Night Stay: San Gimignano vs Lucca ?
 

I want to stay inside the walls of a town and I can't decide: Lucca or San Gimignano.

Any thoughts?

I think I may have just answered this but here goes... Both towns are lovely. But, given your travel schedule, I would suggest staying in Lucca and save the driving to San Gimignano until the next morning.

thanks dona!

The reason I ask is that I've heard that staying in San Gimignano is medievel feeling so I want to experience this. But, if we'll get the same experience in Lucca, then I won't stay at S.G.

San G is a wonderful palce to stay overnight as all the tourists are gone and the locals are very nice. The Towers are all lit up at night. It's beautiful. Have not been to Lucca but I think it is a much bigger place. San G is a very small charming town especially in the evenings and mornings.

Lucca is lovely and known for its cuisine.

Thanks! Any recommendations as to where to stay? any city...

Here's another thought... If you really want to stay in San Gimignano, how about staying in Lucca, and then driving to Sienna, and then to San Gimignano for the night?

We've visited both and I have to say that I think San Gimignano has it all over Lucca when it comes to atmosphere. Yes, Lucca has walls but not in the sense that I pictured when I read the description in guide books. They are more like mounds of earth circling the town covered with stones on the exterior side. You didn't feel that enclosed sensation because they were so deep and the city is fairly large inside the walls with some modern - relatively speaking - buildings. San Gimignano has "walls", a gate, towers with a medieval feeling and a setting on the hill that is breathtaking. We didn't spend the night but I can't help but think that an early stroll along the walls as the sun comes up can't be beaten.

If you decide to stay in Lucca, I highly recommend La Romea B&B

www.laromea.com

I vote for San G..

Lucca is much larger and won't give you the same medieval, walled town feeling that San G will.

San G is awesome at night - the most medieval I have ever felt in Europe

Lucca would be my first choice. San Gim can get really crowded during the day,but is very nice later in the day.
Assisi is the first town I think of as medieval.San Gim is second.