Location: Lucca
Top Things to do in Lucca
Countries
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Lucca That You Shouldn't Miss
Lucca's array of wonderfully intact historical sites makes it a must-see stop on any Tuscan itinerary. The medieval city walls still stand—you can hike or bike on top of them. Also visit the Duomo di San Martino and the Roman amphitheater.
Restaurants in Lucca
1. Chef Paolo Monti's Cucina Italiana Cooking School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 686 reviews
Italian Cooking School in Lucca, Tuscany, day classes as well as 7 day all inclusive programs with tours and field trips. Hotel rooms available in our apartments. Intensive cooking classes, 8 to 14 recipes per class, hands on cooking, include lunch and recipes in English. Classes also in Deutsch, Francais, Espanol. Classes: Main Ingredients and Sauces, Fish and seafood, Fresh Pasta and pasta sauce, pizza, focaccia and bread. Tuscan Cooking, Chef Paolo's favorite dishes. Fun classes, delicious dishes, easy to make recipes!
Reviewed By W6340SDbarbarap - Pittsburgh, United States
I was extremely pleased with Chef Paolo Monti's Cooking School in Lucca. Not only did I get to make several different pastas and sauces, but an incredible dessert. It is totally hands on with the Chef teaching one how to perfect the pastas, the fresh ingredients necessary to make the phenomenal sauces, the attentive assistance of the staff, and the wonderful meal at the end with the Chef, wonderful food (which we made that day) and a great bottle of wine. The classes are small, personal and wonderful. I would highly recommend this Cooking School, the beautiful setting, hotel and Chef to anyone who truly wants to learn the art of true Italian cooking,
2. Lucca Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 369 reviews
Lucca is one of the most charming cities in Italy and a walking tour with certified professional tour guide Wanda Martinelli is a great way to see it. Wanda Martinelli is ready to show you the beautiful city behind imposing Renaissance walls. Choose from any of her six tour options.
3. Cruises on the Road in Tuscany
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
Cruises on the Road is your tour operator in Tuscany and in Italy. It was built by an experienced and trained staff, with the dream of sharing the passion we have for our country with enthusiastic travelers! Thanks to our knowledge and expertise of the area, we specialize in tailor-made private tours with English-speaking Driverguides and deluxe vehicles that provide door to door luxory service, for a day in the spirit of exploration and amusement: day-trips, shore-excursions, holiday plans. Just think... while cruising you visit many countries in a short period of time, now you can do the same on the road and be able to tour and experience many cities in a day in full comfort, relax and safety! WE CRUISE YOU... BY CAR!
4. Lucca with Silvia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 146 reviews
My name is Silvia and I'm a REGIONE TOSCANA licensed tour guide in the province of Lucca and all the surrounding Tuscan provinces. I was born and raised in Lucca and I love my hometown. I got my University Degree in Foreign Languages and I can speak English and Italian of course. You'll fall in love with Lucca and the people living here, I'll also tell you about traditions and things to do.
5. Fattoria al Dotto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 347 reviews
RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST! Since 2005 a small family run winery growing and hand picking our own grapes for exceptional structured wines, also producing our own Extra Virgin Olive Oil, all of which can be purchased in the Cantina or on our website & shipped internationally. The closest winery to the walls of Lucca (4.5KM) & we invite you to enjoy our wines (2 whites - Vermentino & a Vermentino with 5% semillon, a Rose' along with 5 reds - (San Giovese, Merlot & Syrah - in purity, a blend of the 3 & a "Lucchese Chianti") each paired with excellent locally produced foods in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Feel free to visit us & learn more about our fantastic wines & their production. Closed on Sundays & all Italian holidays: Jan 1, 6, Easter Sunday & Easter Monday, Apr 25, May 1, Jun 2, Aug 15, Nov 1, Dec 8, 25 & 26. Large groups feel free to contact us for prices and special hours.
Reviewed By berthaixar - Barcelona, Spain
The day was too hot , we called the host and changed the time of the visit and he did it with no problem at all We got there around 6 pm, there were already some couples ... we had an incredible 6 wine tasting and it All came with bread and cold meats and cheeseto enhance the flavor of vine, the honey and olive oil also made for them We spent a wonderful evening
6. Extra Virgin Cooking Classes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By E7328YLgregl
My son and I attended this cooking class together. He gave it to me as a birthday gift. The class was an excellent introduction to Italian cuisine. We started with a short tour of shops and a market to pick up ingredients on the way to our host and chef, Giuseppe’s home. Our host, Giuseppe was very warm and welcoming. Once we arrived we started with prosecco, had olive oil and cheese tastings and then assisted with the preparation of a 4 course lunch. He walked us through each recipe explaining each step and offered some cooking tips as well. It was a small group class of 8 people allowing every person an opportunity to assist with the preparation of the meal. Once prepared we sat down for lunch at a beautifully decorated table enjoying our food and a selection of wines. I would highly recommend this class.
