Travel Discovery

Day Trips from Lucca: Exploring Tuscany's Hidden Gems

Destination: Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

    1. Pisa and the Leaning Tower
    2. Overview: Begin your journey by visiting the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located just a short train ride away from Lucca, Pisa’s Field of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli) encompasses not only the leaning tower but also the stunning Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale. The peculiar tilt of the tower has made it a symbol known worldwide, and climbing its spiral staircase rewards visitors with panoramic views over the city.
    3. Visit Duration: 3 hours

    4. Next Stop: Savor an authentic Tuscan lunch at Osteria ai Quattro Mori, famous for its pasta dishes and local wines.

    5. Cinque Terre National Park

    6. Overview: Embark on a scenic coastal adventure to Cinque Terre, a string of five colorful fishing villages carved into the Ligurian coastline. Connected by walking trails offering breathtaking sea views, each village—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare—has its own unique charm. Take the train from Lucca to La Spezia and then use the local train service that connects the villages. A ferry ride between the towns offers a different perspective on this coastal paradise.
    7. Visit Duration: Full Day

    8. Highlight: Enjoy a seafood feast in Vernazza, considered the jewel of Cinque Terre.

    9. San Gimignano

    10. Overview: Step back in time as you wander through the medieval streets of San Gimignano, renowned for its skyline punctuated by fourteen towers. Once a stopping point for pilgrims traveling to Rome, today it invites visitors with its well-preserved architecture, artisan shops, and world-famous gelato at Gelateria Dondoli. Explore the Piazza della Cisterna, climb the Torre Grossa for panoramic vistas, and taste the local Vernaccia wine.
    11. Visit Duration: 4 hours

    12. En Route Delight: Stop at a vineyard along the way for a wine tasting experience.

    13. Val d'Orcia

    14. Overview: Venture into the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia, a region characterized by rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and picturesque hilltop towns such as Montalcino and Pienza. This idyllic landscape inspired many Renaissance artists and still captivates visitors with its serene beauty. Taste the renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine, visit the cheese shops in Pienza, and enjoy a leisurely drive through the golden-hued countryside.
    15. Visit Duration: Half Day
    16. Suggested Activity: Picnic amidst the olive groves with locally sourced cheeses and wines.