TOUR DESCRIPTION

Discover Lucca with its rich history dating back to the times of the ancient Etruscans and enjoy some time strolling in the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli and take advantage of a shot at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The massive red brick walls that enclose Lucca shelter this Medieval City away from traffic and the modern world. Inside, the well-preserved ancient Roman street plan features fascinating streets, squares and narrow lanes. Unlike several other cities in Tuscany.

You will depart the pier by bus to reach Lucca, founded by the Romans in 180 B.C. Upon arrival, you’ll begin your walking guided tour of the city. Accompanied by your local guide, you will see the massive red bricks walls built between 1504 and 1645, and among the best-preserved Renaissance-era defenses in Europe. Continue on past the Church of San Michele in Foro, which stands on the site of the ancient Roman Forum. The splendor of the church’s exquisite Pisan Romanesque façade rivals that of St. Martin’s.

You will pass by the Guinigi Tower, one of many in Lucca once belonging to the Guinigi family, rulers of the city in the 15th century. Next, you will proceed to Anfiteatro Romano, once the ancient Roman Amphitheater, and today enclosed by Medieval houses built against its walls. At the Church of San Frediano, you will marvel at the striking façade that features a 13th-century mosaic (outside visit only).

At the conclusion of your tour, some free time will be made available for shopping or some photos before having time for lunch on your own.

After lunch, you will walk with your escort to the coach and depart towards Pisa. Once a powerful maritime republic, and a rival to Genoa and Venice, Pisa offers a Renaissance splendor of its own. A short, guided walk leads to the dramatic Miracle Square (only external visit), with an array of elegant buildings in Pisa’s own Romanesque style.

Here you’ll find the Campo Santo, a cemetery with some handsome architecture; the Baptistery, with a statue of St. John the Baptist on top of its dome; and the Duomo, Pisa’s medieval cathedral. You’ll recognize its freestanding bell tower immediately, as it’s the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Galileo is said to have used the 180-foot tower during his experiments with gravity. Today it leans 14-degrees from perpendicular.

Following your guided tour, some free time will be made available before re-boarding your coach for the drive back to the port.