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Lucca is one of Tuscany’s most quietly captivating destinations — a beautifully preserved walled city that invites travellers to slow down and settle into local life. Located in northern Tuscany, just a short drive from the coast, Lucca blends centuries of history with an easy, lived-in charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Encircled by Renaissance-era walls now transformed into a leafy promenade, the historic centre is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Inside the walls, cobbled streets lead to elegant piazzas, artisan shops, Romanesque churches, and cafés that spill into the open air. Unlike some of Tuscany’s busier cities, Lucca retains a relaxed rhythm that makes it ideal for longer stays and villa-based travel.
This guide offers a thoughtful look at how to spend a perfect week in and around Lucca — balancing culture, countryside, coastal escapes, and the simple pleasures that define Tuscan living.
Before diving into a day-by-day itinerary, a few highlights define the Lucca experience:
Walk or cycle the full circuit of Lucca’s historic city walls
Visit the Cathedral of San Martino and Torre Guinigi’s rooftop garden
Wander Via Fillungo for boutiques and cafés
Sample local focaccia and Lucca’s traditional buccellato cake
Take easy day trips to the coast, wine regions, or nearby hill towns
Arrive at your private villa near Lucca and ease into your surroundings. Whether your home base is nestled in the countryside or just outside the city walls, the first day is best spent unpacking, enjoying the garden or pool, and adjusting to the slower Tuscan pace.
As evening falls, enjoy a relaxed dinner at home — perhaps prepared by a private chef — and toast the beginning of your Italian stay with a local wine.
Discover some of our luxury villas in Lucca
Spend the day exploring Lucca’s historic centre. Begin with a walk or bike ride along the wide, tree-lined walls, offering elevated views over rooftops and church towers. From here, wander inward toward Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the foundations of a Roman amphitheatre.
Climb Torre Guinigi for panoramic views — its rooftop oak trees are one of Lucca’s most distinctive sights. Visit the Cathedral of San Martino, then enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café before browsing artisan shops along Via Fillungo.
In the late afternoon, embrace la passeggiata — the Italian ritual of early evening strolling — followed by dinner in town or back at your villa.
Drive about 45 minutes to Pietrasanta, a charming town long associated with sculptors and marble artisans. Often described as an open-air museum, its piazzas are dotted with contemporary and classical sculptures, galleries, and cafés.
Visit the Museo dei Bozzetti, housed in a former church, to see works by Italian and international artists. Spend the afternoon browsing boutiques and enjoying lunch outdoors before returning to Lucca for a relaxed evening.
Lucca’s location makes coastal escapes easy.
Option 1: Forte dei Marmi
Just 30 minutes away, Forte dei Marmi is one of Italy’s most refined seaside towns. Enjoy a beach club for the day, then stroll the elegant town centre lined with boutiques and cafés.
Option 2: Viareggio
Known for its wide beaches and Art Nouveau architecture, Viareggio offers a lively seaside atmosphere. Consider lunch overlooking the sea or, in summer, an evening performance at nearby Torre del Lago, home to Puccini’s open-air opera festival.
Return to your villa for a quiet evening or an informal dinner at home.
Head south to the Bolgheri wine region, birthplace of Italy’s famed Super Tuscan wines. Vineyards such as Castello di Bolgheri and Argentiera offer tastings by appointment, showcasing bold international blends and olive oils.
Enjoy lunch in the village of Bolgheri, then return through the countryside. A private driver can be arranged so everyone can fully enjoy the day’s tastings.
No trip to the Lucca region would be complete without a stop in one of Italy’s most famous towns, located only a short 30 minute drive from the villa. After taking the obligatory picture of the leaning tower, venture out and explore the real Pisa, which is quite a pleasant town that boasts more than just one leaning tower– a result of the fact that Pisa was built on an alluvial plain.
There is so much more to enjoy in this city than just the Campo dei Miracoli. The local university’s students give Pisa a youthful energy, and you’ll be amazed by the many cyclists whizzing throughout the historic city center. Follow the arched walkways on Borgo Stretto and enjoy the many shops and cafes along this street or stop off for an aperitivo in nearby Piazza delle Vettovaglie. Be sure to pass through the beautiful Piazza dei Cavalieri, which is decorated with grafittis, a technique of wall décor that is produced by applying layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colors to a moistened surface, and then scratching to form outlined drawings.
Option 1: Stay Local
Spend the day relaxing at your villa or return to Lucca for an olive oil tasting led by a local expert. Lucca’s olive oils are among the most prized in Italy, and tastings often include traditional Tuscan dishes.
Option 2: Cinque Terre
Travel to the Ligurian coast to explore the colourful villages of Cinque Terre. Hike between towns, swim in the sea, and return by boat for spectacular coastal views.
Option 3: Volterra
Visit Volterra, an ancient hill town with Etruscan roots, Roman ruins, and sweeping countryside views. Explore its historic piazzas, museums, and medieval streets before heading back to Lucca.
As your week draws to a close, pack up and say arrivederci to Lucca and the Tuscan countryside. Chances are, you’ll already be planning a return.
A week in Lucca reveals Tuscany at its most balanced — rich in history, grounded in tradition, and deeply connected to daily life. Whether cycling the city walls, exploring nearby villages and vineyards, or retreating to your private villa for quiet evenings, Lucca offers an immersive and restorative way to experience Italy.
With HV, your stay near Lucca is thoughtfully designed around you. From handpicked villas to personalized planning and local experiences, we help you experience Tuscany with ease, intention, and a true sense of place.
