Day Trips from Lucca. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Explore iconic Tuscan cities and towns just a short journey from Lucca.

Consider booking your excursions in advance through platforms like GetYourGuide.

Popular Day Trips

Pisa: A 25-30 minute direct train ride to the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.
Florence: Journey 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes by train for world-class art and architecture.
Siena: About 2 hours by train or bus, with its unique Piazza del Campo.
Cinque Terre: Colorful coastal villages, 1.5-2 hours by train.

Natural Escapes

Explore the serene natural beauty near Lucca, from coastal beaches to mountainous landscapes.

Versilia Coast

Coastal towns like Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi are easily accessible, offering sandy beaches and promenades.

Beach Destinations

Viareggio: A 20-30 minute train or bus ride for beaches and Art Nouveau architecture.
Forte dei Marmi: Known for luxury shopping and upscale beach clubs.
Frequent regional trains or buses connect Lucca to Versilia towns.

Garfagnana Region

North of Lucca, this mountainous area features medieval villages and scenic hiking trails.

Mountain Exploration

Home to impressive fortresses and diverse landscapes.
See the Ponte della Maddalena (Devil's Bridge) in Borgo a Mozzano.
A rental car is best for full exploration of this region due to limited public transport.

Cultural Excursions

Montecarlo

This hilltop village is famous for its wine production.
Wineries in the area welcome tours and tastings.
The village features a historic fortress and scenic views.
A 20-30 minute bus ride or short drive from Lucca.

Collodi

Famous as the setting for Pinocchio's adventures.
The Pinocchio Park offers an immersive experience for families.
The historic Villa Garzoni, with its Baroque gardens, is also in Collodi.
About 20 minutes by bus or car from Lucca.

Multi-Day Extensions

Florence & Siena Loop:Combine Lucca with these Tuscan cities for a full cultural journey.
Cinque Terre & Portofino:Extend coastal exploration further into Liguria.
Chianti Wine Region:Dedicate days to vineyards and charming towns like Greve in Chianti.
Logical Next Destinations:Consider Rome, Venice, Italian Lakes, or the Dolomites.

Transportation Connections:Italy's train network is efficient for city-to-city travel.
Rental Car:A rental car offers flexibility for rural areas.
Tuscan Triangle:Fly into Pisa, explore Lucca, Florence, and Siena.
Wine & Culture Tour:Experience local wines and drive through Chianti and Montalcino.

Planning Extended Journeys

Italy's train network simplifies connecting between major cities. For rural areas or wine regions, a rental car usually works best.

Natural Escapes Continued

Lucca provides easy paths to diverse natural settings for relaxation and activity.

Coastal Retreats

The Versilia Coast, with towns like Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, has sandy beaches a short distance by train or bus.

Mountain Adventures

The Garfagnana region, north of Lucca, hosts medieval villages and hiking trails amidst stunning mountain scenery.

Local Green Spaces

Lucca's city walls offer a vast green promenade for walking and cycling, a central escape within the city.

Wine & Gastronomy

Discover the flavors of the region through local wine and culinary traditions.

Montecarlo Wine Region

A charming hilltop village known for its DOC and DOCG wine.
Many local wineries welcome visitors for tours and tastings.
Accessible by a short bus ride or car journey from Lucca.

Literary & Historic Sites

Explore locations linked to famous tales and significant historical periods.

Collodi - Pinocchio's Village

The setting for the adventures of Pinocchio.
Visit Pinocchio Park, an immersive experience for families.
Discover the elaborate Baroque gardens of Villa Garzoni.

Travel Considerations for Longer Stays

Tuscan Triangle:Combine Lucca, Florence, and Siena by train or bus.

Coastal Extension:Extend your Ligurian visit to Portofino beyond the Cinque Terre.

Chianti Wine Exploration:A rental car or specialized tours enrich this experience.

Next Destinations:Rome, Venice, Italian Lakes, or the Dolomites are logical continuations.

Italy's Train Network:Travel between major cities is straightforward.

Rental Car:Provides flexibility for exploring rural and wine regions.

Route Planning

Consider a "Tuscan Triangle" with Pisa (arrive), Lucca, Florence, and Siena.
For a mix of city, beach, and mountains, explore Lucca, the Versilia coast, and the Garfagnana region.
A "Wine & Culture Tour" from Lucca to Chianti and Montalcino is a rewarding experience.
Flexibility with transportation, train for cities, car for countryside.
Plan visits to align with your interests and duration.

Extended Experiences

For those with more time, Lucca and its surroundings offer exploration opportunities.

Beyond the Day Trip

Explore neighboring regions for unique cultural and scenic insights.

Tuscan Hill Towns

San Gimignano & Volterra: These medieval towns offer panoramic views and Etruscan history.
A rental car is best for reaching these locations due to public transport limits.
Organized tours from Lucca or Florence are a viable option.

Coastal Wonders

The Ligurian coast, just north, has dramatic scenery and charming seaside towns.

Cinque Terre & Portofino

The five colorful villages of Cinque Terre are reached by train to La Spezia.
Portofino, a luxury resort town, makes for a scenic extension.
A Cinque Terre Card provides train travel and hiking trail access.

The Capital City

Rome, Italy's capital, is a logical next step for those eager for ancient history.

Rome Connection

Home to iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Vatican City also offers immense historical and religious sites.
Easily reached from Tuscany by Italy's efficient train network.

Northern Gems

Further north, discover unique cities and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Venice & The Lakes

Venice: The unique canal city, ideal for a romantic or cultural extension.
Italian Lakes: Lake Como and Lake Garda provide stunning scenery and relaxation.
Dolomites: For mountain adventures, hiking, and skiing, especially in summer or winter.

Specialized Tours & Experiences

Enrich your multi-day journey with specific interests and guided experiences.

Tuscan Culinary Immersion

Engage in longer cooking courses to master local dishes. Visit local markets for fresh ingredients.

In-depth Hiking & Cycling

Explore the extensive trails of Garfagnana or the Monti Pisani for more strenuous activity.

Agriturismo Stays

Dedicate time to relaxation at a Tuscan agriturismo, experiencing authentic rural life.

Maximizing Longer Stays

This allows a slower pace and immersion into local life.

Booking Your Adventures

Seamlessly plan and book your Lucca excursions and experiences for a memorable trip.

Online Booking Platforms

G

GetYourGuide

Discover and book a wide array of day trips, tours, and activities in and around Lucca. Explore GetYourGuide activities here.

V

Viator

Another comprehensive platform for tours, attractions, and experiences worldwide, including Tuscany.

K

Klook

A global booking service for popular attractions, tours, and travel essentials.

Direct Booking Advantages

Often direct communication with local operators.
Potential for customized experiences or unique local insights.
Direct support for local businesses.
Sometimes access to special deals or last-minute availability.
A chance to build rapport with your hosts or guides.
Direct feedback helps providers refine their offerings.

Considering Flex Options

Look for tours with flexible cancellation policies.
Check if re-booking options are available for unforeseen changes.
Understand the refund process before confirming a booking.
Some platforms offer free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Travel insurance may cover certain non-refundable bookings.
Choose smaller group tours for more intimate experiences and flexibility.

Specialized Travel Services

Airport Lounges

Enjoy airport comfort with Priority Pass access.

Flight Compensation

Receive compensation for travel disruptions through Compensair.

Sustainable Tours

For ethical group travel, consider options like G Adventures.

Day Trips from Lucca