Rick Steves'
Best of Italy in 17 Days
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Where are we?
Lucca
Born in Lucca in 1858, Giacomo Puccini's opera La Boheme premiering in 1896 with Toscanini conducting. Musette Waltz is
from the opera's second act of four.
Where are we?
Composer Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca in 1858. His opera,
La Boheme, premiered in 1896 with Toscanini conducting. Musette Waltz is from the opera's second act.
. Lucca
 Lucca's fortified Renaissance walls are 40 feet tall and 100 feet wide at their base. |
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 Bicycling and walking on top of the walls. |
 Old Roman amphitheater, Piazza dell' Anfiteatro. |
 Church of San Frediano. |
 San Michele Church with the Archangel St. Michael at its summit. |
 Beheaded in 1548 for trying to form an independent Republic of Tuscan cities, Francesco Burlamacchi's statue stands in Piazza San Michele. |
 Anterior view of 6th. century San Martino Cathedral. |
 Statue of Maria Luisa who ruled Lucca from 1817-1824. |
"When in Lucca, do as the..."
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Lunch with fellow tour members Sandy and Arne...what a backdrop!
Ornate carousel at Piazza Napoleone
It's a small world...
Rampart lion
Another warm, sunny day as we leave Florence and drive towards our next destination on the rugged coast of the Mediterrean. Mary called us "The Enchanted Group" as good weather seemed to follow us everywhere. By the end of our tour we will be able to say we only had one day of rain!
Enroute we stop at the old Roman walled city of LUCCA.
Its impressive walls have been around for 2,000 years and today are a recreational asset for the city. Walkers and bikers get a great overview of the city along the 2.5 mile long rampart.
After a tour of Lucca's highlights, we were given suggestions of other sites we may want to see as well as our timetable. Joining fellow tour members, Sandy and Arne, we walked part of the old wall, visited the local Saturday market and enjoyed lunch and people watching near the Church of San Michele.
We boarded the bus and had driven about 35 miles when we noticed what appeared to be snow covered hills. Not too surprised as weather can turn on a moment's notice, we were amazed to discover that it wasn't snow at all, but MARBLE!
The city of Carrara, in view from the bus window, has perhaps one of the most famous marble quarries in the world. Michelangelo made several trips here to hand select pieces for his sculptures.
May we recommend...
