19 days in Lucca & Florence Itinerary

Lucca, famous for its intact Renaissance-era city walls, remained an independent city-state until the end of the 18th century.

You'll explore and learn at Museo Aviotruppe Esercito Italiano and Antica Tipografia Biagini. Get a sense of the local culture at Fattoria al Dotto and Tenuta Adamo Winery. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Lucca: Leaning Tower of Pisa (in Pisa), Spiaggia di Fegina (in Monterosso al Mare) and Santuario della Madonna del Monte (in Mulazzo). And it doesn't end there: do a tasting at Podere Pellicciano - Agrisole, indulge in some personalized pampering at Cinque Terre Wellness, steep yourself in history at Le mura di Lucca, and admire the striking features of St Martin Cathedral.

To find more things to do, photos, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Lucca holiday planner.

Milan to Lucca is an approximately 3-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or take a bus. When traveling from Milan in December, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Lucca: temperatures range from 15°C by day to 4°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Florence.

Considered a cultural, artistic, and architectural jewel of Italy, Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Let the collections at Florence Academy of Fine Arts and Museo Nazionale del Bargello capture your imagination. Get some cultural insight at Piazzale Michelangelo and Ponte Vecchio. Change things up with these side-trips from Florence: Poggio al Sole Winery (in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa), Greve in Chianti (Azienda Agricola Altiero (Winery), Savignola Paolina, &more) and Panzano in Chianti (Azienda Agricola Panzanello & Accademia del Buon Gusto). Dedicate the 23rd (Fri) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. Next up on the itinerary: do a tasting at Castello del Trebbio, take in panoramic vistas at Campanile di Giotto, get a sense of history and politics at Palazzo Vecchio, and admire the masterpieces at Pitti Palace.

To see other places to visit, photos, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Florence trip planner.

You can drive from Lucca to Florence in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus; or take a train. In December, daily temperatures in Florence can reach 15°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) early enough to take a train back home.