Top Lucca On the Water

Explore the traditional Tuscan town of Lucca on a walking tour of the historic center. Stroll the cobblestone streets, bustling piazzas and old Renaissance walls; trace the city’s Roman past along Via San Paolino and Piazza San Michele; and see the birthplace of local composer Giacomo Puccini. Keep your camera poised as you admire the medieval buildings along Via Fillungo, peek inside San Frediano church and visit landmarks like the Cathedral of San Martino, Piazza Anfiteatro and Torre delle Ore.

Experience the beauty of one of Italy’s most famous and photographed destinations without having to rent a car on a small-group tour from Lucca to Cinque Terre. Admire the dramatic contours of the Ligurian coastline as you travel by minivan, train, and boat (depending on the weather) between terraced fishing towns that spill down the rocky hillside to the shore. See why the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage.

Discover one of Tuscany’s most famous and well-preserved medieval villages on this small-group tour from Lucca. See why the UNESCO-listed town of San Gimignano earned the nickname ‘Medieval Manhattan’ with its many stone towers. Finish your day with tastings of the region’s renowned wines and olive oils at a historic winery tucked into the Tuscan hills.

Unravel the secrets of Tuscan cuisine with a local chef in Montecatini Terme near Lucca, and learn to cook the region’s dishes. Taking place at the chef’s ancestral countryside olive press near a babbling brook and 12th-century stone bridge, the experience includes a market visit, tasting session, cooking class, and 4-course lunch—created with your own hands. Regional wine and an insight into Tuscan cuisine and culture complete the experience.

Lucca is a city rich with musical history and cultural traditions. This 2-hour stroll introduces visitors to the works of Puccini and other composers of Italian opera. Your guide is well versed on the artists’ most significant compositions and shares excerpts along the way. Admission is included to the Teatro del Giglio (opera house) and the Puccini Museum, the musician’s place of birth.

Looking for something fun to do with the kids on your Lucca vacation? This gentle rafting experience is the ideal choice, since it’s suitable for all levels. And if you’re interested in a more grown-up experience, there’s the option to add an alcoholic (instead of non-alcoholic) aperitif to your day out.

While in Lucca, tack an easy day trip to the Chianti region onto your itinerary. Your tour leader eliminates the hassle of navigating on your own so that you can take in the sweeping countryside views along the way. After a wine tasting with food pairings at a Chianti vineyard, continue on to the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Round-trip transport is included for your convenience.