Jonaki: Last day in Lucca so we decide to get up late, then catch train to Viareggio to have a look at this supposedly exclusive playground for the rich. As with the Italian beaches that are not in the national parks, in summer there is a beach 'user pays' system, where you have to purchase a ticket to use the beach and facilities. Therefore, most of the beach is fenced off with public access to the sand restricted to a 100 metre stretch. The beach itself is no...

John: We check in to our accommodation, Buonanotte, at Lucca, on time after nearly missing one of our 4 rail changes. Across the road is the gate of Porta Elisa, one of four gates providing entrance to the fortified, medieval town. Once again, the town is incredibly beautiful, causing us to finally reject earlier blog reflections, instilled by our sons, that Italy pales against other destinations in Europe. The 10 metre high wall around the town is 4.5 km long ...