Lucca Paradiso

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Lucca from the Florence (Peretola) or Pisa airports?

From the Florence airport:  There are buses (VAI bus) that travel from the Florence airport to Lucca’s Piazzale Verdi, inside of the City walls (http://www.lucca.cttnord.it/Lucca_Firenze/P/484) departing usually every 25 minutes. You can also take a short bus ride to the Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence. From there, catch one of any number of trains every day that run between Florence and Lucca, but look at the length of the journey and try to catch an express train or your journey will take longer (www.trenitalia.com).

From the Pisa Airport: There is a bus that runs from the Pisa Airport to Piazzale Verdi within the walls of Lucca’s historic center. The bus stop is located just outside of the Airport Arrivals area. You can buy tickets from the information office in passenger terminal D (www.lucca.cttnord.it/). There is also a rail connection from the airport directly to the Pisa Centrale Train Station, from which trains run to and from Lucca many times a day.
 

How close is the train station and the bus stops to Lucca Paradiso?

Lucca’s train station sits just one block outside the medieval walls of the City. It is an easy and flat 10-15 minute walk from the train station to the apartment. If you are arriving with luggage that you do not want to carry or pull, there are taxis available at the station and in Piazzale Verdi where the buses stop.

 
What day trips can I take from Lucca?

Lucca is an ideal location for day trips to other places in Tuscany by train, bus, bicycle, or car.

The lovely coastal towns of the Cinque Terra are accessible by train (about one and a half hours) or by car (45 minutes).

Florence/Firenze is a 45-minute drive from Lucca, and can be reached by train or bus in under two hours.

Pisa and the famous Leaning Tower are a short 30 minutes away by car, and can easily be reached by both train and bus from Lucca. Buses depart from Piazzale Verdi and there is a ticket office nearby.

By train, you can visit the lovely town of Montecatini Terme, the biggest spa-town in Italy, offering both its well-known healing waters and all modern spa treatments. From Montecatini Terme, you can take a funicular up to the charming small village of Montecatini Alto.

Siena is approximately one and a half hours away by car, and can also be reached by train.

San Gimignano, not too far from Siena, can be reached by car or train (there is a bus to San Gimignano from the Poggibonsi train station).

There is also a tour company located on 66 Via Antonio Mordini in Lucca, Tau Touring, that can arrange a trip for you.

Where can I rent a car?

Car Rentals are available at both airports, and through several agencies in Lucca, both inside and outside of the wall. You can inquire at the information office just outside of the train station. Reservations are recommended.


Can I park a car near the apartment?

As an old town with many narrow and winding streets, The City of Lucca limits the number of vehicles that can drive within the wall to residents, taxis, and commercial vehicles. There are several free parking lots just outside the wall which can be used by visitors. They are each approximately a 5 minute walk from the wall.

 
What is there to do in Lucca?

Lucca is a busy small town, and there is always a special event or festival going on. Some of the highlights for visitors include the following:

The Lucca Summer Festival is an annual month-long music festival held in the city center of Lucca in Tuscany. Artists perform on the historical stages of the Piazza Napoleone, Piazza San Martino and Amphitheatre Square. Hosting a diverse array of internationally renowned musical artists, the festival has featured big name acts including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and James Brown (https://www.everfest.com/e/lucca-summer-festival-lucca-itay).

Lucca Comics & Games is an annual comic book and gaming convention in Lucca, traditionally held over five days at the end of October. It is the largest comics festival (Comic Con) in Europe, and the second biggest in the world after the Comiket (http://www.luccacomicsandgames.com/it/lcg/home/).

On the third Sunday of every month Lucca hosts a large antique fair, and on the last Sunday of every month it hosts a crafts fair. There is an open air market every Wednesday and Saturday mornings on Via Bacchettoni near Porto San Giacopo, featuring food, produce, and a variety of products. There are film festivals year-round, as well as a host of other special events.

Lucca is the birthplace of musician Giacomo Puccini, and visitors can tour his home, learn more about his life, and attend performances of his music held regularly in the town.

Lucca is full of beautiful old churches, and more than 15 museums focusing on topics ranging from art, archaeology, and history, to torture. 

One of the things that both visitors and locals enjoy is a stroll or bicycle ride around the top of the wall surrounding the town. Bicycle rentals are available in many locations around town.

May I bring my pet?

Pets are allowed to stay in Lucca Paradiso on a case by case basis. If allowed, visitors must pay an additional, nonrefundable fee of $50 per pet.

Can I cook in the kitchen at Lucca Paradiso?

The apartment’s kitchen includes everything you need to cook meals, except for the food! There is a dishwasher.


Can I smoke in the apartment?

No. Lucca Paradiso is a no-smoking apartment.

 
Is there internet access in the apartment?

There is free WiFi in the apartment that is included with the rental.

 
Are there laundry facilities in the apartment?

Lucca Paradiso does include a combination washer/dryer in the apartment. It is an Italian machine with complicated directions, though simpler ones are posted. The housekeeper will also provide laundry services off-site for an additional fee. If you wish to do your own laundry off-site, there are laundromats and dry cleaners in Lucca that can be located on Yelp.com.

Is there a minimum number of days that we can rent the apartment?

There is a three-day minimum for rental of the apartment.

 
Will there be somebody in Lucca who can help me if I need assistance?

There is a representative for the apartment in Lucca who speaks very good English. She may meet you to hand off the key and show you the apartment when you arrive. If there is an issue at the apartment during your stay, you may call her (her phone number will be listed in the apartment). If you want additional help with tickets, reservations, advice, a tour guide, or other matters, she may also be available to assist you for a fee.

Is there a Security Deposit required in addition the rental and cleaning fee?

We require a $350 Security Deposit when your reservation is confirmed to hold the dates for you. After the rental, that money will be fully reimbursed as long as there is no damage to the apartment or its contents.


What is your cancellation and refund policy?

If you cancel your reservation prior to 60 days of your arrival date, your entire deposit will be refunded, or can be used to reserve other dates. If you cancel between 60 days of your arrival date, you will be refunded $250 of the security deposit, plus any additional deposit you have made on your reservation. If you cancel within 30 days of your arrival date, your deposit is nonrefundable, but any additional deposit made on your reservation will be refunded in full.