scheduling and location advise - is monteggiori-camaiore in lucca?

I'm no expert, but it looks to me like Monteggiori is a town in the Camaiore area to the north west of Lucca. At least that's what a google search tells me.

Lynn, I believe that Monteggiori is a city in the municipality of Camaiore. It's not "in" Lucca but is located north west of Lucca. Do you have any further information on the Villa? It's likely that it's located in the country and so not readily accessible with public transit. Therefore a rental car will probably be necessary. However, a few "caveats" to be aware of..... For driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases are provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information on driving in Italy. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy (especially Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. continued.....

Lynn - Part 2.... There are lots of possibilities for side trips. I assume you're planning to stay in Florence for a night or two, so that wouldn't strictly be a "day trip"? What "beach" are you considering? Some of the possibilities: > Florence > Pisa > Cinque Terre (at least one night here would be worthwhile) > Siena > Lucca I'd probably reduce the sightseeing time in the town you're staying in, and spend that time elsewhere. You might find it helpful to have a look at the Italy 2012 Guidebook for sightseeing suggestions in that area. While having the rental car may be necessary to get back and forth to the Villa, it would NOT be a good idea to drive in the cities, especially Florence! In the same situation, I'd park at the nearest station and use trains as much as possible. If you visit Le Cinque Terre, there's a new car park in La Spezia. If you're using Regionale trains, BE SURE to validate the tickets in the yellow machine prior to boarding or you could face a hefty fine which will be collected on the spot! Happy travels!

Lynn, congratulations! In Italy, the city name "Lucca" in parenthesis is the province in which Monteggiori-Camaiore is located. Another example is Assisi (Perugia). The town itself could be many miles from the provincial capital.