La Dolce Vita: A Family Week in Lucca, Florence & Cinque Terre

After a four-hour drive from Lake Como, we arrived at our home for the week just outside of Lucca. Before dinner, we wandered the city’s cobbled streets, stopping for lunch at Ciacco and gelato at La Veneta. Lucca’s walled center is full of charm: compact, historic and perfect for aimless strolling. End the day with dinner at home or book a private chef (like the amazing Chef Fabrizio - ask me for his info!) to cook a traditional Tuscan meal in your rental kitchen.

Today’s focus: wine and relaxation. We booked a full-day wine tour that took us through the rolling hills of Tuscany, visiting family-run vineyards and enjoying a long lunch under the sun. Book with a guide or driver for a stress-free experience (drunk driving laws in Italy are gratefully incredibly strict). When you return, pour another glass and watch the sky change colors from your terrace.

Hop on a morning train from Lucca to Florence (just over an hour, running every 15-20 minutes) and start your day with a pastry near the Duomo. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see Renaissance masterpieces, then grab lunch at Mercato Centrale (so many great options). In the afternoon, see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. Florence is incredibly walkable and packed with surprises so don’t rush. Leave room for wandering and impromptu gelato stops.

Start your morning with a cozy brunch at H&G Coffee Lounge (pancakes and croques for the win), then rent bikes and loop around Lucca’s medieval walls. Stop for a snack, a coffee or a playground break, as this is a perfect family-friendly day. In the afternoon, check out local artisan shops or hit a street market for picnic supplies. For dinner, fire up the villa kitchen, or bring back Chef Fabrizio for a Tuscan finale.

Hop on the early train to the Ligurian coast for a day in Cinque Terre. Start in Manarola, wander the cliffs, dip your toes in the sea and grab drinks with a view at Bar Enrica. Afterward, head to Vernazza for seafood pasta, sun-drenched piazzas and postcard-perfect harbor views. Don’t skip the gelato: try Il Porticciolo in Manarola and Gelateria Vernazza (possibly the best gelato we’d ever had) for a double scoop of happiness.

Florence deserves a second day. Take the train again for another round of espresso, culture and shopping. Hit up the markets and find your perfect leather treasure, and grab a table at Trattoria Vecchia Griglia for a fresh, delicious and affordable lunch. Explore new neighborhoods like the artisan-rich Oltrarno district or return to favorite spots for one more scoop of gelato. It’s a flexible day for soaking up the energy of the city, or for simply enjoying the last golden hours of your trip.