I am a single woman and would like to go to Lucca and study Italian. I found an apartment though the school. I will fly into Heathrow and get a connecting flight to Pisa. There is a bus at the airport that goes to Lucca. Is this a safe plan for a single woman in her sixties? Thank you for your feedback.
Posted by
Washington DC
27210 posts
Lucca is a lovely small city. You'll probably be far safer there than you are in the US (I'm assuming you're American). And you'll have no problem with the bus from the airport. I'm also over 60, and I traveled alone in Italy for about two months last year.
I don't know how long your intended language course is, so I'll issue this warning just in case: (Again assuming you're American) you cannot stay in Italy or a combination of Schengen-zone countries for more than 90 days within any 180-day period.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15248 posts
Italy is generally much safer than the US. Lucca is a small city, so you even have less to worry about. If you were in a big city I would warn you about the possibility of pickpockets targeting tourists on crowded buses, but in Lucca there is nothing to worry about except for the fact that the Lucchesi people are notoriously stingy like the Genovesi. So don't expect too much largesse from them.
Posted by
OP
65 posts
Thank you for your replies. I will be in Lucca for a month. Roberto, your reply was funny! My grandpa was from Lucca and my Grandma was from Genoa. He was frugal and my dad drove me crazy about money. I thought their frugal ways were a result of living through the Depression. It should be interesting! Many thanks to you both. You allievated my anxiety.
Posted by
Central Valley, California
293 posts
Oh it sounds so lovely! Living the dream ! ! ! Please do write notes to us about it. When will this take place?
Posted by
OP
65 posts
Hi Shelley, I plan to go April to May. Will keep you posted.
Posted by
bedford, indiana
459 posts
we rode the train from Pisa to Lucca and it ws very quick, easy, and safe. I am not sure how long the bus ride takes but you might consider the train. If you are there for a month you clearly will be riding the train often. We took the Pisa Mover shuttle from the airport to the train station for like 3 euro, the tram between the airport and the station may now be open but even the Pisa Mover shuttle was seamless, you can pay the guy driving the shuttle so you might consider that. The Lucca train station is near the south gate to the city, it is possible the bus may get you closer to your apartment. Our trip was back in October.
Posted by
81 posts
I agree the trains are very easy, cheap and safe. You should plan to take a day trip or two from Pisa. I highly recommend Livorno and La Spezia (or Cinque Terre). You could also be in the land of your forefathers Genoa in less than an hour. So jealous. Hope you have a wonderful time!.
Posted by
OP
65 posts
Thank you Mandy!
Posted by
Abruzzo Mountains
1040 posts
I took a bus from Pisa to Lucca this summer. We didn't start from the airport but I suspect it's the same one. We picked it up downtown. It was clean, comfortable, safe, cheap and fast. It stops just outside a main gate and near the tourist info office. I would do it again with no hesitation. Safety was not a concern on this route at all, the bus stopped at marked rural stops along the way and we didn't have any crush of people at either end. Very reliable.
The train station in Lucca isn't much farther away but is a bit longer walk. In this case, since the bus goes right from the airport, I agree that's your best choice. You'll get lots of opportunity to take the train later.