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You will spend hours wandering through beautiful squares, visiting the cathedral or one of the dozen museums. Alternatively, cycle or walk around the top of the city wall - a great way to see the town and its surroundings. Then relax in one of the dozens of superb bars, coffee shops and restaurants.
Lucca is also a great base for exploring the other Tuscan gems of Pisa, Florence, Volterra and San Gimignano, the beaches of Versilia or the nature reserves of the Apuan Alps and the Garfagnana.
San Gimignano powerfully evokes the atmosphere of mediaeval Tuscany, with the towers of this little hilltop town soaring dramatically into the sky. Meanwhile, thanks to its relatively isolated position, Volterra is untouched by the 21st century. Cradling 3,000 years of history within its fortifications, Volterra's first town wall was raised in the 4th century BC. There are Etruscan remains, Roman baths, the amphitheatre and Acropolis, museums and galleries, churches and the Duomo.
Pisa and its Leaning Tower needs no introduction. Neither does Florence, the Renaissance treasure house of art, architecture and culture; both are essential visits during your stay. But why not dig deeper into the Tuscan countryside. From your base outside Lucca - and it is very handy for train links - you can journey up into the wilder hill regions of the Garfagnana, or further north into the Alps. Alternatively, visit the seaside at Versilia.
Plan your days right - and the people at Al Tondone will be delighted to help you with tips and ideas - and this could be the complete Tuscan holiday.
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