Lucca

Framed by its imposing Renaissance walls, Lucca is one of Tuscany’s most fascinating art cities. Strolling through its perfectly preserved historic center, you can admire the majestic Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, an ancient Roman amphitheater transformed into a unique square.

Lucca is known as the “city of 100 churches” for the sheer number of religious buildings scattered throughout its historic center, a testament to its rich artistic and spiritual tradition.

The Guinigi Tower is a must-see, with its hanging garden offering breathtaking views of the city. A few steps away, the Cathedral of San Martino houses masterpieces such as the Volto Santo and the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto. No less impressive is the Church of San Michele in Foro, with its splendid Romanesque façade.

Lucca is also the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, and his house-museum is a must-see for music lovers. Finally, a walk or bike ride along the Walls of Lucca, transformed into a green, tree-lined avenue, will give you a unique experience of history and nature.

Pisa

Famous worldwide for its Leaning Tower, Pisa is a city steeped in history, culture, and tradition. Its undisputed symbol is the splendid Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site that also houses the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the evocative Baptistery, known for its perfect acoustics, and the monumental Camposanto, an ancient cemetery filled with frescoes and works of art.

But Pisa is much more than its tower! A stroll along the Arno will lead you to the picturesque Church of Santa Maria della Spina, a masterpiece of Pisan Gothic architecture overlooking the river. From here, continuing into the heart of the city, you reach the Piazza dei Cavalieri, once the center of political power of the Pisan Republic and now home to the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore.

The streets of the historic center, bustling with shops, cafes, and restaurants, tell the story of the city’s glorious past and its youthful spirit, thanks to the presence of one of Italy’s oldest universities. Pisa is also the birthplace of Galileo Galilei, and his spirit of innovation lives on in its museums and scientific institutions.