Summary of Day Trips from Lucca
Lucca is a city rich in Italian history that attracts thousands of visitors annually. With its medieval walls and Roman amphitheatres, along with modern dining establishments and wine bars, Lucca offers an extensive array of attractions, making it an excellent base for exploring Northern Italy.
Situated in the Tuscany region, Lucca serves as an ideal gateway for numerous day trips. Italy is relatively compact, allowing for easy access to most cities and towns within a few hours. The surrounding Tuscany region is filled with delights, from exquisite wines and picturesque landscapes to contemporary cities and art institutions.
Below are the 15 premier day trips conveniently accessible from Lucca.
1. Pisa
Pisa is renowned primarily for the iconic Leaning Tower, attracting a multitude of tourists each year. However, the town has much more to offer for day-trippers.
The city is replete with architectural marvels awaiting exploration, with the entirety of the Piazza Dei Miracoli recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond this location, the city is abundant in historical architecture, particularly along the banks of the Arno River.
Pisa also provides an opportunity to indulge in some of Italy’s finest confections, with its chocolate and pastries being notable highlights for the palate.
2. Livorno
Situated directly on the coastline, Livorno serves as Tuscany’s entrance to the Mediterranean.
While retaining the charming architecture characteristic of Italy, Livorno also features a laid-back harbor area, perfect for exploring boutiques, independent dining options, and breathtaking sea views.
The Venice Neighborhood warrants a visit to uncover the largest network of canals in Italy, outside of Venice itself, all within a less touristy and bustling environment.
Livorno is particularly celebrated for its seafood, notably the unique black rice infused with squid ink.
3. San Gimignano
Located in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, San Gimignano is a medieval city that has successfully preserved its ancient walls and architecture.
This is an excellent day trip for those desiring to experience the charm of historical Italy while enjoying the modern comforts of exquisite cuisine and wine.
The rural region of Tuscany is known for its amiable locals, and San Gimignano is no exception. Engaging conversations with the friendly inhabitants about topics ranging from Italian culture to personal anecdotes are common in the town’s bars and restaurants.
4. Siena
Siena is another exquisite medieval city in central Tuscany, characterized by a vast network of ancient streets and remarkable architecture that can easily occupy an entire day of exploration.
The Piazza del Campo is a distinctive central piazza, known for its shell-like shape. From this central point, visitors can access the finest boutiques, restaurants, and wine bars in the city.
This location also hosts the world-famous biannual Il Palio horse race, so it would be prudent to check the calendar before planning your visit.
Siena further presents an excellent opportunity to learn how to prepare authentic Italian pasta, as numerous classes are offered throughout the town.
5. Chianti
The Chianti region extends across a significant portion of the Tuscan countryside and is renowned as one of Italy’s foremost wine-producing areas.
Visitors can explore numerous vineyards and wineries to learn about the winemaking process in Italy. Some establishments also provide tastings and opportunities to create wine through both modern methods and traditional techniques that involve foot stomping.
The region’s landscape is dotted with olive groves where visitors can gain insights into the cultivation of olives and the production of olive oil.
For those with access to a vehicle, this area offers a beautiful opportunity to explore the Italian countryside.
6. Florence
Florence is an exceptionally picturesque city that requires little introduction for most tourists crafting an itinerary in Italy.
The city offers an abundance of options for a fulfilling day trip, leaving visitors wishing they had additional time. Michelangelo’s world-famous Statue of David is housed in one of the many museums scattered throughout Florence.
As a veritable paradise for art aficionados, Florence boasts an impressive array of classical and contemporary art galleries, as well as trendy independent art merchants throughout the city.
In addition to its artistic offerings, Florence also presents a delightful culinary scene, with the gnocchi made in the city being an absolute must-try.
7. Cinque Terre
Another iconic attraction in Italy, Cinque Terre comprises a series of five villages along the northwest Italian coastline.
These distinctive villages are seamlessly integrated into the cliffsides, creating a striking and dramatic visual appeal complemented by the relaxed lifestyle of many local residents.
