Is a stop in Lucca practical?
 

We will be arriving at the Florence airport on a Saturday. We will pick up our rental car and head to the Levanto area on the Ligurian coast. Our villa check in is quite late in the afternoon. Would it be reasonable to stop in Lucca for a walk around and lunch en route or is that too far off course? If not Lucca, do you have a suggestion for a stop?
Thank you.

That is perfect. You will have to park outside the walls but you can follow signs to park and the walk is short. Have fun !

Thanks, Bob. It's a go.

Yes, do go. From a logistics point of view makes sense, also Lucca is so charming.

Would either of you have a suggestion for a light lunch? Do you happen to know if there is a market in Lucca on Saturdays?

There is a small market, open daily, at the western gate of the walls.

Thanks, Jeff.

If the weather is nice, I like seating al fresco in Ristorante Giglio at Piazza del Giglio.

Thank you for the lunch suggestion. I do hope the weather will be nice!

Good choice--Il Giglio !

bob, I saw your offer to estimate travel times in your response to enzian. Would you do me that favor as well? Florence airport to Lucca to Bonassola is our itinerary.
Thanks!

Sure, but you can do also at Google Maps--plus it gives you detailed directions. In this case, it is an hour to Lucca and then 1:34 to Bonassola--I would allow a bit more.

Thanks, Bob. We have maps and a GPS, but I thought your practical experience might be helpful...and it was!