Rome to Lucca

Saturday 6th June 2026

It’s our eleventh day in Italy.

We are on the move. Taxi to Roma Termini and then all aboard – destination Lucca via Firenze/Florence. It was the fast train to Firenze and we certainly felt it. The air pressure was noticeable particularly as we travelled through the many tunnels.  Business class was very comfortable. Smooth change of trains to a regional service. It had double-decker carriages and we were in Lucca in no time at all.

A short walk across the street from the train station and we crossed the city walls to find our accommodation within the old city. One obvious difference to Rome and Tocco is the street paving. It’s a mix of the small cobblestones as we have seen elsewhere and large rectangular basalt pavers. There is also a restriction on car access within the old city.

Our accommodation this time is an apartment located in a building from medieval times. It’s 3 stories high, plus the basements. The apartments are all set around a central courtyard and garden. It’s very peaceful. I have not heard a car or a siren since arriving.  The birds are noisy so that’s a welcome change to a busy world when they can overcome all of the manmade intrusions in our lives. The top floor of the apartment has 2 large bedrooms and our bathroom. The ground level is a fully equipped kitchen, dining and separate lounge room opening out onto the courtyard. On the next level down is a second lounge room, laundry and bathroom. The interior decoration is tasteful and the artwork is superb.

Dinner this evening was just down the street. We enjoyed some stimulating conversation with the couple from the UK sitting at the table next to us (the tables are so close to each other). They are here celebrating his 50th birthday.