Introduction to Lucca

Inside (and on top of) the walls of historic Lucca with a local expert

Tour Details

About the Tour

Category: History, Five Days in Tuscany
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Tuscany

Photos & Highlights

Get a stunning view of this unique city through its stunning churches and countryside
Led by a social or art historian
Cathedral of San Martino, Guinigi Tower, and San Frediano's Basilica

Tour Description

Lucca is one of many quaint Tuscan towns with thousands of years of history. Evidence of Etruscan, Roman and Medieval civilization are all contained within the city's fortress-like walls. These walls, which are still completely intact, are the pride and joy of the Lucchese people. On this Lucca Tour, in the company of a social historian or an art historian, we will delve into the multifaceted layers of this unique city, beginning with the walls as our point of reference and starting point as we explore Lucca and discuss its fascinating and little known folklore, history, and legends.

Lucca Tour

Our tour takes us to intriguing public spaces such as the Roman Amphitheatre, now a large circular piazza, recognized as the center of town life. We will climb the Guinigi Tower, one of the few remaining medieval towers within the city walls, which is identifiable by the beautiful hanging garden atop its roof. The climb is more than justified by the spectacular view of the town and the surrounding countryside upon reaching the top.

Bites and Basilicas

Our amble through the medieval streets of Lucca will include a stop in a church or two, such as the Romanesque Cathedral of San Martino, famous for its Volto Sacro (Holy Face) and gothic interiors, or San Frediano's Basilica with its monumental facade and striking mosaic. We will also take time to discuss and sample some typical Lucchese culinary delights, such as the sinful buccellato cake.

Looking to see more of Tuscany in Context? Try our Siena Tour or Pisa Tour.

Addenda

There are three ways that we recommend to get to Lucca: The train, which takes between 1 hour and 20 min and 1 hour and 45 min, leaves about every half hour from Florence Santa Maria Novella station. Since it's a regional train, tickets can be bought from the tabacchi stands in the station for about 7 euro. Remember to timestamp your tickets before boarding the train! The VAI bus, operated by Lazzi, leaves Florence a few times each morning, but offers more dependable service than the train. This ride takes an hour and 15 min. Tickets can be purchased at the Lazzi office in Piazza Adua, near the Santa Maria Novella station. You can also book a private car through us to take you to Lucca. The car ride is about 40 min. Please contact us for prices.

FAQ

Where does it meet? Where does it end?
The tour meets in Piazzale Bettino Ricasoli, near the Lucca train station. The end point can vary, but it will be somewhere in central Lucca. Your confirmation will have the exact meeting point and our 24-hour phone number.

Are tickets included in this tour?
You have prepaid for the tour, but you are responsible for any applicable entrance fees. It is a good idea to have some local currency on hand for these.

Can we be met in Florence?
We use a local guide from Lucca on this tour, so we usually meet directly in Lucca. If you would like the convenience of help getting to Lucca, we can arrange a private car for you. Please contact us to arrange this.

Is this tour suitable for visitors with mobility issues?
The tour is relatively walking intensive as is and involves climbing stairs and maneuvering on cobbled streets. However, many of Lucca's main sites, including the medieval wall and the Cathedral of San Martino, are wheelchair accessible. We recommend that clients with mobility issues to contact us to discuss an itinerary adapted to their mobility concerns.

Where You'll Start

Tour Experts

Patricia

Patricia holds an Master's in Italian Renaissance history from Cornell University, and another in Italian Renaissance art history from Syracuse University. Both of her theses were on Florentine topics. She also writes about Florence, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna for a popular guide book, has led wine tours in Chianti, and has cooked in several Florentine trattorie. She lives in the Tuscan countryside with her husband and six dogs.

Martino

After a well-traveled childhood, Martino completed a Ph.D in philosophy at Cornell University. He then taught philosophy for a few years in the States before returning to Italy. Here, he teaches college courses in ethics, Italian culture, and history at various study-abroad programs. He has lectured at the British Institute in Florence on contemporary moral topics. Teaching rekindled his interest in Dante and "The Divine Comedy," as well as the controversy between Galileo's astronomy and the Church. Martino lives in the countryside with his wife and their too many dogs.

14 Reviews – (4.6)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Martino was an excellent, well-informed guide who was happy to adapt to interests and pace. He was generous with his time and we greatly appreciated his insights. He even gave us tips for our trip to Florence next year. A note to Context: I would have liked to have known beforehand that entrance fees were not included in the cost of the tour.

John

Nov. 23, 2019

Patricia was a great guide. She did a great job of explaining the historic and cultural significance of where we were, making us both laugh and think, and just generally treating us like long-lost best friends. I'd definitely do another tour with her the next time we're in Tuscany.

Douglas

Oct. 21, 2019

Very knowledgeable guide. Was able to manage tour so as to ameliorate the extreme heat.

Richard

Jul. 2, 2019

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