Seeking a relaxed taste of Tuscany without the blockbuster crowds? Taking a day trip from Livorno to Lucca might be your perfect match! While many ships docking in Livorno send passengers straight to the crowds of Pisa or Florence, a more enchanting Tuscan experience lies just a simple train ride away.
Lucca, with its intact Renaissance walls and easy-going vibe, is readily accessible from Livorno cruise port by train. This guide is packed with all the fabulous things to do in Lucca, from walking/biking the Renaissance-era city walls, to the Aqueduct of Nottolini, climbing the iconic, tree-topped Guinigi Tower or just enjoying local Tuscan cuisine. And if you’re an opera fan, don’t miss the chance to visit Puccini’s family home, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. For a fabulous taste of Lucchese specialties, read my section on “What to Eat and Drink in Lucca“.
This is Part 3 of my Livorno Cruise Port Guide series. If you’ve already decided to head to Lucca, you should still read Part 1 to help you navigate in and out of Livorno Cruise Port and head to Livorno train station quickly.
- Part 1 – Livorno: Livorno Cruise Port DIY Excursions: Florence, Pisa & Lucca
- Part 2 – Pisa: Livorno Cruise Port to Pisa DIY Guide to Tower & Hidden Gems
- Part 4 – Florence: Livorno to Florence Guide: Duomo, David & Divine Views
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Livorno to Lucca: Is a DIY Excursion Easy: 😎😎😎😎 Smooth Sailing
Lucca’s proximity to Livorno Cruise Port makes it an ideal choice for a DIY day trip, especially if you’ve already been to Pisa and Lucca. Here’s why I consider a day trip from Livorno to Lucca 😎😎😎😎 smooth sailing:
- Frequent trains: Regular departures between Pisa and Lucca offer flexibility, even with a change required at Pisa.
- No Need to Pre-Book Attractions: Lucca isn’t as crowded as its famous neighbours, so you can enjoy a more spontaneous and relaxed visit.
- Easy to combine with Pisa: Its close location makes Lucca a perfect add-on to a Pisa trip, especially if you have the flexibility to adjust your itinerary on the day.
Keen for a combined Day Trip to Pisa and Lucca?
Because most trains from Livorno Centrale station to Lucca require a transfer at Pisa Centrale station, it’s quite easy to combine both Pisa and Lucca into a day trip, provided that you’re okay with a long excursion!
Just bear in mind that if you visit Lucca in the afternoon, as I suggest below, your return trip from Lucca to Livorno is at least 90 minutes – an hour’s train ride, plus 30 minutes to return from Livorno station to your ship.
- Booked the Leaning Tower? Don’t risk missing your time slot! Prioritize Pisa in the morning, then head to Lucca if you have time.
- Not climbing the Tower? You’ll have greater flexibility. If you decide Pisa isn’t for you, it’s easy to hop on a train to Lucca.
Note: I recommend visiting Pisa first and then Lucca if you have time.
Planning Your Livorno to Lucca Day Trip? Here’s What You Need to Know
1. Livorno Cruise Port to Livorno Train Station
Read Part 1 of my Livorno Cruise Port guide here, for how to get from Livorno Cruise port to Livorno train station quickly. IHMO, this is the hardest part of your DIY excursion.
If you prefer not to deal with local trains, then pre-book an escorted tour Lucca and Pisa here. You’ll be picked up at Piazza del Municipio for the tour, the drop off point of the Livorno port shuttle and returned to the same spot after the tour. You’ll get about 3 hours in Lucca and another 2 hours in Pisa, with an option to climb the Leaning Tower if you’d like.
2. Livorno Station to Lucca Station
Once you get to Livorno Station, here’s all the info you need to get to Lucca Station on your own:
- Train Timetables: Use Omio to search for train timetables.
- Departure Station: “Livorno Centrale” is the train station you’re leaving from
- Arrival Station: “Lucca” is the train station you’re heading to
- Journey Time: About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes – almost all regional train services require a transfer at Pisa Centrale
- Tickets: €7 adults one-way; note that on regional services, kids over 12 pay adult price, kids under 12 can travel at 50% discount
My Best Tip: Live Departure Board
See the Livorno Centrale Station Live Departure Board on your phone when you’re on your way to Livorno station. No stress about finding out which platform to go to! Use Pisa Centrale Station Live Departure Board for connecting platform to Lucca.
