“You may have the universe if I may have Italy” ― Giuseppe Verdi
TOUR, DAY 5
To be honest, we didn't really expect our time in the small Tuscan towns of Lucca and Volterra to be very interesting. After all, what was there to do? Wrong, so wrong. These were two of our favorite places.
Our local guide in Lucca, Gabriele, was an excellent representative for his hometown, and we enjoyed the brief walking tour of this ancient city, almost as much due to his enthusiasm as the actual history. The only remaining walled city in Italy, Lucca has converted the top of the walls into a beautiful promenade. Knowing our time was limited, we rushed around town to visit the Nina-recommended pizza and gelato shops before taking our rental bikes to the wall for a quick ride around the perimeter. Before we knew it, our time in Lucca was over, and we had to say goodbye. Our bus ride to the hill town of Volterra was an adventure. We drove through beautiful Tuscan countryside, then began winding our way up-up-up to Volterra. We got a quick walking tour on our way to the hotel, checked into our rooms, and then reconvened for a huge five-course dinner with plenty of wine. |
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HOTEL LA LOCANDA
Hotel La Locanda was larger than it looked on the outside and we had very spacious rooms. The staff worked extra hard to get our power and water back on before we finished our tour of the town, and we were all grateful to return to clean, functioning rooms!
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CLIMB EVERY STAIRCASE
Alas, our time in Lucca was so short, Lori didn't get to climb the Guinigi Tower, known for its spectacular views over the town and for the trees growing out the top. If you make it to Lucca, please enjoy it for her!
More time in Volterra (or less feeling crummy) would have provided excellent hiking opportunities full of beautiful scenery. Maybe next time...
More time in Volterra (or less feeling crummy) would have provided excellent hiking opportunities full of beautiful scenery. Maybe next time...