Luca

On the way to Lucca we stopped in the medieval village of Pontremoli which was an important stop for pilgrims on their way to Rome and beyond. It became a wealthy trading town as well. We learned about testarolo, a crepe-like bread that can be cut up and boiled like pasta.  We helped prepare some and then sampled the product.

Upon arrival in Lucca we said good bye to Gioia and hello to Dina, our tour leader for the second half of the trip. Another 7 travelers joined us, doubling the size of the group.

We had our walking tour of Lucca a charming walled city in Tuscany.  The top of the wall is a park with walking and bicycling paths.  So we all got on bikes for a ride around the city.  It was challenging dodging the other cyclists and pedestrians.  On our own, Doug and I climbed two towers for a total of 350 steps.  If there is a tower to climb, Doug will climb it!