florence to lucca day trip

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

The Finer Details
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.

Choose this tour if...

  • 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

Sites Visited 

  • 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. 

Logistics

Tickets
  • We don't pre-arrange tickets for this tour. Tickets and various entrance fees may occur during the tour.
Headsets
Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order.

Accessibility

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Do you reserve headsets for this tour? 
Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Book a Tour
Where You’ll Go

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

  • Guinigi Tower
  • Cathedral of San Martino
  • San Frediano Basilica
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
  • English-speaking expert guide
    Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
  • Intentionally sized groups
    A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
  • Tickets and entrance fees
    All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
  • Headsets
    Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
    We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
  • Food and drink
    Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
    Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Map of Introduction to Lucca Tour with Guinigi Tower general meeting point area

Make the Most of Your Tour

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:
  • Wear comfortable footwear
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately
  • Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
  • Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
  • Bring firearms or weapons
  • Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
  • Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always contact us.

Don’t just take our word for it

25 Reviews

We enjoyed Lucca very much! Sarah was an excellent tour guide, extremely knowledgeable. She taught us a lot and was so enjoyable to be with. We apologized for being late due to parking issues.

She was engaging, very knowledgeable, able to answer our questions. Keep her enthusiasm through out the tour. I would highly recommend her

We had a wonderful time discovering the history, people, and sites of Lucca with Giada. We especially enjoyed the personal details that she shared as a Luccan resident. Giada’s sense of humor was delightful as well.

Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey

Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.