Kerry and Jim are from Western Australia. They decided to spend 6 months in Italy and chose Bagni di Lucca as their base. 3 months into their stay Kerry has generously written a post for Bella Bagni di Lucca to tell of their experiences in this gorgeous part of Italy.
Our 6 months in Bagni di Lucca…by Kerry.
We hit the jackpot when we chose the area of Bagni di Lucca to spend our six months “living the dream” retirement holiday. We arrived on 1st June and are staying until 30th November. I know it seems a long time but there is so much to do and see in the area that time is getting away from us.
Our apartment at Villa Isabella in Ponte a Serraglio is wonderful and the perfect place to base ourselves to not only relax and try to become a little bit “Italian” but also a great location to explore Tuscany from.
The village is built along either side of the Lima River, making it a very tranquil place to spend time in.
It is in easy walking distance to La Villa, the main village of Bagni di Lucca,making it accessible to additional shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, although we have some very good choices here in the village.
We chose to come to Ponte a Serraglio after some lengthy communications with Debra, who I must say has been very generous with her assistance, time and knowledge of the Italian system for those wanting to stay for more than 3 months. Getting our Permesso di Soggiorno would have been very difficult without Debra.
About 25 villages make up the region of Bagni di Lucca. We have visited many of them now and each seems to have its own delightful character.
We have done many day trips, including to the Garfagnana, Chianti and the coastal villages of Forte dei Marmi and Sestri Levante and there is still so much to do and see.
There are many beautfiful cities to visit when you are here, the closest being the historic walled city of Lucca. It is only 25 kilometres away and is such a lovely city to spend time in. At every turn there is something to discover…beautiful cathedrals, nightly concerts of Puccini’s music (Lucca is his birth place), great shops, very nice food and, of course, gelaterias at every corner.
Florence and Pisa are both must sees by travellers visiting the area and are just over an hour away.
If you have a “bucket list” of places to visit in Italy we would definitely recommend adding Bagni di Lucca to it.
Follow our travels at Jim and Kerry Travel Diaries.
Thank you Kerry for sharing your Bagni di Lucca with us. Perhaps at the end of your stay you will write another post for Bella Bagni di Lucca.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
Wonderful guest post. Thank you so much for sharing and hope your next 3 months are just as great!
I’s sure it will. We have so much more to see.
Great post. Lovely collection of photos and an excellent reminder of why Bagni di Lucca’s such a good place to be.
Thank you. I think there is something for everyone here.
Looking forward to meeting when I am in my apartment across the river from Debra – will be there on 5/9 for my stepdaughter’s wedding
Look forward to catching up when you are here. Safe travels.
Great post, Kerry and it has been a pleasure to meet both of you in Bagni.
Thank you for your hospitality. It has been lovely to meet such interesting people.
What a great post ! Kerry you may also want to include Cutigliano prov. di Pistoia in you travels. It is about 12 Km up Rt 12 from Bagni di Lucca. Keep on traveling
Thanks for the tip Bob. We will make our way up there over the coming weeks.
Wow, wow, wow how marvelous!! Thanks Kerry…..love your dwelling.
Yes another good find….check it out on the internet. I’m sure the owners will have no trouble renting it out in 2014.
The more I see of this beautiful region the more I know I will visit and stay here
Such a lovely area – autumn is slowing arriving and the leaves are just starting to change colour. It’s beautiful.
Hi jim & Kerry
We are from Perth and are travelling through Italy in a camper. We are currently in bagni Di Lucca and love the village feel. We will be here for another day and would love to catch up if you are free.Cheers Ash & Charlotte
It was really great to meet you yesterday Ash & Charlotte. Lovely to see and speak to someone from Perth. Enjoy the rest of your travels and we look forward to meeting again in Perth.
Hi Kerry
We had a great time thanks hopefully see you again in Perth or Margaret river 🙂
We are now about to leave bella Italy:( intogermany and then uk
Enjoy the rest of you stay! Cheers ash & char