7. Puccini e la sua Lucca - International Permanent Festival
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,464 reviews
The only festival dedicated to Giacomo Puccini in his native city, Lucca. And the only PERMANENT FESTIVAL in the world, with concerts and events every day of the year, at 19hrs.AND EVERY EVENING WITH VARIED PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETERS AND PROGRAMS For detailed information and programs, please visit our official website
Reviewed By Drlbuckley - Pasadena, United States
I love Lucca, and one of my favorite things to do is go to the concerto in the church in Piazza S Giovanni, which takes place every night of the year! The music and singers are different every time I go, and all amazingly talented. The concert is just a little over an hour, so no need to sit through a whole opera :-) It is one of the most special things about Lucca since Puccini was born there. Don’t miss it!! It’s also under 25 euros.
8. Acquedotto del Nottolini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By 1Yvonne1
Duchess Maria Luisa of Bourbon commissioned the project to build the aqueduct in 1823; it was designed by architect Lorenzo Nottolini. The structure begins just behind the train station, at the Cistern of San Concordio, once used to carry water from the mountains into the city and contained 400 arches made from stone stretching for 3.5kms. Today the aqueduct stands in its entirety. I followed the dirt path beside the aqueduct completely captivated by the peaceful surroundings. The full length from the Temple cistern to its end at the Parco dell’Acquedotto takes about 20mins. Words cannot express how truly magnificent this feat of engineering is, just stunning. The path is also a popular cycling track. After every 17 arch there was a decorative buttress constructed to take care of the strength of the structure. However, during the 20th century, 6 arches were removed, and water supply was interrupted for the passage of A11 Motorway that connects Lucca and Capannori. The footbridge over the autostrada felt a bit dodgy, the low railings allowing gusts of wind as large lorries rolled underneath. I was very pleased to reach the other side in one piece. From the overpass I followed the aqueduct a further 2kms where Nottolini’s spectacular arches ended near the town of Guamo. The cistern at Guamo Whence was the first tank that supplied water to the city. It is also where we see the first arch of the aqueduct. The water of the aqueduct was drawn from several springs on the northern slope of Mount of Vorno, then passed through a number of layers of gravel and stone, purifying it before arriving to the temple-cistern of Guamo. From there the water was channelled inside the conduit that you can still admire today. From this point on, the arches are interrupted and the underground conduits begin. The presence of the aqueduct is still easily identifiable thanks to the numerous brick filtering wells (the ancestors of modern manholes) and other cisterns. Following the direction of the underground aqueduct, I reached an enchanting spot, the place where the waters coming from the Serra Vespaiata pass under a small bridge. The architectural innovation of Nottolini is evident in construction of the manufactured waterways that cut gentle curves through the hills between San Quirico and Vorno. From here the waterways give way to forest, then to olive groves and ancient stone houses. Follow the path up through the forest for another 2.3km to the road. From here turn right, 100m down the road is the panoramic point of Gallonzora where you can enjoy views of the Lucca plain to the Apuan Alps. Winding my way down the road the sun is shining, olive trees are bearing fruit, poppies are in bloom. On the way to Lucca you will pass through the villages of Vorno and Guamo. There are a couple of nice churches to check out and one or two cafes worth stopping at.
9. Fattoria Sardi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Fattoria Sardi Giustiniani, property of Counts Sardi for two centuries, is in "via della Maulina", a beautiful area, just 4 km from Lucca walls on the way to sea. The estate extends over 45 hectares and has approximately 19 hectares of specialised vineyards under organic and biodynamic agriculture in the "DOC Colline Lucchesi" area with a focus on the rosé wine production. Wine tours take place from monday to friday upon request.
Reviewed By CALuci
While staying in Lucca we wanted to do some local wine-tasting in the countryside and was driven there (you need a car or transportation) by a local. Amazing. We are from California so we have toured many a winery and even belong to some. But we had never encountered such dedication to organic, bio dynamic viticulture. And the wine was delicious, the guide informative and friendly, and the prices excellent! Unfortunately we couldn't bring wine home with us so could only buy enough to drink while in Italy.
10. Palazzo Pfanner
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 753 reviews
A visit to this 17th-century villa with its magnificent gardens is well worthwhile.
Reviewed By TravelerMikePlano
The palazzo is beautiful, from the gardens to the interior design. The history of the doctor who lived here was amazing. The most interesting items on display were his medical instruments as well as numerous books he had written or collected on medica issues and anatomy.
