Lucca and Viareggio

For our last full day in Pisa we decided to do a triangular journey. First travelling to the walled city of Lucca, then on to the seaside city of Viareggio and returning direct to Pisa. All legs were roughly 30 minutes and all cost 3.50 Euro each. As Italy do not have cheap day returns there is no penalty for one way travel!

Finding loos in Italy is always a challenge but most stations have them so on arrival at Lucca our first task was a trip to the (free) loo. This is what both of us were greeted with: not seen these for years!

So off into the walled city passing the San Martino Church.

Then through the rather grand Squares and narrow streets

And of course another huge church

to the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro which is a circular space surrounded by buildings.

This is our drone view!

Then off again through narrow streets to the Torre Guinigi

which we climbed for a mere 4 Euro each. Excellent views from the unusual top with its trees!

We had walked pretty much through the city and we returned to the station along the walls. they are stone faced earth banks and very wide and tree lined. really good for a walk but we only did a fraction of the 2.5 miles total.

Back to the station where we had a tea and a verdura piadina snack at the station café!

Then our second train ride to Viareggio on yet another single track branch line, this was however overhead electric powered.

We had no idea what to expect in Viareggio but we were pleasantly surprised. It was a fair walk of around a mile to the seafront but it was really impressive. Long and wide sand beach

and wide promenade

to add to the day they had laid on a Porsche Classic car show for our visit.

we had hoped for a harbour at the end of the prom but instead just a few boats on a river or canal!

Back through the shops which were all car free and with market stalls shaded by trees: very nice.

So back to the station for our last train ride back to Pisa in time for a well earned rest and cup of tea before dinner.

We booked our hotel because it was close to the station and would save walking each morning. However all the restaurants are at the other end of town a mile away. We have enjoyed the walk up through Pisa every evening to the restaurants which is almost traffic free!

Tonight we went back to this restaurant for one reason only

Profiteroles!