All - I've hit the thirty day mark and am so excited I can't contain myself!

Here's what I am wondering - I had wanted to stay in Lucca for a few days, but did not end up doing so. We're staying in Florence for 2 and Panzano for 4, but still not enough time in that area - of course.

Does it make sense for me to visit Lucca (and perhaps Pisa) the day I pick up my rental car? We'll pick up the rental before noon. Then can we drive to Lucca, perhaps also visit Pisa, and still make it to Panzano by 4ish?

Before I get one of those "more info needed" posts...

We have to be in Panzano for 5PM cooking extravaganza at B&B Fagiolari. We want to view Lucca - nothing specific in mind to 'do'. Perhaps we'll rent a bike and ride the path around the walls - perhaps not. Lucca just intrigues me.

The trip to Pisa would be to view the tower, the duomo and a bit of the city, the typical - but a quick stop. I've read many pros and cons, and if I skip Pisa it won't break my heart - though I know it will wow me if I go.

The real question: Would it be more enjoyable to have the leisure of stopping anywhere we see fit on the drive from Florence to Panzano? Or should I not miss planning a visit to Lucca for leisure?

I would hit San Gimignano if you do not plan to see it later. It is much closer and worth your time.

We do actually plan to hit San G... more info I left out...

We will have 3 more full days in Tuscany after this transition day. One day aimed at Greve, Castellina, and surrounding areas, one aimed at Siena, and one aimed at Volterra and San G (could I fit Lucca the same day?). Does that change your thoughts?

Thoughts from daytime readers?

Pick up your car at noon in Florence, drive to Lucca which is a good hour(Now 1pm). Have lunch and look around in Lucca for a couple of hours (now 3pm)and the drive to Panzano is a good 2 hours. Assuming you have no problems 10 picking up your car on time, finding a place to park in Lucca, no getting lost, no major traffic issues etc.

You decide.

that "10" shouldn't have been there...

my post was so scattered...here's what I was getting at:

12p - pick up car in FL.
12:30-1:30p: drive to Lucca
1:30p-2p: park
2:00p-3:30p: lunch/stroll
3:30-5:30: drive to Panzano

Put that way it doesn't sound so good...

I suppose I was thinking:
10 AM Rental Car PU
11:30 Explore Lucca - quick panini for lunch
2:30 Head to Panzano

(Unless we start out early I don't see fitting in Pisa)

It is not looking so wonderful, I guess I will play it by ear and if my travel partners vie for it, we'll give it a shot! Otherwise we'll spend that morning in Florence.

Don't think of it that way! Just give yourself another reason to go back asap! No matter how often you go, you'll always feel that way. Feel lucky to be able to see what you can.

Thanks sandi! This is the second trip for dh and I... we're playing 'guide' for my grandparents - grandma has never been to Europe and will be an amazing travel partner - she is wowed by everything! Step-grandpa was there in the 60's, and will also be a great travel partner.

We have 4 nights in Panzano and haven't planned all three full days - tentatively one Volterra & San G, one in Siena, and the third is not yet spoken for, so it could be Lucca/Pisa - or it could be spent around Panzano in Chianti.

Either way, I can't wait and know it will be wonderful!