Hello all-
So my Italy vacation is shortly approaching and I'm busy in daily planning mode. I'm looking for ideas of excursions and things that I must do! I will be staying in Lucca for week. I would like to visit the coast from there and surrounding areas. Any advice of places to see or things to do would be appreciated!

In rank order:
Portovenere[boat to CT]
Volterra
Garfagnana and Barga
Devils Bridge
Pisa
Buca di San Antonio for dinner

In the area of Lucca there are a number of villas with houses and/or gardens open to visitors. Here's a URL: http://www.knowital.com/html/lucca_-...d_gardens.html

We had lunch at Buca di San Antonio and found it rather stiffly formal. We did like the Antica Locanda dell'Angelo at 21 via Pescheria.

You didn't mention how you are traveling, but if by train I don't think Lucca has great direct connections to many places. If you are driving I assume it would be easier. When we were there we didn't take any day trips because we were enjoying Lucca so much. However, we were only there 3 days, not a week. It is a very relaxing place. You might enjoy renting bikes. There is a park at the top of the walled old city with a path all the way around, great for walking, jogging and bike riding. Have fun!!!!

I will be there with a car for the week.