Kid-Free in Lucca

We were very grateful to Oma and Opa who stayed back with the kids on our last day in Tuscany so Pete and I could have a kid-free day trip to Lucca. Oma and Opa had spent a few days there before meeting up with us and the kids protested another "city" day. 

We scheduled the kids for some riding lessons in the morning so they would have something to do while we were gone. They were offered to take the horses for a ride down to the lake on the property, but apparently had their heart set on riding in the ring. 

Meanwhile, Pete and I headed north for the hour and 15-minute drive to Lucca. The new Taylor Swift (double) album had just dropped and the sun was shining. Things were off to a great start! And even more reason for the kids not to have been with us- a lot of F bombs dropped there! 

Snow-peaked Alps in the distance

Lucca is a well-preserved walled city in a valley and you can rent bikes to circle the old town walls. We did a loop and a half before winding our way into the city. 

We toured the Duomo di San Martino- lovely ceilings and stonework! and climbed the neighboring clocktower. 

Love climbing a European tower!

Sweet spot for lunch

Pasta every day keeps the doctor away. Something like that? 

So many churches!

We stopped for drinks in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. There was some antique car procession happening in the city that day so periodically, an old car would drive through the center of the piazza. Sadly, we did not see Dustin Hoffman or Helen Hunt who were filming a movie while we were there. 

Incredible mosaic! 

Loved the tower with the tree growing out of it!

We drove home, rocking to the T Swift bonus album, in time for our last meal in Tuscany back at the Agriturismo. Another lovely evening and yummy food. The staff took our kids to the ice cream hut for dessert and they came back with bowls bigger than their heads! 

Maybe the truffles we found?

The rains returned as we packed up the next morning. There were groups of Vespas riders from around the world all along the roadways. World Vespa Days. Who knew that was a thing? 

Such a lovely, relaxing trip!