Add dates

Lucca
Culture & history

Culture & history

Our most recommended Lucca Culture & history

Lucca: Puccini Festival Opera Recitals and Concerts

1. Lucca: Puccini Festival Opera Recitals and Concerts

Be introduced to the Church of San Giovanni, the old Church of the Templars, in Lucca that hides the splendid Roman Spa, which can be visited. 2 professional singers (usually a soprano and tenor) accompanied by a pianist will perform the program of music. Every evening the festival sports varied professional performers and program. The same concert is performed only once in 365 days.  in wintertime (1st Nov-31st March) - Concerts will take place at the Oratorio di San Giuseppe al Museo della Cattedrale di Lucca - just 100 metres from the Church of San Giovanni On Thursday, the theme is Puccini and Verdi, with arias, duets, and intermezzos from the masterworks of the two great opera composers.  On Friday, the theme is Puccini Opera Gala, with arias and duets from the masterworks of the maestro.  On Saturday, the theme is A Night at the Opera, with pieces from the opera repertoire from Handel to Puccini including all the major opera composers.  On Sunday, the theme is Puccini and the traditional Neapolitan songs, with arias from Puccini's operas and the Neapolitan melodies composed when Puccini was alive.

Lucca: Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting

2. Lucca: Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting

The experience starts with a 15/20 minute tour of our cellar. Guests will be guided through the production stages and explained the procedure of our wine preparation. Depending on the time of year, you may even see our creation process in action! Afterwards, the real fun begins! Guests will be accommodated on the terrace where they can taste our wines and olive oil (all included in the cost of the experience). Throughout your tasting, we will proceed to explain the organoleptic characteristics of the various wines and answer any questions you may have. The duration of the entire experience is around 1.5 hours. Disclaimer: As a winery, we host multiple reservations at a time, this is not a private setting.

From Livorno Cruise Port: Bus Transfer to Pisa and Lucca

3. From Livorno Cruise Port: Bus Transfer to Pisa and Lucca

Optimize your time in Tuscany by exploring two of the region's most famous cities, Lucca and Pisa, aboard a comfortable bus with Wi-Fi and live commentary. Choose from guided tour options and lunch to tailor your experience. Discover Lucca's most iconic monuments and buildings, including the Guinigi Tower, the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the Church of San Frediano, the Basilica of San Frediano, the majestic Piazza San Michele or the house of Giacomo Puccini. Choose an optional one-hour guided walking tour of Lucca's main monuments. After about 3 hours of free time in Lucca, the tour will continue towards Pisa you'll have 1 hour and 45 minutes to explore. Return on time guaranteed. Enjoy the wonders of this so-called meadow of miracles. Choose the best pose to immortalize your photo with the leaning tower of Pisa and if you had chosen the booked option with the tower, get a panoramic photo to remember your trip.

From Florence: Pisa & Lucca Day Tour with Buccellato Tasting

4. From Florence: Pisa & Lucca Day Tour with Buccellato Tasting

On this guided tour of Lucca and Pisa, you will have the chance to discover the art, architecture, and history of Tuscany, along with some delicious local wines! Your tour begins with a trip to Pisa, where you will see the incredible Piazza dei Miracoli, most famous for its “Leaning Tower.” After that, visit the town's many other historical monuments, including its majestic cathedral, before grabbing a cappuccino and heading off to Lucca. In Lucca, famous for its still-intact city walls, your guide will lead you through the enchanting old town center and give you a chance to walk along the city's rooftops. The views will take your breath away!   Next, admire the main attractions of the city: the Anfiteatro Square, Guingi Tower, San Martino Cathedral, and the town's many antique shops. Your tour ends with a Buccellato tasting, a typical Lucchese Cake!

Lucca: Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour

5. Lucca: Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour

Visit the walls and taste wines among vineyards and olive groves on this guided bike tour from Lucca. Enjoy some mouth-watering snacks along with your local wine. The e-bike tour begins with an introduction to the city by our friendly guide and a visit to the walls of Lucca. Enjoy over 4 kilometer's of cycle path all around the historic center. Head up to an elevated position above the city, where you will have a view of the symbolic monuments of Lucca and you will have time to become familiar with the e-bike. After a taste of Lucca's old town and its attractions the guide will easily lead you outside the walls, entering the surrounding countryside. Peddle among charming villages and family farms. The e-bike will allow youto face a few short climbs effortlessly. Your guide will help you understand the complexity of the "vineyard" ecosystem and its low environmental impact agriculture. The visit will continue in the cellar and in the vineyards. Finally, partake in wine tasting combined with typical local products such as bruschetta, meats, cheeses and olive oil.

From Lucca to Pisa: Self-Guided Bike Tour

6. From Lucca to Pisa: Self-Guided Bike Tour

Follow the Serchio River and cycle along scenic country roads on the way to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa on this family-friendly self-guided tour. This easy/intermediate journey starts in Lucca and follows secondary country roads all around the Monti Pisani. Cycle down 33 kilometers of dirt and asphalt roads with the extra help of a hybrid or e-bike. Bikes are fitted with a phone holder, making it easy to follow the GPS directions on the application. The journey to Pisa takes between 2 to 4 hours. After approximately 20 kilometers, stop at San Giuliano Terme for a refreshing drink in the charming central square in front of the Spa. The itinerary ends in Piazza dei Miracoli, in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Return to Lucca on a direct route by bike or on a 25-minute train ride. The bikes fit easily into the train's storage wagons and train tickets can be purchased in advance from the local partner.

