Day Trips and Excursions :: LUCCA AND THE GLORIOUS VILLA TORRIGIANI

LUCCA AND THE GLORIOUS VILLA TORRIGIANI
A Romp in Patrician Tuscany

Your English-speaking driver and luxury vehicle will collect you in the early morning and accompany you to the centre of Lucca - one of the most attractive, refined and elegant of all Tuscan cities. Girded by impressive walls 16th century walls which have UNESCO World Heritage List status, the City of Puccini abounds with art treasures and prosperous citizens enjoying la bella vita! Upon arrival, you will be met by an authorized local guide. Visit the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Martin housing Jacobo della Quercia's masterpiece, Ilaria del Carreto, the Church of St Michael in Foro, built over three centuries with the remains of ancient Roman temples and now home to Andrea della Robbia’s Madonna e Bambino, and the unique oval-shaped Piazza Anfiteatro, where the houses were built on the foundation of an ancient Roman Imperial amphitheatre. Have time to amble through elegant shady piazzae, admire the Art Nouveau shops along Via Fillungo, sip an espresso in Puccini's old haunt, the historic, Caffè Simo or lunch on Lucchese specialities in the renowned Buca di Sant'Antonio.
In the afternoon, tour the spectacular Colli Lucchesi countryside. In the 16th century, the wealthy merchant-class families of Lucca built splendid summer villas on the terraces of these shady vine-clad hills. Arguably, Villa Torrigiani is the most impressive of all and still remains in the hands of the noble Colonna family. Tour the sumptuous interior in the company of a docent then enjoy the splendors of the classical garden.