On June 13th of this year(2012), I will be leaving Rome and making my way to Pisa to catch a flight on the 16th. I want to hit florence for a day or so, and stop to stay in a smaller Italian town. I have been looking at either Lucca or Volterra. Which one would give me the most historical, and real Italian feel for my time?
Posted by
Missoula
109 posts
We found Volterra to be rather touristy, but I have a friend who lives in Lucca who says it's fantastic. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Personally I'd stop in somewhere like Montefalco in Umbria and try the Sangrantino. Cheers.
Posted by
OP
Stevens Point, WI
3 posts
Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. It think i'll be hitting Lucca!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
I would suggest Lucca. It's a beautiful town. Plus, one major advantage to Lucca is that there is a bus from Lucca to the Pisa airport. The train also does this but you need to change trains at Pisa Centrale. Pisa Airport is one of only 4 airports in Italy with a train station in the airport.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Larry: you've mentioned that "four airports in Italy have train service" a few times. I know about Fiumicino, Malpensa, and Pisa. Is the other one Torino? Adam: I haven't been to Volterra, and my last trip to Florence was in 1989. But at that time, someone told me not to miss "the city with the wall" - a little research (pre-Internet, so not as easy as today) determined that this Lucca. I'm so glad she gave me this tip - it was definitely a highlight of that trip, and remains one of my best travel days ever. Be sure to rent a bike and go around the top of the wall - wonderful! Just don't "hit" Lucca - it may hit back!
Posted by
OP
Stevens Point, WI
3 posts
Thanks Harold! I have heard nothing but good things about Lucca. Im really excited to visit it, ive never been to Italy so this will be a great experience, I appreciate everyones input!