Regional Services are marked “R” or “RV”. Look for a train going to either “Firenze Santa Maria Novella” or “Pisa Centrale” – click on the “Information” symbol to confirm that it’s going to Pisa Centrale. That’s your train!
3. Lucca Station to Lucca Town Centre
- Arrival at Lucca Station: Lucca station is located just outside the city walls. It’s 15 minutes’ walk to the heart of the wall city.
- Walking is best: Lucca is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate its charming streets and piazzas. However, if you find yourself on the opposite side of town and want to avoid a longer walk back to the station, buses operate around the city walls. Simply tap your contactless card to board, and a single ticket costs €1.70.
- Recommended Transport App: Use Google Maps to navigate around the city & bus routes (if you need them) to return to the station
- Official websites: Turismo Lucca, Autolinne Toscane (for bus info)
Lucca Day Trip Map
- On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
- On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
- If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps
Livorno to Lucca Day Trip: Top Things to Do
Lucca offers a delightful blend of iconic sights and the simple joy of strolling its charming streets. Here’s what not to miss:
1. Lucca’s Renaissance City Walls
Lucca’s Renaissance-era walls are one of its most unique features! Built roughly between 1545-1650, the walls were built to defend the (then) independent Republic of Lucca from potential attacks, particularly from its aggressive neighbour Florence.
Unusually for the era, these magnificent walls were never truly tested in battle, resulting in their excellent preservation. The only time the walls were under threat was during a flood of the Serchio River in 1812, when the gates were sealed to protect Lucca.
Today, those defensive walls are transformed into a wide, tree-lined park encircling the city – perfect for cycling or strolling.
Walk or Cycle Lucca’s City Walls
A full loop is about 4km (2.5 miles), offering beautiful views of Lucca’s historic centre and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. The walls are effectively a public park now.
The Walk on Top: The walkways are incredibly wide, averaging about 30 metres (nearly 100 feet) wide. So there’s more than enough room to accommodate both walkers and cyclists at the same time. From the elevated vantage point, you get stunning views down into the charming streets and piazzas of Lucca on one side, and out over the surrounding city and towards the Tuscan hills on the other.
The Tunnels Inside: There’s also tunnels and large underground chambers, known as casemates or sotterranei. These were built to store cannons and ammunition and to allow soldiers to move safely within the ramparts. If you’re visiting on a Friday, then book a tour to access these internal passages.
- Walk: Walking the full loop takes about an hour at a leisurely pace. The closest gate to Lucca train station is Porta San Pietro, about 300m (~1,000 feet) away – see this marked in my Lucca Day Trip Map above
- Bike: You can rent a bike from the bike shop opposite the train station from €10 a day – see this marked in my Lucca Day Trip Map above. Tandem bikes and e-bikes are available but they’re more expensive.
- Alternatively, book a small group biking tour around Lucca (with food tasting thrown in!). This departs from the same bike shop opposite Lucca train station
2. Aqueduct of Nottolini
The Aqueduct of Nottolini may look Roman but it’s a much more recent, neoclassical structure from the 19th century. Construction took close to 30 years (1823 – 1851) and was designed to work entirely by gravity – quite an engineering feat at the time.
The system collected water from 18 different springs in the Monte Di Vorno area and channeled it to a central cistern. Then the water flowed northwards along the iconic arched structure we see today for nearly 2 miles. The aqueduct stopped carrying water in the 1930s.
Today, it’s a popular spot for a scenic walk or bike ride, offering views of the surrounding hills and a glimpse into Lucca’s engineering history.
Tip: This is around the corner from the train station (see map above). So if you’re interested to see this, make this your first stop before walking to the city walls or town centre.
3. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is famous because of its perfect, enclosed elliptical shape and its elliptical shape is often compared to Rome’s magnificent Piazza Navona! The piazza is a ring of colourful, charmingly mismatched buildings because it stands on the foundations of a Roman amphitheatre from the 2nd century. (The original amphitheatre could hold up to 10,000 spectators, with two tiers of seating for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.)
You can enter the Piazza through one of four arched gateways cut through the buildings. If you walk along the outer street, Via dell’Anfiteatro, you can still see some of the original Roman stonework and closed-off arches incorporated into the back walls of the modern buildings.
