Into Tuscany

Our eldest daughter, Sarah, and her family had taken a villa in Tuscany for a week and we had gladly accepted their offer of lunch prior to leaving the UK. Thus it was that we left Venice for Tuscany though it is  also  an area that we enjoy having previously spent time in Florence, Lucca, Pisa et al. We initially headed down the coast towards Ravenna and then cut inland to Bologna. Though we would have liked to have visited Bologna, time was pressing so we headed south of the city to Rioveggio where we booked into Riva del Setta. Another site found in Camping Card ACSI. We had long learnt not to arrive at sites prior to 3pm but soon settled in for a quiet evening. The following day we moved on to Montecatini Terme to the site, Belsito. Prior to arriving there, we reconnoitered the route to Castelveggio where Sarah and family were staying. Little did we know that this delightful village was high in the Tuscan hills and could only be reached by a tortuous route on a road often reduced to passing places. We had hoped that there might be an aree di sosta that we could use in the village but sadly this proved to be "dump and fill" only. Having accessed the village we returned to the site full of eager anticipation for a return trip the following day. This was duly achieved and all became worthwhile as we drove into the village square to see our grandchildren Jessica and Jack with their dad, Luke and Sarah waiting for us. Fortunately, we could leave the motorhome in the square outside the church whilst we walked to the villa. The views were splendid

and we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch together

Jan with Jessica and Jack

All too soon we needed to make our way down the valley once more to return to our site where we enjoyed the late evening outside the motorhome, wine in hand soaking up the view of the Tuscan hills

The following morning, we headed for Lucca. After some searching we succeeded in finding the excellent aree di sosta near the centre. It will already be apparent that we prefer to enjoy the security of sites though in this case we wished we had stayed at this gated,  secure and so convenient aire. After the short walk,  we reaquainted ourselves with this lovely town. Unlike the last time we were here we had the time to circumnavigate the walls which surround the city and a wonderful experience it proved to be.

Lucca retains its charm and we delighted in strolling around the streets and squares.

often passing colourful shops

As had been the case elsewhere it was good to enjoy outside the holiday season and we would always recommend May and June as good months to visit.

From Lucca we set sail for Viareggio, to the site of that name. We had promised ourselves a trip to the coast though we were not over excited at the prospect. It lived up to our worst expectations thogh I am sure for many it would be the ideal holiday resort. Gently frying on a beach is not for us and it was just too crowded. And this was in the low season!