St Martin Cathedral, Lucca

Begin your guided 2-hour private tour at St. Martin Cathedral in the city center of Lucca. The intricacy of the design of the exterior of the cathedral will greet you, then enter to cathedral and allow for mythical animals and ancient legends to be unveiled as you explore. Your guide will explain the symbols seen and the intriguing legends and miracles associated with them. Throughout the tour, sketch the lions, dragons, mermaids, and griffons as seen on the facades of the churches and learn to read the façades of the tower houses that once belonged to the wealthy merchants of Lucca. Continue your tour with a visit to the Church of San Michele where you will find graffiti left inside and outside of the church by silk merchants. From the church, stroll through the medieval streets of Lucca and discover the subterranean area of the city, the walls of the city. After you will visit the historic Zecca, the oldest mint in Europe founded in 650 A.D, and learn how to mint a replica of the oldest European coin. Then finsih your tour with a well-earned gelato. 

Get an insider’s view of Lucca’s most historic neighborhoods on a group walking tour of the Amphitheater Square, the Palazzo Pfanner, the Piazza San Martino. Begin your urban walking adventure by meeting your guide at the Saint Maria Gate, where you'll hear straight to the Amphitheater Square. Learn how it was built on the ruins of a Roman arena, giving it its iconic ovular shape. Next, head towards the Palazzo Pfanner, a stunning palace with Baroque style architecture and opulent gardens. The historic city of Lucca is made of fortress style architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries. Unlike most cities, Lucca is a peaceful and slow-paced place, which you'll notice on your relaxed walking tour. Then, continue your journey down the main shopping street of Via Fillungo, where you can grab a bite to eat and do a little shopping, before walking to the Piazza San Martino — home to several important monuments, including the Lucca Cathedral, built in 1070. Carry on towards the Teatro del Giglio, which is the historic city theater and opera house. Finally, walk along the walls in front of the Porta San Pietro, and enjoy panoramic views overlooking the picturesque city.

In this tour we discover the most important places to see in Lucca. Walking in the historic center we have fun visiting churches, streets, monuments and listening to the history of the city, legends and unusual and funny stories. We walk from the Renaissance walls to the Cathedral of San Martino, a great example of rich Romanesque architecture. Inside we admire works of art such as the monument to Ilaria del Carretto. In Piazza Napoleone we discover the love stories of his court and the culture of that time. Then walk around Via Fillungo, the shopping street, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an aperitif or eat excellent Tuscan cuisine. We visit the basilica of San Frediano with its Byzantine mosaic and then take photos in Piazza Anfiteatro, testimony to Lucca's Roman origins. We continue towards the Guinigi tower with the holm oaks on the top and end up at the Devil's window. Along the way, for those with a sweet tooth, we can stop to taste Buccellato, a typical dessert from Lucca.

Discover the cities of Pisa and Lucca, as you travel on a total freedom tour to Western Tuscany. Start at Piazza dei Miracoli and see the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Monumental Graveyard and the iconic Leaning Tower. Take your time to enjoy the stunning sights, have a stroll around the city and do some shopping, if you want, as your chauffeur will be happy to meet you anytime, at any place. Continue to Lucca, and appreciate its 16th century intact walls. Visit its famous Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, Via Fillungo, filled with unique shops, restaurants and neighborhood people. See the Guinigi Tower with its roof garden, the Clock Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral. Take a relaxing walk along the city walls and enjoy wonderful views over the city and its rooftops. Your chauffeur will remain at your disposal for the entire day. End with a drive back to your accommodation in Florence.