FAQs

Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions. To view an answer, simply click on the relevant question.

How do I get from Milan to Lucca?

There are two airports in Milan – Malpensa and Linate

Malpensa Milan
1.  The Malsensa Express airport train takes you nonstop to  Milano Centrale in 29 minutes for 14 euros.  It runs every 30mins.  There is a direct train that goes from Malpensa to Florence (Firenze) but it only runs a couple of times a day.  Depending on when you arrive, you will not want to wait for the direct train to Florence (stopping, but not connecting, at Milano Centrale).

2.   At Milano Centrale, it’s a simple connection to the hourly Frecciarossa high-speed train to Firenze SMN. The ticket office at MXP airport will sell you tickets for both legs of this trip (so you won’t need to stand in line a second time once you arrive at Milano Centrale).

3.  Once in Florence SMN Station, you’ll need to connect to an unreserved regionale train to Lucca. You can buy ALL your train tickets at the airport train station ticket window.

Linate

1.  Linate is only 7km from Milano Centrale so jump in a cab and go straight to the station.

2.   At Milano Centrale, it’s a simple connection to the hourly Frecciarossa high-speed train to Firenze SMN. The ticket office at MXP airport will sell you tickets for both legs of this trip (so you won’t need to stand in line a second time once you arrive at Milano Centrale).

3.  Once in Florence SMN Station, you’ll need to connect to an unreserved regionale train to Lucca. You can buy ALL your train tickets at the airport train station ticket window.

VALIDATE TICKETS ON THE PLATFORM BEFORE BOARDING THE TRAIN

In order that the ticket not be reused, it must be validated before you get on the train. This means you must find a yellow validation machine. You’ll stamp your ticket(s) by aligning an arrows labeled “convalida” with the slot provided and pushing until you hear the mechanical whine of the stamp. Then you’re set to board your train, which you can do at any time it’s in the station. This ticket is good for boarding up to three hours after validating.

How do I get from Rome to Lucca?

1. The Leonardo Express airport train takes you nonstop to Roma Termini Station in 32 minutes for 14 euros.

2. At Termini Station, you must connect to your onward train to Firenze. Allow at least 15 minutes for the connection, since you’ll be walking about 10 minutes between trains.

3. You should allow at least 150 minutes connection time, to allow for delays in clearing passport control, retrieving luggage, walking to the airport train station, buying your ticket, etc.

4. Bear in mind that there are fast Frecciarossa and Frecciargento AV trains from Roma Termini to Florence every 30 minutes.

5 Once in Florence SMN Station, you’ll need to connect to an unreserved regionale train to Lucca. You can buy ALL your train tickets at the airport train station ticket window.

6. Bear in mind that there is a SECOND routing to Lucca which costs less than the routing through Florence: FCO Airport to Roma Termini to Pisa Centrale (coastal route) to Lucca. However, there are fewer trains between Roma Termini and Pisa Centrale, and they do take longer compared to the AV trains to Florence. Once in Pisa, the local regionale train to Lucca takes less time than from Florence.

 

DO NOT FORGET TO VALIDATE YOUR TICKET ON THE PLATFORM BEFORE ENTERING THE TRAIN

In order that the ticket not be reused, it must be validated before you get on the train. This means you must find a yellow validation machine. You’ll stamp your ticket(s) by aligning an arrows labeled “convalida” with the slot provided and pushing until you hear the mechanical whine of the stamp. Then you’re set to board your train, which you can do at any time it’s in the station. This ticket is good for boarding up to three hours after validating.   There are steep fines for traveling with a non-validated ticket.

How do I get to Lucca from Florence by public transport?

There are both regular direct train and bus services from Florence.

At Florence SMN Station, you can buy tickets on an
unreserved regionale train to Lucca.

The bus station is across the street from the train station.  The buses are quicker than the train.

VALIDATE TICKETS ON THE PLATFORM BEFORE BOARDING THE TRAIN

In order that the ticket not be reused, it must be validated before you get on the train. This means you must find a yellow validation machine. You’ll stamp your ticket(s) by aligning an arrows labeled “convalida” with the slot provided and pushing until you hear the mechanical whine of the stamp. Then you’re set to board your train, which you can do at any time it’s in the station. This ticket is good for boarding up to three hours after validating.

How do I get to Lucca from Pisa by public transport?

There is a regular direct train service from Pisa to Lucca.

VALIDATE TICKETS ON THE PLATFORM BEFORE BOARDING THE TRAIN

In order that the ticket not be reused, it must be validated before you get on the train. This means you must find a yellow validation machine. You’ll stamp your ticket(s) by aligning an arrows labeled “convalida” with the slot provided and pushing until you hear the mechanical whine of the stamp. Then you’re set to board your train, which you can do at any time it is in the station. This ticket is good

for boarding up to three hours after validating.

PISA AIRPORT

Buses run around every 15-30 mins annd go directly to the Lucca bus station. The trip takes between 50-60 minutes.  This is the link for the timetable.  Pisa Airport Bus Transfer

I am a vegetarian, can Culinary Interludes cater for me?

Tuscan cuisine focuses heavily on fresh produce, beans and pasta.  Your culinary experience will be fantastic.

What are the opening hours for shops in Lucca and other cities in Tuscany?

In Lucca, and other large towns in Tuscany, including Florence
and Pisa, most shops are closed on Sundays and Monday mornings.  Opening hours vary but generally the shops open from 09.00-12.30/13.00 (9.00am to 12.30/1pm) and from 15.30/16.00-19.30/20.00 (3.30/4.00pm – 7.30/8.00pm).
Supermarkets are open all day until around 8.00 pm but are closed on Sunday.  Some supermarkets are open on the third Sunday of the month, and more often during the summer.  Check with your tourist bureau. Other smaller food shops close Wednesday afternoons. The larger chains are: Carrefour, Esselunga, Coop, Conad and Pam and are abundant around Lucca and other larger towns, some have an ATM.

What do I need to bring for the classes?

We provide all the ingredients and equipment. We also have aprons here so you don’t get stained during the cooking. So you only have to bring the energy to enjoy it!  However, you must wear closed shoes, bruised tootsies aren’t the best way to enjoy those wonderful meals. If you have long hair, hair ties or bands also a good idea.


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