- How to Get There: About 15 minutes walk from Lucca train station, through the Lucca’s town centre. Alternatively, exit the City Walls at Porta Santa Maria and it’s a 5 minute walk.
4. Guinigi Tower
Spotting Guinigi Tower is easy – it’s the one with trees growing on top! The Guinigi Tower was built in the 14th century by the Guinigi family, who were wealthy silk merchants. The Tower not only served as a defensive mechanism but also as the ultimate status symbol!
The rooftop garden has supposedly existed since the 15th century, with historical illustrations showing trees on top.
- The Climb: It’s 233 steps to the top! The climb is mostly via stone staircases that wind along the tower’s inner walls. The final short ascent to the very top is via a steeper, narrower metal ladder.
- How to Get There: A few minutes walk from Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 7pm, with (usually) late opening till 8:30pm during summer months
- Tickets: €6
Insider Tip: If the Guinigi Tower is too crowded, the Torre delle Ore (Clock Tower) also offers a worthwhile climb and lovely Lucca vistas (€8 adults). The Clock Tower is only a few minutes’ walk away. It’s roughly the same number of steps to the top as the Guinigi Tower. You can also climb the Cathedral Tower but it is not as high (see below)
5. Lucca’s Duomo (Cathedral of San Martino)
While less famous than Pisa’s Cathedral, Lucca’s Duomo is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture with a richly decorated facade. Admire the intricate carvings, marble columns, and beautiful mosaics that adorn its exterior. Step inside and appreciate the soaring ceilings, colorful stained glass, and the intricate “Last Supper” by Tintoretto.
- Opening Hours: Cathedral Mon-Fri 9:30am – 5pm, Sat 12 – 4pm, Sun 12 – 6pm. Bell Tower & Cathedral Museum Mon-Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat-Sun 10am – 6pm. Double-check hours here.
- Tickets: Combined ticket for Cathedral, Bell Tower & Museum is €10 adults, €7 for kids & students, €20 family ticket. Bell Tower only is €3
Insider Tip: The Duomo Museum houses religious artifacts and treasures, offering a glimpse into Lucca’s artistic and spiritual heritage if you have time.
6. Puccini Museum: A Tribute to Lucca’s Musical Son
Lucca was the birthplace of renowned opera composer Giacomo Puccini, and his legacy is celebrated at the Puccini Museum, his family home. Puccini compared twelve operas, with the most famous ones being La Bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904) and Turandot (unfinished when he died in 1924), with what is arguably the most famous tenor aria in the world “Nessun Dorma”, popularised globally by the Three Tenors.
Puccini spent the first 22 years of his life in Lucca, living in this house. He left Lucca to continue his studies at Milan Conservatory but he never truly left Lucca behind. He returned frequently to Lucca throughout his life, overseeing performances of his operas at Lucca’s Teatro del Giglio – less than a 5-minute walk away.
Explore rooms filled with memorabilia, manuscripts, photographs, and personal belongings. Opera lovers will appreciate the audio excerpts of his famous operas playing throughout the house.
- How to Get There: Puccini Museum is right in the middle of Lucca, approx. 10 minutes walk from either Lucca train station or Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
- Opening Hours: 9:30am to 7pm daily from April to September; check here for off-peak months
- Tickets: €9 adults, €7 kids aged 8-17 and seniors 65+. Free for kids under 8.
7. Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi
Immerse yourself in the opulent world of Lucca’s wealthy merchants at the Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi. This grand palace, once home to the Mansi family, has been transformed into a museum showcasing their luxurious lifestyle.
The palace dates to the late 16th century. But after the Mansi family purchased it in 1616, it underwent a lavish renovation. So while the exterior may appear plain and austere, the interior is a stunning example of flamboyant Baroque design.
The formal State Rooms are a riot of silk wall coverings, intricate carvings, gilded furniture and spectacular ceiling frescoes. The highlight is the beautifully restored “Camera degli Sposi” (“Bedroom of the Spouses,”), with an elaborate alcove for the bed, all draped in exquisite, original 18th century embroidered silks.
Also housed in the palace rooms is the Pinacoteca Nazionale, with an art collection strong in paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries.