Lucca: Villa Reale di Marlia Entrance Ticket

7. Lucca: Villa Reale di Marlia Entrance Ticket

Experience the expansive grounds of the Villa Reale, more than 16 hectares, with lush gardens and many types of unique historical architecture. Use your senses on the olfactory path where you can smell the perfumes that will transport you through time in an absolutely original way to discover history. With your map and audio tour, you can visit the twin houses, two famous theaters, the Water Theatre and the Green Theatre, the oldest in Europe where the famous violinist N. Paganini often performed for Elisa Baciocchi. Explore the Lemon Garden and the Spanish Garden of Deco. Don’t miss out on seeing the historic buildings such as the Villa del Vescovo adjacent to the Nymphaeum called Pan's Grotto, and the elegant Clock House with its panoramic loggia. End your tour with the apartments of Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi inside the Royal Villa, one of the most important empire-style examples in Europe and visit the unique collections of Countess Mimì Pecci Blunt inside the Clock House

Lucca: Guided Small Group Highlights Walking Tour

8. Lucca: Guided Small Group Highlights Walking Tour

Visit the iconic city of Lucca, famously known for its beautiful walls that surround the center of the city. Our tour begins just outside the walls, near one of the four monumental city doors: Porta San Pietro. Explore the secret underground tunnels which lead to a beautiful garden where 1631 trees were planted many moons ago. In ancient times, Lucca was a fortress city. Your local guide will explain how it was structured and the various hurdles and obstacles enemies had to overcome if they were to conquer the city. Next up: The monumental cathedral. Originally constructed as a dedication to Saint Martino, your guide will explain the mysteries surrounding its construction and architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the Duomo with your guide. Visit two houses that seemed to have been preserved, frozen in time from the 14th century. You may choose to climb it, explore inside, and stand on top to enjoy the spectacular view. You’ll visit San Michele (the ancient political square) which houses important buildings in Lucca. If sweets are your thing, you might like to taste the traditional "Buccellato" cake at the famous bakery. The church dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel is filled with intricate works of art, depicting ancient scenes such as St Michael slaying a dragon. Listen as your guide points out these scenes and explains mythical stories. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the charming, bustling Fillungo Street. There’s no wonder why it’s the most popular street in Lucca- filled with shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and much more. And last but not least, the Roman amphitheater. This historic building housed gladiatorial shows and games and was built in the second half of the 1st century AD. At the end of the tour, feel free to continue exploring on your own or ask for a recommendation on where to go next.

Lucca: 3-Hour Bikes & Bites Foodie Adventure like a Local

9. Lucca: 3-Hour Bikes & Bites Foodie Adventure like a Local

Bikes in Lucca are a must. You'll feel like a local as you head off on a journey sure to be relaxing and memorable. Take a sights-packed ride around the city walls, stopping to explore hidden corners and learn more about one of Italy’s most prosperous regions. Taste some local delicacies along the way. Pass by little squares with magnificent ancient church facades and noble Renaissance palaces. Lofty medieval towers still feature prominently here; one of the most famous landmarks in Lucca is the beautiful Guinigi Tower. Pass by this one and many more with plenty of Instagram-friendly stops along the way.  Enjoy your first food stop at a local-favorite shop. Taste the delicacies the area is famous for, including pecorino cheese, cold cuts, and extra-virgin olive oil. Cruise through different corners of the city center, admiring narrow alleys and ancient churches before reaching the lowest one: San Frediano Basilica. Continue exploring the lesser-known east side of the town, getting a real feel for local life. Hop aboard your bike and climb back toward the city walls and the historical center through Piazza Grande. Settle in for a final, extra sweet stop at the oldest ice cream shop in Lucca: prepare to taste some gelato you'll never forget (pastry in colder months). Finally, return to the meeting point knowing that you experienced the city like a real local.

Lucca: Self-Guided Tour by Bike

10. Lucca: Self-Guided Tour by Bike

Avoid the restrictive itineraries of organized sightseeing tours and explore the historical center of Lucca independently. Rent a bike for the day and discover the main monuments without the stress of planning. Pedal at your own pace as you explore the city walls and see landmark attractions such as the Basilica of San Frediano. Continue to Piazza dell'Anfiteatro to look at the basilica church of San Michele in Foro. Cycle to Piazza Napoleone and Piazza del Giglio, where highlights include the historic Teatro del Giglio. End with a visit to the monumental Duomo di San Martino. 

12 activities found
Sort by:

You might also like...

Immersive experiences

Lucca

Lucca

Frequently asked questions about Lucca Culture & history

What are other things to do than Culture & history that are worth visiting in Lucca?

The other unmissable things to do in Lucca are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Lucca

Want to discover all there is to do in Lucca? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Lucca

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 93 reviews

Had no idea Lucca had so much history going on. Had to keep moving as it was pretty cold. Kind of awkward as the guide had to keep switching to English (for me, and much appreciated!). Very knowledgeable.

Nice intro to Siena. Guide was good. Lots of time inside the Cathedral, which is justified but if you don’t like that sort of thing take a different tour.

Paula was an excellent guide! Her stories and descriptions were informative and interesting. She really made the city of Lucca come alive for us.

Lucca is a gem. Underrated. Beauty; history, culture and ambiance. And this tour was the perfect way to fast and deep into it. Fantastic!

Our walking tour of Lucca was excellent. Our guide gave us plenty of information and was entertaining at the same time.