15 Jul A Bike Stroll Around Lucca
Often overlooked by people visiting Tuscany, Lucca is indeed a little gem full of history and wonderful architectural examples from the Renaissance: the old walls, the Cathedral di San Martino, the wonderful church of San Michele in Foro, the famous Piazza Anfiteatro with its unique oval shape.
[pullquote]There’s nothing like a bike stroll around Lucca to see the city and its surroundings from a different perspective[/pullquote]
Apart from loafing around the old narrow streets, enjoying every little corner, a lovely way to explore Lucca and its surrounding is a stroll by bike.
While you can easily hire a bike and tour the city walls by yourselves, a guided tour adds a lot to the experience, showing more nice places outside the city.
Emilio and Serena are two nature guides who founded Eco-guide, with the objective to let people discover the beautiful surroundings of Lucca. Slowly, on foot or by bike, to fully savor the landscape.
After having tested and chosen the right bike, the tour started on the ancient walls circling the old city. From there, the perspective is different and it wasn’t long before we stopped to catch a few photos of beautiful historical buildings.
We then headed towards the outskirts of Lucca and pedalled along the Nottolini aqueduct. Seen from above, the arches of the aqueduct are quite impressive.
At the far end, there’s the old ‘Temple Cistern’ – owing its name from its circular shape – from where we enjoyed the view of the entire aqueduct and a glimpse of the mountains.
Back in Lucca, we treated ourselves with a little rest and a well-deserved ice-cream. Emilio and Serena told us a little more about Eco-guide excursions, which include education walks with kids in the woods, bike rides in Garfagnana and night walks on Monte Pisano. And as Emilio and Serena are very attentive to the environment, every starting point is reached by train.
Our stroll is almost over. Heading back to the bike rental we stop for a while to admire the gorgeous Duomo di San Martino and its wonderful marble sculptures and carvings.
Our day in Lucca turns to its end in the most beautiful way: a lovely sunset with a view on Lucca’s old walls.
Note: the day in Lucca was part of the Blog Trip “Like a Local Between Pisa & Lucca” organized and hosted by Casa Gentili (a lovely B&B near Pisa) and Avventurosa (travel social media specialists). However, all views and opinions expressed are uniquely personal.
More reading: Eat, Pray, Love: A Tribute to Hidden Tuscany
Travel addict and passionate about photography, Simon Falvo started Wild About Travel back in 2009. Leveraging her strong PR background, she developed an extensive knowledge of Digital Communications and Social Media Marketing. Besides travel writing SImon holds workshops and trainings, she collaborated with tourism boards for digital marketing campaigns and participated as a speaker at several events.
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Lindy
Posted at 20:45h, 05 MarchWow, it’s beautiful out there! Love the photos.
kelly
Posted at 19:24h, 22 OctoberLucca really is beautiful in autumn. We was there last week and also enjoyed the biking round the walls and watching the sunset while eating pizza. It really is a hidden gem, and well worth a visit!
Simon
Posted at 10:26h, 23 OctoberI agree with you, Kelly. Lucca is beautiful, possibly my favorite city in Tuscany. And a bike ride on the walls at sunset is a real treat.
waitinginthedark
Posted at 23:07h, 13 NovemberBiking around the wall and in the surroundings is truly a lovely experience. I’m sure you and Alan would love it!
Donna Hull
Posted at 22:42h, 13 NovemberLucca is one of my favorite Italian cities. I enjoyed walking in the old town on a Saturday afternoon in October. Many locals, especially teens, were busy shopping in the boutiques. Great people watching! Next time, I want to ride bikes around the wall!
Jenna
Posted at 20:41h, 08 SeptemberI haven’t been to Lucca yet. This looks like a truly wonderful way to spend the day. And such beautiful architecture!
Ciki
Posted at 10:31h, 27 Julyso nice! i wanna visit Lucca on bike, and have icecream:)
Gio Palatucci
Posted at 20:53h, 18 JulyI loved cycling in Lucca and the loop atop the city wall provides great views, however the track is short! Don’t plan on just cycling the wall. You can loop it several times in only a half hour. Although navigating the cobblestone streets is tougher, you’ll get to see more of the city that way.
Robin | My Melange
Posted at 20:23h, 18 JulyGlad you loved it. It’s one of my favorite places in Tuscany and biking the walls is a fabulous way to experience it!
Debra Kolkka
Posted at 23:42h, 17 JulyI have a house in Bagni di Lucca (near Lucca) where I spend several months a year. I love Lucca!! I have never found the start of the aquaduct. You have inspired me to have a good look.
Lucca is becoming very busy with tourists in summer. I hope it doesn’t become too popular.
John
Posted at 23:58h, 15 JulyI really enjoyed my visit to Lucca. I walked around the walls and the city streets. I was most impressed by the Guinigi Tower with the oak trees Holm Oak trees on top and the view over the rooftops, walls out to the hills beyond.
waitinginthedark
Posted at 00:12h, 16 JulyI can hardly imagine anyone visiting Lucca and not falling in love with the city. And you’re right about the Guinigi Tower… Quite impressive!