Lucca is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Italy. Just like another Tuscan town like San Gimignano, it is graceful and beautifully preserved with lovely streets lined with old houses. You only need 3 to 4 hours to see the highlights; therefore, your visit on any one of many 2018 guided Italy vacations is often combined with a visit to the the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

What to See & Do In Lucca

The best way to see the town is to take a walking tour of the Classical Highlights of Lucca. This tour will include the famous Via San Paolino, the statue of Giacomo Puccini (they will discuss the statue and you will also learn about the life and works of Giacomo Puccini and his links to Lucca), you will visit the Piazza San Michele, the Cathedral of S. Martino whose exterior itself is a perfect introduction to its history and the picturesque setting of Piazza Napoleone.

Once you are in Piazza Napoleone we recommend you also see Palazzo Ducale as they should be seen together since the former became the backdrop for the place when it was totally modelled for Elisa Baciocchi in 1806. Passing also the famous Torre Giunigi and the Amfitheatre which was built outside the walls during the II century A.D the history and stories throughout the years here is amazing, the famous walls of the historical centre of Lucca, (the walls along with the view of the Guinigi Tower is the most astounding site the city has to offer) and the Church of S. Frediano whose apse stands majestically and is seen from the walls.

The Church of S. Frediano which you will visit inside and out is the work of more than one century and it is considered to be one of the most interesting products of Romanesque architecture in Lucca.

The heart of Lucca is surrounded by walls.  It takes less than an hour to do the full loop.  You can enjoy biking along the top of these walls to take in spectacular views of the city.

Foodies can take Italian and cooking class at the LIS Lucca Italian school, or cooking classes at the Chef Paolo Monti's cooking school.