Tuscany is a highly kids friendly region not only because it offers a wide variety of activities and settings, from the mountains to the seaside and countryside, but also for the simple and tasteful cuisine which is most appreciated by children.When travelling with your kids you will probably look for the shortest and easiest itinerary, so as to shorten the travel time and to plan activities which enables parents to relax and children to enjoy.
I have therefore arranged a day tour which meets the above exptectations, allowing families to get closer to the Tuscan culture and daily life.
The starting point of our trip in Tuscany is Lucca, one of the most beautiful historical cities in Italy, which dates back to the Romans, but is nowadays better known for the Renaissance walls running around the city centre and topped by centenary linden trees.
Car parks are all located outside the city walls, but are very close to it, so that you may easily reach for the entrance doors either walking along the green paths or pushing a stroller. My suggestion is to enter at Porta Santa Maria and make for the closest bike renatal shop to start your visit riding atop city walls of Lucca.
Children will love it because they will be safe and free to move on the large bastions while you will be able to admire the historical magnificence of this city along 4 km circuit. Walls have many get in/out paths so that you can make for the desired place anytime you wish. Lucca city centre is a limited traffic area, which makes it even safer for children. Don’t miss Via Fillungo, San Frediano Church, San Michele in Foro Church, Piazza Anfiteatro, Guinigi and Clock towers.
Let’s open a small parenthesis on “snack” which might be the joy for kids, but also for mum and dad. Don’t miss Pasquinelli , the typical "pasticceria", i.e. cakes shop, that elates all its fragrances around. You will smell them by the time you are closer. You cannot miss the “Treccia” a sugar-coated soft French pastry blended with chocolate drops and twisted in a plait. Delicious as desert or simply melting into a cappuccino for breakfast.
For salty food lovers, I suggest the Giusti steam oven baker'shop to taste “focaccia” (a flat dough cooked in steam oven, pointed by knuckle holes and topped with olive oil and rosemary), the most famous in the city. You will often find queues in front of its small shop window to get a strip of it for an afternoon snack. Delicious alone, but also together with ham and cheese for a quick lunch or a yummy snack for your teething babies.
When lunch time is approaching, I suggest to look for a kid friendly restaurant, where family needs are fulfilled. There you will find baby chairs for all ages, children menus, baby changing table and toys to entertain toddlers while you are having lunch. You will find all these at Trattoria pizzeria "Gli Orti di via Elisa" is in the heart of Lucca, just beside the beautiful Villa Bottini. It is not only fashionable because it makes a careful service, but also because it combines it with a typical cuisine, where all local treats cannot be missed, such as Prosciutto Bazzone, made out of “Cinta” pigs bred at 500 metres over sea level, on the green fields of Garfagnana.
If your visit takes place in Summer time or Spring, do bring with you a blanket and have a pic nic on the city walls meadows to gain some relax for you and more fun for your kids.
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