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Introduction to Lucca Tour with Guinigi Tower

Explore inside and on top of the walls of this historic jewel of Tuscany with a local expert
From US$352 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Guinigi Tower
  • Cathedral of San Martino
  • San Frediano Basilica
Photos & Highlights
  • Join an engaging, local expert at the top of their field as you explore the unique city of Lucca through its iconic landmarks and countryside
  • Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler. Choose from private tours for just you and your party, or join a small group tour with other travelers
Tour Description
Join an expert historian on a journey to discover the hidden gems of this enchanting city, tracing its Etruscan, Roman, and Medieval roots. Prepare to be charmed by Lucca's enigmatic allure. Empowered by the sturdy embrace of its ancient walls, Lucca, a charming Tuscan jewel, unfolds its multifaceted layers to reveal a trove of enchanting history, folklore, and legends.

You will embark on a meandering walk through its medieval streets, past enchanting churches and cloisters, where the Volto Santo, a revered wooden crucifix, and the exquisite mosaics of San Frediano's Basilica await. Your tour takes you to intriguing public spaces such as the Roman Amphitheatre, now a large circular piazza, recognized as the center of town life. You will also climb the Guinigi Tower, one of the few remaining 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.

As a special treat, you'll savor the culinary delights of Lucca by tasting the sinful buccellato cake; a sweet indulgence that embodies the city's unique flavors. Accompanied by your expert guide, you will unravel the mysteries of Lucca's past and present, immersing yourself in its enchanting atmosphere, where history, legend, and culture collide.

Experts
Giada Giada
Local Guide
Martino Martino
College instructor
Sarah Sarah
Local Guide
Sandro Sandro
Art Historian/Local Guide
  • You’re looking to explore the city on foot and absorb fascinating insights at every turn
  • You’re hoping to discover the city through the eyes of a local expert
  • You love to walk and want to cover a lot of ground to orient yourself in the city
  • Guinigi Tower – fourteenth-century tower built by the Guinigi family who ruled for centuries.
  • Cathedral of San Martino – Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with a facade adorned with marble and intricate reliefs.
  • San Frediano Basilica –  Romanesque church with a mosaic facade depicting the life of Saint Frediano. 
Tickets
  • We don't pre-arrange tickets for this tour. Tickets and various entrance fees can occur during the tour.
Resources
Itinerary
  • This tour is partially accessible. The tour is relatively walking intensive and involves climbing stairs and maneuvering on cobbled streets. However, the itinerary can be adapted for clients with mobility issues.
Wheelchair accessibility
  • There are wheelchair-accessible ramps to get onto the medieval wall; the Cathedral of San Martino is also accessible. 
  • If you have mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss the best tour option for you.
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.

How can we get to Lucca from Florence?
There are three ways that we recommend traveling 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. The VAI bus, operated by Lazzi, leaves Florence a few times each morning and offers dependable service. This ride takes 1 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 pricing.

Can we be met by our guide in Florence?
Your guide is a local expert, so you will meet directly in Lucca. If you would like the convenience of help getting to Lucca, please contact us to arrange a private car for you.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
(4.6) 20 Reviews

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

Another great tour with context! Sandro was a wonderful informative and accommodating tour guide. I learned a tremendous amount from him and would happily take his tour again.
Giada was very knowledgeable and engaging. We were very pleased with the tour
A really interesting tour - we learned a lot from Martino! As well as being a wealth of knowledge, he also incorporated our interest in culinary history into the tour. It was a great way to spend the day in Lucca!