As you navigate through the villages, you will unearth stories of Italian tradition and behold various local handicrafts.
Similar to much of Italy, gastronomy holds a significant place within the Cinque Terre experience, and dining at small local restaurants in any of the villages is highly recommended.
8. Montepulciano
Located just outside Chianti, Montepulciano is a prominent winemaking region known for its high-quality wines that rival those from more renowned regions.
The town itself is steeped in Italian history, particularly concerning its religious and medieval narratives. A visit to Piazza Grande allows for exploration of key sites, including the church and clock tower.
Wine tastings are frequently conducted in cellars throughout the town rather than at the wineries, which are typically a brief drive away.
For visitors relying on public transportation, this destination offers one of the best opportunities for rural wine tasting.
9. La Spezia
La Spezia is a sprawling town along the Mediterranean coast, featuring numerous vantage points that overlook the sea, surrounding mountains, and the vibrant orange rooftops of the town.
Often overlooked by tourists, La Spezia offers a calm and unhurried atmosphere, with many locals eager to share their slice of Italian life with visitors.
Exotic plants adorn the main beach area, which provides a tranquil and serene sunbathing experience for those looking to escape the crowds found at Italy’s more popular beaches.
The historic castle located in the town center is well worth the visit, being one of the oldest military structures in the Tuscany region.
10. Genoa
Genoa is a stunning city located on Italy’s northern coast, deeply rooted in history and the cultural essence of Italy.
While many visitors to Italy opt for more prominent cities, Genoa deserves consideration for a day trip. Its proximity to major Italian Riviera destinations enhances the journey, presenting beautiful coastal vistas along the way.
The city boasts an extensive array of museums, including art galleries, ethnographic collections, and natural history exhibitions. Genoa has Europe’s largest historical center, featuring winding streets adorned with architecture reflecting various eras of European history.
11. San Marino
San Marino, recognized as the third smallest independent country globally, is entirely encircled by Italy.
It features three towers that dominate the skyline, providing insights into medieval architecture and pathways.
The towers offer panoramic views of the entire country and the surrounding Italian landscape, making it thoroughly navigable on foot.
This unique corner of Europe is not to be missed, and visitors have the option to get their passport stamped with an official San Marino entry mark if desired.
12. Bologna
Dubbed the capital of gastronomy within Italy, Bologna is yet another city often overlooked by tourists.
The city boasts a vibrant atmosphere that maintains much of its original culture, home to a thriving restaurant scene.
While the iconic Bolognese sauce is a staple, it represents only a fraction of the rich array of flavors available within the diverse restaurant offerings throughout Bologna.
This culinary experience unfolds within a backdrop of beautifully preserved medieval architecture and a unique local character.
13. Lake Trasimeno
Enclosed within Umbria, which is one of Italy’s least-explored regions by foreign visitors, Lake Trasimeno is celebrated for its natural beauty and remains a popular vacation destination for locals.
Charming towns line the lake’s shores, offering a surprising variety of cultural experiences and showcasing different facets of Italian life. Additionally, numerous castles and ruins invite exploration for those interested in history.
The lake itself presents a variety of activities such as fishing and kayaking, making it a wonderful destination for families seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
14. Piombino
Piombino holds significant importance, often overlooked, as a pivotal hub for imports from various parts of the Mediterranean.
Despite its somewhat industrial presence, the town preserves its ancient history, characterized by stunning untouched medieval architecture and well-maintained structures.
A visit to the coast reveals breathtaking views across other areas of the Etruscan Coast, and the harbor area is vibrant, filled with local markets, fishermen, and boat excursions.
15. Perugia
Also situated within Umbria, Perugia is an eclectic city located at the heart of Italy. It is especially known as a university town, contributing to a youthful ambiance and vibrant bar and restaurant culture.
Among its notable attractions is the opportunity to explore the city’s underground sections, which date back to medieval times.
This extensive underground city was left abandoned and later served as the foundation for the Rocca Paolina fortress.
