Lucca is a city that seems built for wandering and discovering. Its intact Renaissance walls, charming piazzas, and centuries-old churches make it a natural playground for history enthusiasts. What truly sets Lucca apart is how accessible and personable its history feels—whether you’re strolling along its ancient walls or riding in a carriage through its narrow streets. We especially love the Flavours of Lucca, Art, History, Food for Small Groups or Private tour because it combines local food and city landmarks in a small-group setting, giving a taste of the city’s soul. Plus, sampling Tuscan specialties while hearing stories about Lucca’s past makes it a memorable experience.
If you’re after a more leisurely exploration, the Carriage tour in the historic center of Lucca offers a charming way to see the city’s highlights without walking. And for those who love music, the Enjoyable music tour of the historical city of Lucca dives into the city’s rich musical heritage, with visits to Puccini’s birthplace and the local opera house. For a more immersive experience, the Wine tasting in the historical Cantalici winery offers a chance to connect Lucca’s past with its ongoing wine traditions. Each of these tours offers a different way to connect with the city’s history, culture, and flavors.
1. Flavours of Lucca, Art, History, Food for Small Groups or Private
At number 1 on our list, this food-focused walking tour combines a two-and-a-half-hour stroll through Lucca’s streets with tastings of local Tuscan delicacies. Led by a passionate guide, you’ll explore landmarks like the Lucca Duomo and the city walls, which you’ll walk atop for sweeping views. The small group size (max 12) ensures personal attention and a chance to ask questions. The tour begins at the Mura di Lucca, where you’ll learn about the city’s defensive walls and their significance, then transitions into a glamorous pastry shop for your first taste of Luccan breakfast treats—think cakes, biscuits, and an Italian espresso or cappuccino.
What makes this tour special is how it ties history and culture with culinary delights—a genuine way to understand what life in Lucca feels like. Guests note how guide Chiara’s storytelling brings the city alive, and how sampling local sweets and gelato feels like a sweet reward after absorbing centuries’ worth of stories. The experience is excellent for first-timers and those wanting a personalized introduction to Lucca. This tour offers exceptional value for its combination of food, history, and intimate atmosphere.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded, engaging experience that touches on Lucca’s history, food, and local stories.
2. Carriage tour in the historic center of Lucca
Number 2 on our list is the Carriage tour in Lucca, a delightful 30-minute ride that takes you through the most iconic squares and streets. For about $104.50 per group (up to four people), you’ll enjoy a relaxed, visual overview of the city’s highlights. The tour is guided by an experienced driver, with a knowledgeable host explaining the significance of each stop.
You’ll pass Lucca’s most important church, see the tallest tower, and admire Italy’s only tree-lined tower. The route also features the ancient Roman-era square and a lively shopping street, making it a perfect way to get your bearings. The tour’s charm is amplified by the personal touch of the guide, who offers insider stories that you might miss on a self-guided walk. It’s especially suitable if you want a quick, comfortable overview or are traveling with limited time.
Guests comment that the tour provides a great introduction to Lucca’s layout and history, and appreciate the friendly, personable guides. The ride can be a fun family activity or a romantic way to see the city without tiring out.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a comfortable, quick orientation with storytelling and the chance to see many sights in a short time.
3. One-hour tour through the historic center and half Renaissance walls
In third place, this carriage tour offers a compact but comprehensive overview of Lucca’s key sites in just an hour. Perfect for travelers wanting a quick but insightful introduction, it covers half the city walls, the Ducal Palace, and the church of San Michele—a cornerstone of Lucca’s artistic and religious life.
The guide, Marika, shares stories about Lucca’s defensive towers, the Roman square, and the Byzantine mosaic church, adding a layer of depth that you might not get from simply walking around. The tour also includes stops at the main shopping street and medieval gates, giving a well-rounded taste of Lucca’s layered history. With friendly reviews highlighting Marika’s wealth of knowledge and Mario the horse’s skillful carriage maneuvers, it’s clear this experience strikes a good balance between entertainment and education.
Guests who took this tour mention that it’s a great value for its duration and depth, especially for those pressed for time but wanting a personalized experience with local guides.
Bottom line: A quick, engaging way to get a sense of Lucca’s top landmarks in a short amount of time.
4. Enjoyable music tour of the historical city of Lucca
Number 4 on our list is a musical journey that explores Lucca’s illustrious musical heritage. This 2-hour guided walk includes visits to the Puccini Museum, the Teatro del Giglio, and local piazzas where music performances frequently happen. The tour’s highlight is the insider focus on Lucca’s famous composers, including Giacomo Puccini, whose birthplace is part of the itinerary.
What makes this tour stand out is the rich cultural storytelling combined with musical excerpts played during the walk—bringing the city’s musical traditions to life. The Teatro del Giglio is a highlight, being one of Italy’s oldest theatres, with a history dating back to the 17th century. Tour guides like Vittoria are praised for blending historical facts with engaging anecdotes and for playing musical clips that deepen the experience.
This tour is ideal for music lovers and history buffs alike, offering a multi-sensory experience that is both educational and entertaining. Reviews cite the guide’s knowledge and warmth as key strengths, making it a memorable exploration of Lucca’s cultural soul.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting to connect Lucca’s musical past with its artistic venues.
5. Wine tasting in the historical Cantalici winery
Finally, for a different take on history, the Wine tasting in the Cantalici winery offers a 50-minute experience immersed in Lucca’s wine traditions. For just around $17.20 per person, this tour takes you into a historic family-run winery, where you can taste Chianti Classico wines and learn about their long-standing production methods.
This experience is ideal for foodies and wine lovers interested in understanding how Lucca’s wine heritage ties into its culture. The tasting is set in a warm, familial atmosphere, making it a relaxed way to connect with local craftsmanship. Guests appreciate how the owner’s passion for their wines shines through and enjoy the chance to sample authentic Chianti directly from the source.
While shorter than other tours, this tasting provides good value and a tangible connection to Lucca’s ongoing tradition of winemaking. It’s suited for those who want a calm, intimate experience outside the more active sightseeing tours.
Bottom line: An affordable, authentic way to combine Lucca’s culinary heritage with its traditional wine-making.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a historical tour in Lucca, consider your interests and how you like to explore. For a food and culture combo, the Flavours of Lucca walking tour offers rich stories paired with tastings. If you prefer a visual overview, the Carriage tour provides a relaxed ride through the city’s most iconic sights. For a musical journey, the Lucca music tour combines history, culture, and live snippets of Italian compositions.
Your choice should also factor in time, budget, and mobility. The carriage tours are short but comprehensive, suitable for those who want a quick orientation. The food tour is longer and more immersive, great if you love local cuisine. Wine tastings are ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing, intimate experience outside the busy city streets.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as many of these tours are popular and limited in size.
Final thoughts
Lucca offers a variety of ways to explore its past, from walking food tours to musical explorations and carriage rides. For travelers interested in history and local culture, the Flavours of Lucca tour provides a rich, engaging introduction that combines stories and flavors. If you prefer a more relaxed sightseeing method, the carriage and one-hour tours are perfect for getting your bearings without tiring out.
For a cultural twist, the music tour offers an immersive experience of Lucca’s musical legacy, while the wine tasting connects you to local family traditions. Whichever you choose, booking early will ensure you secure a spot and make the most of your time in this captivating Tuscan city.
Happy exploring Lucca’s past, one memorable experience at a time.