- How to Get There: Less than a 5-minute walk from Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
- Opening Hours: Closed Sundays & Mondays. Generally 12 noon to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday during summer months. Double-check opening hours here (Italian only; use Google Translate to read)
- Tickets: €4 adults, free for kids under 18. To see the Pinacoteca Nazionale as well, you can buy a combined ticket for €6.50 adults.
What to Eat & Drink in Lucca: A Taste of True Tuscany
Calling all foodies! Lucca offers a chance to savor the authentic flavors of Tuscany. Here are a few Lucchese specialties to try for lunch; alternatively book a food tour to try multiple dishes:
Must-Try Pasta and Soups
- Tordelli Lucchese: These are not your average ravioli! The half-moon shape is distinctive, and the pasta is generously stuffed with a rich filling of beef and pork, often spiced with nutmeg and thyme. They are traditionally served with a slow-cooked, hearty meat ragù (sugo). It’s the ultimate Lucchese comfort food!
- Zuppa alla Frantoiana: A true taste of the Tuscan countryside in a bowl. This hearty vegetable soup is a brilliant example of cucina povera (peasant cooking), using whatever is fresh and in season. The base typically includes kale, beans, carrots, and celery, but the defining ingredient is the drizzle of intensely flavourful, freshly-pressed extra virgin olive oil on top, just as the “frantoio” (olive press) workers would eat it.
- Garmugia: A rarer but incredibly special soup from Lucca, traditionally served in the spring. It’s a vibrant, broth-based soup filled with fresh, young vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, peas, and fava beans, often enriched with a bit of ground veal or pancetta. If you see it on a menu, order it!
For authentic Tuscan (and specifically Lucchese) pasta and soups, I would recommend visiting a traditional Trattoria – see the following marked in my Lucca Day Trip map above – Trattoria da Giulio & Rusticanella 2 da Luca. Trattoria da Leo serves Zuppa alla Frantoiana. Alternatively, if you’d like a more upscale dining experience, head to Ristorante All’Olivo
Savoury Main Courses / Entrees
- Rovellina Lucchese: Thin slices of beef are first fried, then re-cooked in a flavourful sauce of tomatoes, capers, and herbs. The result is incredibly tender meat, perfect for scooping up with a slice of Tuscan bread.
- Taglieri di Salumi e Formaggi: You can’t visit Tuscany without indulging in a platter of local cured meats and cheeses. Look for Prosciutto Bazzone (a flavourful, elongated prosciutto from the nearby Garfagnana region), Biroldo (a dark, spiced blood sausage, a true local delicacy), and creamy Pecorino cheeses from the nearby hills. It’s the perfect light lunch or pre-dinner snack with a glass of local wine. Visit Enoteca Vanni (wine bar) for local wine with food – see this marked in my Lucca Day Trip map above
Sweet Treats & Local Wines
- Buccellato: As you mentioned, this is the signature sweet of Lucca. It’s a slightly sweet ring-shaped bread, soft and fragrant with anise and studded with raisins. You’ll find it in bakeries all over town, sold by the slice or as a whole ring. The locals say, “You haven’t truly been to Lucca if you haven’t eaten Buccellato.” It’s perfect for a morning coffee break or as a simple dessert, perhaps dipped in a glass of sweet Vin Santo wine. Forno a vapore Amedeo Giusti, a small bakery, is renowned for its Buccellato – see this marked on my Lucca Day Trip map above
- Vino di Montecarlo: The hills just east of Lucca are home to the Montecarlo DOC wine region, one of the oldest in Tuscany. The area is known for its excellent white wines, often blending Trebbiano with French varietals like Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, a tradition dating back to the 19th century. Of course, you’ll also find excellent Sangiovese-based reds.
- Biadina di Lucca: For a truly unique local experience, ask for a “Biadina” at an old-school bar. It’s a drink with a fascinating history, consisting of a shot of a dark, bitter liqueur (made from the Calisaya plant) served in a small glass with a few pine nuts. It’s a potent and historic local digestif.
Lucca may be smaller than its neighbors, but it packs a big dose of Tuscan charm. From its walkable streets to its laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect escape from cruise-ship crowds. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with fellow cruisers. Wishing you happy travels in Tuscany!
Featured Image courtesy of Turismo Lucca
