A Perfect Day in Lucca!
This was our second tour with the wonderful Martina Manfredi from Tuscany at Heart, and calling both experiences "fantastic" honestly feels like an understatement.
This time, we chose the “Discovering the Highlights and Hidden Treasures of Lucca: History, Architecture, Legends, and Ancient Crafts, with a Taste of Local Cuisine!” tour. It was everything we hoped for—and more.
Martina is incredibly knowledgeable, personable, and passionate about Lucca. Her storytelling brings the city's rich history to life. From its Etruscan roots, and Roman heritage to its captivating medieval wonders. Every stop felt like stepping into a new chapter of a living history book.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Martina's tours is how she customizes them to suit your group’s interests and needs. On our first tour, she curated a day in Pisa and Portovenere around what our two families wanted to see and experience. This time, she thoughtfully designed the day with my wife’s mobility needs in mind. Martina not only planned a route that accommodated shorter walking distances, but she was also incredibly attentive—often noticing when my wife needed a break before any of us did. She’d lead us to a scenic resting spot and use the moment to share more of Lucca’s fascinating history.
We began at St. Peter's Gate, and the moment we walked through, it felt like time travel. From there, Martina guided us through highlights like the Lucca Cathedral, where we explored legends and saw the ancient labyrinth etched into the portico.
Our journey continued through Piazza Napoleone, to San Michele Church, and the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini. A sweet highlight was our stop at Taddeucci Bakery, family-run since 1881. We enjoyed espresso and their renowned Buccellato—a delicious sweet bread passed down through generations—and tried the Coi Becchi cake, which was just as delightful. As the locals say: “Don’t say you’ve been to Lucca if you haven’t eaten Taddeucci’s Buccellato!”
Another memorable stop was the oldest grocery store in Lucca, in continuous operation since 1790. We strolled through Via Fillungo, Lucca’s most beloved shopping street, admired the unique Roman Amphitheatre Square, and visited Palazzo Pfanner, famously featured in The Portrait of a Lady.
Lunch was a true culinary experience—dining at a historic osteria, savoring authentic Tuscan dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Later, we visited a local silk weaver’s studio, where her stunning handcrafted pieces caught our eye. We left with three beautiful scarves as keepsakes.
The day was perfectly paced—relaxed yet rich with stories, flavors, and hidden corners of the city we never would have discovered on our own. Martina’s thoughtfulness and expertise made the entire experience feel effortless and deeply personal.
If you want to experience Lucca with all five senses—through history, culture, and cuisine—we can’t recommend this tour enough.
Thank you, Martina, for another unforgettable day!