LUCCA - One of Tuscany's Finest Towns

Lucca in one word: Charming.

After a half-day in Pisa on Friday 9/18, we caught the train to Lucca - known for its 100-foot wide walls surrounding the city. Lucca is a quaint town that wasn't overrun by tourists, which added to its charm.

We were greeted by the walls after leaving the train station (and proceeded to defend them like Spartans - right). We explored the tunnels underneath the walls, stumbling upon a tasting of Biadina, a liqour made in Lucca. It was served with pine nuts and tasted like Jaegermeister - definitely warmed the insides!

After emerging into the town, we rented bikes (see below) to ride around the city atop the ramparts (below). It was a gorgeous fall day and I couldn't think of a better way to see the city! After enjoying the Tuscan sunset from above Lucca, we headed into the city center to find some dinner. We settled on a peaceful (until strangely dressed street performers played a little too loudly...) back-alley place (below) called Ristorante L'Antico Sigillo and enjoyed Tortelli Lucchessi (a dish from Lucca), wine and tiramisu & panna cotta caramello for dessert! It was a great way to end a great day!