Hidden Jewel in Tuscany
Tuscany, one of the most adored Italian regions, here art, culture, natural beauty, postcard landscapes, excellent wine and good food, and beautiful people blend together perfectly.
Beyond the better-known cities such as Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and the areas of Chianti and Val D'Orcia, there is a city that deserves to be experienced. Lucca a hidden jewel of Tuscany.
With our City Guide we go to discover Lucca with an insider.
Lucca is a romantic city, a city on a human scale, here you will not find the numerous visitors who at some times of the year crowd to better-known cities such as Florence. Here you can walk and admire the beautiful historic buildings, the shop windows, you can stop to chat on the street. Life here flows slowly.
Lucca is a place where everyone knows everyone!
Lucca boasts a strategic position, in fact it is located between Pisa and Florence, and its province boasts the most glamorous beaches in Italy, namely those of Forte dei Marmi.
This city has a long history, from a Roman castra to the Middle Ages in which it became an important center for the silk trade. The richness of past eras can still be seen in its layout, a city where everything is in its place.
Today a cultural center which hosts within its fortified walls important events such as the Lucca Summer Festival, one of the most important musical events in Italy on whose stage world-famous artists such as Elton John, Robbie Williams, Roger Waters have performed. ..just to name a few.
The concerts held during the Lucca Summer Festival are for a few, you will not find an exaggerated number of spectators, because Lucca loves its "exclusivity".
But then Lucca has music in its veins (or streets), it is the birthplace of the Maestro Giacomo Puccini. It is possible to visit Puccini's house, now a museum.
Another event hosted by Lucca that attracts a large audience is Lucca Comics & Games, second only to Japan.
With our City Guide we will take you to discover this enchanting town through the eyes of insiders.
Where to Stay in Lucca
In Lucca you will find boutique hotels where you will not just feel like "guests", where you will be treated with elegance but at the same time with a certain familiarity, where the human relationship will allow your stay to be a full experience.
For groups of family or friends who want a little privacy, we can suggest a stay in a villa in the various properties around Lucca.
Our team is available to assist you with bookings for your accommodation in Lucca whether you choose to stay in a hotel or one of the beautiful private villas.
What to do in Lucca
Let's get to know the historic center with a private guided tour, perhaps by bike, since it is the preferred way of getting around for the inhabitants of Lucca. It's really pleasant to go around the city even to do errands and shopping, as it's not a very crowded town, it's fun to have the opportunity to experience it by bike. Explore the city with its beautiful squares, Piazza San Michele, Piazza Anfiteatro (so called because it was the Roman amphitheater), the historic buildings, and for the more intrepid climb the Guinigi Tower and enjoy the view from above over the roofs of Lucca.
Then stop in some of the shops for tastings of local products such as Buccellato at Taddeucci, or Cantucci with Vin Santo (cookies and sweet wine), or an absolutely typical liqueur which is La Biadina and which is rigorously served with pine nuts, or the focaccia from the historic bakery Giusti, and certainly an excellent ice cream at La Veneta.
We certainly cannot miss to treat ourselves to the privilege of a walk of the city walls, because this town has the peculiarity of a wonderful and unique promenade right on the fortification walls, where the inhabitans of Lucca usually go for a walk, by bike, or for a run. In fact, here from early morning to evening it is not difficult to meet the lady walking her dog, the mother with her child, kids walking and chatting, and those who train by running, cycling or those doing yoga, or simply relaxing sitting on a bench reading a newspaper.
You cannot forget to visit the magnificent Palazzo Pfanner with its wonderful Italian garden, which was also one of the sets of the movie "Portrait of a Lady", a Hollywood production starring Nicole Kidman and John Malkovich.
You can also plan a visit to the magnificent Villas of Lucca, including Villa Reale, Villa Mansi, Villa Torrigiani and many others, once the summer residences of wealthy Lucchese families.
You certainly cannot forget some wine and EVO tasting experiences given that Lucca boasts an excellent production of wine and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Where to Eat in Lucca
There are so many typical and nice restaurants that you are truly spoiled for choice.
Here are some of our favorite restaurants
Buca Di Santantonio
Historic restaurant, a rustic setting and excellent food. Many celebrities have passed through here in past years too.
Il Giglio
The restaurant is located in Piazza del Giglio, right in front of the theater of the same name. It is an elegant environment, made of 18th century stuccoes and frescoes. The innovative cuisine presents traditional dishes but interpreted in a modern way. Il Giglio was awarded a Michelin star in 2019. The menus change seasonally in order to use the excellent and fresh raw materials
Osteria San Giorgio
A typical Osteria, not a tourist place, a place frequented by locals. You will be able to taste excellent typical local dishes in a relaxed and informal mood.
During the summer it is possible to eat al fresco as the restaurant has a picturesque small courtyard where the tables are set up.
L'Imbuto
Restaurant L'Imbuto is a truly exclusive location that will leave you speechless. Located in the Limonaia of Palazzo Pfanner, overlooking the Italian garden of this noble Palace, it will allow you to taste the refined dishes resulting from the creativity of Chef Cristiano Tomei.
Where to Shop in Lucca
Lucca is a town where there are still many traditional shops, so much so that many still have the ancient signs and entrances with T-shaped doors of medieval origin.
Among the shops we recommend.
Prospero for those who want to buy typical products such as EVO, wine from the Lucca hills, legumes, artisanal pasta.
Zazzi for unique handcrafted silk scarves and foulards.
Gioielleria Carli founded in 1655 is the oldest shop in Lucca. With its fascinating and opulent interiors it takes us back to a bygone era.
Caniparoli , for those with a sweet tooth it is paradise with an exceptional production of artisanal chocolate from chocolates to delicious cake.
Our team of experts are here to assist you in planning your stay and experiences.
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