Lucca , Italy

Private Tour: Historic Lucca by bike

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About this experience

For a more action-packed and fun tour, Lucca’s historic center can be visited by bike. Because its entire historic center and ring of tree-lined Renaissance walls are entirely pedestrian and bike-friendly, Lucca is the only city in Tuscany where guided bike tours are ideal, fascinating, and enjoyable.

With one of our local specialized guides, you will rent a bike at one of the rental shops in the historic center and together embark upon discovering our charming town. Through the ancient narrow medieval streets you will reach the various landmarks. You can also visit the interior of the Cathedral, of Saint Frediano Church and go up the Guinigi Tower, and even sample Tuscan wines and taste traditional local products in a 17th century wine-cellar right in the center of town.

Available options

Private Tour: Historic Lucca by bike

Option 1: Morning bike tour

What's included

Bike rent for 2 hours

Local guide

Private tour

Detailed itinerary

Hop onto your bike, and with one of our local specialized guides, ride up to the top of the Renaissance Walls for a fabulous perspective of the historic center. After just a few moments, you will be able to admire the most exquisite private garden in Lucca, that of Palazzo Pfanner.

Stop 2

The leisurely-paced bike ride will continue along the tree-lined boulevard that characterizes the Walls for about 2 kilometers. Then, you will enter the subterranean area of one of the Walls' most imposing bastions.

Stop 3

Once out and back into the light of day, the tour will continue with a stop at the the Cathedral of San Martino (Saint Martin), where the people of Lucca have venerated the wooden crucifix called the Volto Santo for centuries. There are many Italian masterpieces in the interior, such as the sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto and Tintoretto’s Last Supper. To visit the interior, there is a 3 euro fee. Naturally your guide will enter with you to explain the various works of art and monuments.

Stop 4

Back onto your bike, you will cycle through the narrow streets toward Piazza San Michele (Saint Michael’s Square) and its splendid church of the same name. Just a short distance away is the house where the most famous celebrity of Lucca, the opera composer, Giacomo Puccini, was born.

Stop 5

You will head up onto the Walls once again to complete the circuit and admire the town’s towers especially the strikingly particular Torre Guinigi (Guinigi Tower) with its crown of secular holm oak trees.

Stop 6

You will stop at the characteristic oval-shaped Piazza Anfiteatro (Amphitheatre Square), built on the ruins of the ancient Roman arena, this square is one of the most picturesque landmarks of the town. Should you get thirsty or hungry, simply tell your guide. There are a number of places where it is possible to have tastings of delicious local products along with excellent Tuscan wine.

The last stops will be at the Church of San Frediano, that is one of the most ancient churches in Lucca, famous for its façade with the splendid gilded mosaic. To visit the interior, there is a 2 euro fee. Naturally your guide will enter with you to explain the various works of art and monuments.

The tour will end at the bike rental shop where it began.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Entrance fee to the Churches, the Guinigi Tower and Palazzo Pfanner

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A minimum of 1 people per booking is required

Adult rate applies to travelers 15 years and older

Children ages 0-14 are free with a paid adult

Turislucca’s tours are in compliance with government health and safety protocols for Covid-19.

Meeting point

Meet the guide at the bike shop "Poli" in Piazza Santa Maria, 42 Lucca
Dates: Daily

Important notes

Every day every half an hour from to 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

Optional fees per person:

Entrance Cathedral: € 3.00

Entrance Guinigi Tower: € 4.00

Entrance Saint Frediano Church: € 2.00

Wine tasting: € 10.00/with snack € 14.00

About Lucca

Lucca is a charming medieval city in Tuscany, renowned for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, stunning architecture, and rich history. Its narrow streets, historic churches, and vibrant culture make it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Lucca Walls

The Renaissance walls of Lucca are a unique and iconic feature of the city. Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, these walls encircle the historic center and offer a scenic walking path with stunning views.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Lucca Cathedral (San Martino)

This stunning cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. It houses the famous Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix brought to Lucca in the 12th century.

Religious/Historical 1 hour Free (Bell Tower: €5)

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro

This unique oval-shaped piazza is built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater. Surrounded by charming buildings, it's a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Historical/Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Torre Guinigi

This medieval tower is famous for the oak trees growing on its roof. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Lucca and its surroundings.

Historical/Architecture 30 minutes €5

Lucca Comics & Games

One of the largest comic and gaming conventions in Europe, held annually in October. It attracts thousands of visitors and features exhibitions, cosplay, and meet-and-greets with famous artists and writers.

Entertainment/Cultural 3-4 days Varies by event and ticket type

Must-Try Local Dishes

Buccellato

A sweet bread with raisins and anise seeds, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian

Tordelli Lucchesi

A traditional pasta dish filled with meat and herbs, served with a rich sauce.

Main Course Contains meat

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

A thick-cut T-bone steak, grilled and seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Main Course Contains meat

Castagnaccio

A rustic chestnut flour cake, often served with a drizzle of honey or olive oil.

Dessert Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Rock climbing Wine tasting Spa treatments Leisurely walks along the walls Visiting museums and galleries Attending festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the busiest time of year, with warm weather and numerous festivals. It's ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and vibrant city life.

22°C to 32°C 72°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lucca is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Pisa International Airport • 20 km (12 miles)
Florence Airport • 80 km (50 miles)

By train

Lucca Station

By bus

Lucca Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The VaiBus system is efficient and covers most of the city and surrounding areas. Buses are frequent and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro Storico San Marco San Paolo

Day trips

Pisa

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, but it also offers a rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant student culture.

Florence

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its art, architecture, and history.

Vinci

30 km (18 miles) • Half day

The birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, Vinci offers a museum dedicated to the famous artist and inventor, as well as beautiful countryside and local wineries.

Festivals

Lucca Summer Festival • July Lucca Comics & Games • October Lucca in Festa • December

Pro tips

Visit the Torre Guinigi for a unique perspective of the city and its famous oak trees on the roof
Explore the city's hidden gems, such as the underground tunnels and secret passages, on a guided tour
Attend a local festival or event for an authentic and immersive experience, such as the Lucca Summer Festival or Lucca Comics & Games
Try local specialties, such as Buccellato and Tordelli Lucchesi, at traditional osterias and trattorias
Rent a bike to explore the city's walls and surrounding countryside, and enjoy the scenic views and fresh air