Lucca and Florence were such a draw that we didn’t get round to exploring Montecatini Terme until yesterday. A fascinating place to stay, the town’s hot springs spawned a number of thermal establishments, some wonderful Art Nouveau or Liberty architecture and a funicular which pulls its way up to the airy Montecatini Alto on the hillside above the town.

We took the slow run of the funicular and checked out the two churches and their neighbouring towers which sit on two hills spanning Montecatini Alto. It was a hot day and the butterflies were focused on nectar, the birds on singing and humans on shelter and a drink.

After lunch in the lively main square we headed back down the hill to the lower Montecatini. Finding yet another random table tennis table (and enjoying a game, naturally) we made our way home through the buzzing crowds out for an evening stroll.