Lucca - Pisa

Route: Florence - Lucca - Pisa - Florence
Duration: 7 h
Firstly we will visit to hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls, Lucca is one of the most charming cities in Northern Tuscany. Founded by the Romans in 180 BC, Lucca had already acquired an enormous wealth by the late Middle Ages thanks to silk manufacturing and trade with the whole of Europe. An independent city state for centuries, it offers perfectly preserved Romanesque churches and historic buildings, narrow lanes, large and small squares. During our visit you will seethe Piazza (Square) and Church of San Michele in Foro, Piazza Napoleone where Palazzo Ducale and the Giglio Theatre are located, the Cathedral of San Martino where the wooden crucifix known as the Volto Santo (Holy Face) and the famous sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia are situated. You will pass by the house where Giacomo Puccini was born and stroll along charming medieval streets such as the elegant Via Fillungo. You will see the Guinigi Tower (Torre), Piazza Anfiteatro, and the Basilica of San Frediano, and of course, walk on the renowned 16th century walls. Next we will visit to Pisa the historic university city of Pisa, famous for its architectural beauty. It was born as an Etruscan port, around the middle of the VI century. First human settlements date back to the IX century. There are many hypothesis about Pisa's origins: it is said it was a Greek country, a village of Liguria or an Etruscan city. Etruscans called the city Pise and developed the economy of the country through arts and crafts production. The city had a strategic position, because it is close to river Arno and the sea. After the first battles against Ligures, Pisa became the ally of Rome,and took place in the wars against Carthage. At the end, it became a Roman colony. Around the 15th century, Pisa was subjected by Lombards. From that moment the city became the main port of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Lombards traded with Sardinia, Corsica, Spain and France. Upon arrival in Pisa, guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli, with the celebrated Leaning Tower , the Baptistery and other important monuments. This is followed by a visit to the interior of the Cathedral, an unrivalled masterpiece of Romanesque art constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries. Free time at your walk tour reach Piazza dei Cavalieri, where you can admire the historic Scuola Normale. After we return to Florence.
Price: per person