Coming back to Lucca

It was 2 years ago when I first came to Lucca.

A short visit to Tuscany was coming to an end with an overnight stop there. My friend and I were both delighted and disappointed as we walked around Lucca. The disappointment was the fact that we had so little time in a place that clearly deserved much more!

The next morning, however, news broke about the volcanic ash cloud covering Europe, and we realised that we were stranded in Lucca. With an extra six days to explore the city, our first impressions were confirmed - Lucca is a beautiful, interesting, magical place.

I knew I would return.

This Easter, my sister, niece, nephew and I rented the Tornese Apartment, in Le Scuderie della Cavallerizza. The booking process was smooth and straightforward, and with Debora’s care and efficiency, we were confident we’d made the right choice.

The accommodation is extremely comfortable, a renovation of very high quality with everything we needed to ensure a relaxing holiday. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the walls was a real treat, and my niece and nephew loved having the bikes to ride around Lucca. From a convenient location in Piazza Santa Maria, we could set out each day either up onto the walls or through the streets to uncover more of Lucca's treasures and charms.

This time, I was pleased to discover the house where Puccini was born is now open to the public. How exciting it was to see his piano, read his letters and look up into the attic that inspired La Boheme.

Some things haven't changed like the nightly concerts in San Giovanni church to keep alive the music of Puccini and other operatic composers. This is one of the pleasures of Lucca, as is humming the tunes along Fillungo on the way back.

The walls of Lucca are amazing both in their original construction and in the part they play in modern Lucchese life. It is a joy to take part in the passegiata around the walls, joining the joggers, dog-walkers, cyclists and other visitors.

A stroll through the little streets and alleyways is rewarded time and again with exquisite architecture and breathtaking beauty. We came upon many unforgettable churches, palaces, cafes and views as we sought to leave no part of Lucca undiscovered.

Some specific things we enjoyed were as follows. The Guinigi Tower is worth the climb to get your bearings and see Lucca from another angle. The trees at the top are an added fascination.

The Cathedral Museum is a brilliant resource, giving a taste of Lucca's rich history.

The Botanical Gardens and the Pfanner Palace and Gardens are both delightfully peaceful spaces, carefully maintained as is Lucca generally.

One of the things Debora arranged was a guided tour of Lucca with her colleague, Maria. Maria’s detailed knowledge of Lucca and her expertise in the history of art combined to provide many insights into the city and its cultural heritage. This was an enjoyable morning during which I learned so much.

From Lucca it is easy to make day trips to other cities. We visited Florence and Pisa. The train service is reliable and inexpensive, and Lucca train station is a short walk outside the walls.

I'm sure there is even more to learn and enjoy about Lucca, and I am determined to come back and find out.

　

Coming Soon....

Oh I am so excited!! I am so pleased to anticipate you this great property which will be ready for your stay in about a couple of months. Let’s see .. from May yes! you could rent this great place for your holiday. This is really the latest in comfort! This is really something difference.

Ok I am telling you everything… from the beginning.

 This detached villa is dates back to the early seventies… about 40 years ago …

At the end of 2009 the owner, a friend of mine called me for an advice: “does it make any senses restoring the villa to rent it to your clients? do you think they would like it? How should I do it ? ” He wanted to understand which kind of restoration works he needed to do. 

My answer, in these cases, is always the same: do it as it was for you! … As you should rent or even buy live it with your family! The most comfortable and nice you do it the best answer you have from the vacation villas rental people.

Well, after our first meeting things have really grown up!

I knew he is going on.. he continuously kept me updated but I could not imagine which level of quality he gets ! I went there two days ago for a visit…. and I was impressed. Amazed.

First of all some words on the Location. It joins one of the most sunny location of the hill of Piano di Mommio just above the beaches of Viareggio in Versilia. A few steps from the village itself of Piano di Mommio where you can walk  to the groceries,  supermarket and pizzerias.

The beaches are about 4 km away. It means you can drive there in less than 10 minutes.  

Lucca is about 20 km – 30 minutes driving. Camaiore a nice small town to visit is less than 10 minutes driving away as well as the great town of PietraSanta.

After that now I try to explain with this my bad English what you will find once here at villa.

A huge terrace with wonderful panorama of the valley leading to the beaches.

An unusual - personally designed - pool with a Jacuzzi area

A spacious and modern living room and a “avant-garde” fire place and a fully equipped kitchen

Four bedrooms and two bathrooms and up here..

From all the windows what you can admire the typical Tuscan landscape made of olive oil trees countryside and an unforgettable quietness. Every window is a painting…. nothing less than a real painting.

Ok.. I know.. until here actually nothing new!!

But this great owner went beyond and really though your comfort and have provided the villa with A sauna a small A small space provided with Jim items and a Turkish bath!!! And of course Air conditioning in every rooms and wifi will be not missing. Have you understood??  This is a private S.P.A. The latest in comfort in a so traditional landscape!! Never seen something like that in our countryside.

Not only – Another important news is that the owner belongs one of the most antique and famous Bagno in Viareggio and he is very pleased to offer a whole day at his Bagno where you could join our typical local way of beaching…

And now enjoy some pictures I took straight away! Use your creative fantasy to understand how it will be once ready. 

What a satisfaction!

This morning I woke and got up very early...  it so soo cold.... freezing here!
I lighted the fire in the fireplace... I prepared a good long coffee and sat on my lounge with a plaid and the laptop on the knees..... see below what i found in my mailbox...
Wow! That's the reason I love my job. I love make people happy!!!

"Hi Debora:

It's been a very long time coming, but I finally wrote a report to TripAdvisor about our wonderful experience in Lucca, made possible by you. You may not even remember us but my sister, Maribeth Stein, was your main point of contact.

Here is what I wrote. Please feel free to share it with your travelers and please send a copy to Duccio. Thank you.

In the fall of 2010, I and four other women rented a 3 bedroom apartment for our 10 day stay in Lucca. To rate this trip on a scale of 1-10, it was an eleven.
We booked our reservation online through Debora @ Lucca Holiday Homes. Debora was fantastic. She was very response to our many online inquires pre-departure, and was very attentive once we arrived. She greeted us at our apartment, she connected my cell phone to receive calls from the States, and she made dinner reservations for our first night. Our landlord, Duccio, also lives on the premises and has a total of 3 apartments for rent. We occupied the downstairs, 3-bedroom, 3-bath unit. It was spacious, with modern bathroom and a large living space. The kitchen was small, but it was perfect for our needs. Duccio never intruded, was extremely helpful with recommendations, and was the nicest landlord you can imagine.
Our experience was incredible. Our apartment was "within the wall" of Lucca and I would highly recommend staying within the wall if you enjoy food, wine and shopping. The only downside was the noise, particularly if you need to have the windows open. We traveled in late September so the weather was to too hot.
I cannot say enough good things about our entire experience. Debora and Duccio were fantastic and the city of Lucca is everything you want Italy to be.
Carol G"

Thank you Carol!!

these are some pictures of the apartemnt where they stayed.