PRIVATE TOUR: Lucca and Funicular ride in Montecatini Alto with Lunch Experience

Florence , Italy

PRIVATE TOUR: Lucca and Funicular ride in Montecatini Alto with Lunch Experience

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About this experience

Visit Lucca, Montecatini Alto and the Nievole Valley in one day, with a private tour and our expert local driver.
Enjoy a delicious lunch in a real Tuscan farm and taste 5 of our best wines. After the pick up we will visit Lucca in the morning
• Lucca is an artistic and musical city and birthplace of the composer Giacomo Puccini. This city is a wonderful jewel between its perfect ancient walls and its famous Oval Square. The Cathedral of Lucca is one of the most important churches in Tuscany and the Guinigi Tower.
• For lunch we will move to a typical Tuscan farm, where you will taste the best wines of our region with cold cuts, bruschetta and extra virgin olive oil with a delicious homemade pasta.
• After lunch we will head towards Montecatini to take the ancient Italian Funicular (date 1848) which will arrive, through a breathtaking landscape, in the town of Montecatini Alto.
(Important note: the Funicular opens one week before Easter and closes on October 31st).

Available options

PRIVATE TOUR: Lucca and Funicular ride in Montecatini Alto with Lunch Experience

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

3 delicious courses lunch based on buschette, typical cold cuts, homemade bread, homemade pasta, extravergine oil and more...

Air-conditioned vehicle

Local private expert driver

Funicular Ticket

5 genuine local wine tastings (of tuscan wine) in a typical local farm and extra vergine oil of olive tastings

Detailed itinerary

Our expert driver will pick you up from your location (hotel or apartment) at approximately 9:00 AM. From there, we’ll head to the enchanting city of Lucca.

Our first stop will be in this magical city, where, after a brief introduction to its most fascinating attractions, you’ll have two hours of free time to explore on your own.

The top highlights to visit include:

The Puccini Museum
The Cathedral of San Martino
The stunning and historic city walls
The charming Oval Square
The Guinigi Tower
Enjoy the beauty and history of Lucca at your own pace!

For lunch, we’ll take you to an authentic Tuscan gem: the Carmignani Farm. This family-run estate, steeped in a rich winemaking tradition dating back to 1386, offers the perfect blend of timeless tradition and modern innovation.

Here, you’ll discover ancient, carefully cultivated vineyards that thrive under the perfect sunlit conditions of this renowned D.O.C. region. The result? Exquisite wines worthy of Bacchus himself.

Your visit begins with a warm welcome toast from the estate’s sommelier, Elena, who will guide you through the fascinating world of their wines. From the passion behind their production to the stories written in every bottle, this is a true feast for the senses.

Get ready to savor the taste of Tuscany like never before!

Stop 3

After lunch, we’ll head to the historic Montecatini Funicular, a magical railway that offers a journey back in time. This charming little red train, dating back to bygone days, climbs the hill to Montecatini Alto, the picturesque upper village of the city.

The experience is truly one of a kind. As the trains ascend and descend, they meet at the halfway point in what feels like a friendly kiss amidst the lush greenery. From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Valdinievole, where the landscape stretches endlessly before your eyes—a picture-perfect moment!

Winter Closure: Please note that the funicular operates seasonally and is closed for maintenance from November 2nd to December 25th, reopening on December 26th. Don’t miss this enchanting ride if you’re visiting outside these dates!

The funicular will take you to Montecatini Alto, a charming medieval village perched just above the “new” town of Montecatini Terme.

As the original settlement, Montecatini Alto is steeped in history, culture, and the legacy of illustrious figures who once walked its streets. This picturesque village, one of the oldest in the Valdinievole, boasts winding cobblestone alleys, historic landmarks, and a timeless atmosphere.

From its hilltop position, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views stretching across the Nievole Valley all the way to the city of Lucca—a truly unforgettable sight.

After soaking in the beauty and history of Montecatini Alto, we’ll return to your starting point, with the journey scheduled to end at 5:00 PM.

What's not included

Everything not found under the heading inclusions is excluded

Pro guide not included, possible on request one week in advance, with supplement

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible

About Florence

Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and history. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it's home to iconic masterpieces, stunning cathedrals, and a rich cultural heritage that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

Duomo

The Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Its iconic dome, designed by Brunelleschi, offers panoramic views of the city.

Architecture/Religious 2-3 hours Free to enter the cathedral, €18 for the climb to the dome

Uffizi Gallery

One of the world's most famous art museums, the Uffizi Gallery houses works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Museum/Art 2-3 hours €20

Ponte Vecchio

A medieval stone bridge famous for its jewelry shops. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence.

Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Piazzale Michelangelo

A panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of Florence. It's a perfect spot for sunset and photography.

Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours Free

Accademia Gallery

Home to Michelangelo's famous statue of David, the Accademia Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers.

Museum/Art 1-2 hours €16

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

A thick-cut, grilled T-bone steak, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. It's a must-try for meat lovers.

Dinner Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Ribollita

A hearty vegetable and bread soup, traditionally made with leftover bread and vegetables. It's a classic Florentine dish.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan

Lampredotto

A Florentine street food made from the fourth and final stomach of a cow. It's typically served in a sandwich.

Lunch Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Cantucci

Almond biscotti traditionally served with Vin Santo, a sweet Tuscan wine. They are crunchy and perfect for dipping.

Dessert Contains almonds, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tuscan countryside Cycling tours Hot air balloon rides Wine tasting tours Spa day at a luxury hotel Strolling through the gardens of Villa medici Visiting museums and art galleries Attending opera or concerts

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
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

Florence is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Florence Airport • 5 km from city center
Pisa International Airport • 85 km from city center

By train

Santa Maria Novella Station

By bus

Villa Costanza Bus Station, Florence Airport Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network covers the entire city and is the primary mode of public transport. Buses are frequent and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Santa Maria Novella Oltrarno San Lorenzo Santa Croce

Day trips

Siena

70 km from Florence • Half day to full day

A medieval city known for its stunning Piazza del Campo and the Palio, a traditional horse race held twice a year.

Pisa

85 km from Florence • Half day

Home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, this city offers a mix of historic sites and scenic views.

Chianti Wine Region

30-50 km from Florence • Full day

A picturesque wine region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages.

Festivals

Festa di San Giovanni • June 24 Calcio Storico Fiorentino • June (dates vary) Firenze dei Fiori • April to June

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to save time and avoid long queues
Explore the city's hidden gems, such as the Oltrarno neighborhood and the secret passages of the Palazzo Vecchio
Try local specialties like Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, and Lampredotto
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals