A Tuscan town surrounded by a 16th century wall which is now a tree lined avenue on the walls' ramparts. 4km long, flat, safe and perfect for walking or cycling - loads of cycle rental businesses next to the walls, hiring cycles for all ages. We rented bikes for two adults and two kids (about 20 Euro all in, with free use of helmets) for a couple of hours and whizzed around the walls and town (even in the heat of August this was comfortable.) There are cafes and plenty of picnic spots along the route, as well as a handful of children's parks where the grown-ups can rest while the kids burn off more energy. The town itself offers the usual Tuscan narrow streets to enjoy cafe life, shopping or simply exploring on foot or bike. To really wear the kids out, take them up the Torre Guinigi - the tower with ancient oaks on top. It's 230 steps, much cheaper than the Tower of Pisa and our four and seven-year-olds loved it.

Torre Guinigi, Via Sant'Andrea, 45 55100 Lucca, Italy
+39(0)583 48524
Google map: bit.ly/iHykHm
Adults Euro 3.50, children 2.50

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Wonderful hotel inside the walls, very close to the main shopping streets and sights. Beautiful, first floor rooms and suites (only six in all). Really friendly, helpful staff and the best breakfast anywhere (the coffee is superb.) Really should be better known.

Via Cesare Battisti, 13, 55100 Lucca LU, Italia
+39 0583 464279
www.palazzotucci.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/2ur267w

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Start at the Porta Santa Maria in the late afternoon. Bikes and tandems are available from local rental agents. Ride round the city on the ancient walls; join the locals of all ages cycling, talking, phoning, promenading round their wonderful city. Cut down into the town and cycle through the plazas, past the cathedrals and stop for some local sangiovese. It's the best way to combine culture and exercise for all the family.

Lucca, Tuscany
Google map: bit.ly/apBU5g

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Again, when you feel like really pampering yourself and giving yourself a five star holiday, L'Elisa is amazing. So peaceful, so relaxing, and really elegant. It's got every amenity you can dream of, and the wireless access throughout is great. I always love anywhere with a pool too, and it's truly beautiful to look at as well as swim in. The rooms are amazingly comfortable. I just love the sheer elegance of the place; decor, rich fabrics, it's got a very fairy tale feel to it, which goes with the general ambiance of Lucca itself, so it's very appropriate. Lucca is a wonderful place that should be experienced, and I've always enjoyed how conveniently close it is to Siena, Pisa, and other places I like to travel to. It's very nice when you need something a little less hectic. The fabulous thing here too was how great the staff were, they literally will help with every miniscule request you may have, and I think the service deserves a 6th star for the place. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

Via Nuova Per Pisa, 1952. But you may want to see some pictures too:

www.italiancollection.com/en/hotel-locanda-l-elisa.html

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A local tour company that operates tailor made adventures around Lucca and the beautiful Garfagnana area nearby. The adventures are based around the traditional local foods of the season as well as incorporating the major sights and activities of this area in Tuscany. Families, singles and couples of all ages are welcome.

www.sapori-e-saperi.com

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