I absolutely LOVE Lucca and return there nearly every time I am in Italy. I don't think you need to find another Lucca, why not make a return visit? The town's charm and easy access to everywhere in Tuscany is a big plus. I have never rented a car and take the train everywhere. I stay inside the city walls at the Hotel Puccini or the Hotel Diana, both under 100 euros for a double room. I have also stayed at the Hotel Napoleon outside the city walls and walked into the city centre each time. I prefer being inside for getting around though. Last year I took my 4 1/2 year old to a Puccini concerto in the Duomo and she loved it! I guarantee she was the only 4 year old in the building! We have always had a wonderful time in Lucca and it remains one of my most favorite cities in Italy.

Cortona - town like you describe and great rail service and perfect for day trips to Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio, Orvieto, Montepuciano, etc.

Hi alamedadan,
We are also thinking of visiting Lucca this year. Would you mind sharing the name of the villa which you rented and a few details of the accommodations?

We have the same criteria as you, renting in or near small cities and Lucca was a favorite for us too. We prefer to rent a car. Beaune in Burgundy is great but weather may be a problem.In Prvence, Avignon or Arles would work. In Greece there are two small cities that fit your description, except for the train service. Napflion on the Peloponnesian Peninsula a few hours south of Athens and Chania, Crete. Both are wonderful small cities with great dining. There are lots of day trips and history nearby.

misscarol, we stayed at Nottolini, just across the road from the train station in Lucca. Sounds noisy and unattractive but the setting was great and we were only a short 10 minute walk through the walls. Address is http://www.luccaholidayhomes.it/apar...idProprieta=13. Great villa and we highly recommend it. 4 bedrooms, a nice eat in kitchen, backyard with olive trees. Very well outfitted.

Huitres, much as we love Lucca and would love to return, there is just so much of Italy that we want to explore, it's hard to justify a return trip there. Looks a lot like Umbria or southern Tuscany.

Umbrian towns we're considering: Orvieto (which sounds wonderful), Spello, Spoleto and Panicole. Of course Siena and vicinity would be lovely as well. Cortona--I'm sure it's lovely and we may pay it a visit, but I'm afraid we would run into all the Frances Mayes' disciples. Arezzo sounds nice as well. Cefalu looks wonderful but I would like to save Sicily and the Amalfi coast for another trip. Lots of time to do research though!!