Monday, June 18 – Transfer to Lucca

After breakfast we boarded the very comfortable Mercedes 9-passenger bus to drive to Lucca.  Along this route we began to travel through the scenic Apennines.  Along the way we stopped at Pontremoli, a medieval town in the Lunigiana valley.  A city guide told us the history of the town as we walked.

Route markings on poles throughout the town are for walking, cycling, or cars.

We continued our bus ride until we stopped to visit a local testaroli maker.  She demonstrated the technique for making this regional egg free dough.  She served us three rounds with different toppings.  I liked the pesto topped one best.  Of course, wine and water were served too.  She had made a tart for our dessert.

When we arrived at San Luca Palace Hotel in Lucca, we found out that the rest of our group would be arriving late because of the flight controllers’ strike in Florence.  I have an ornate room, and our new guide seems to be good too.  We plan to go to a small cafe across the street for a light supper.