Private Tour: Historic Lucca by bike

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.

1. 1

   Palazzo Pfanner

   10 min

   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.

2. 2

   Le Mura di Lucca

   20 min

   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.

3. 3

   Duomo Di San Martino

   20 min

   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.

4. 4

   San Michele in Foro

   20 min

   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.

5. 5

   Torre Guinigi

   10 min

   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.

6. 6

   Piazza Anfiteatro

   20 min

   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.

7. 7

   Basilica Di San Frediano

   20 min

   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.

• 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.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.