opapisa.it. maybe interest to see the beach, take train to viageggio.
make sure all drivers have IDP from AAA $25 and 2 passport photos, receive same day.
have a fabulous vacation and enjoy
aloha
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Is Pescara a nice place to visit for two or three days?