Lucca: Bike Tour with Food Tastings & Artisan Gelato

Summary

Cycle Lucca’s ancient walls, taste pecorino and gelato, meet locals along the way

You’ll pedal along Lucca’s ancient city walls with a local guide, sample pecorino cheese and cold cuts at a favorite shop, explore quiet neighborhoods most visitors miss, and finish with artisan gelato (or cake in winter). Expect laughter, local stories, and maybe even a new appreciation for Italian olive oil by the end.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure about biking in Lucca at first — I hadn’t been on a proper bike in years, and the idea of navigating those old city walls sounded a bit…well, wobbly. But our guide Paolo met us right outside the station with this easygoing grin and somehow made it feel like we were just out for a spin with friends. The bikes were sturdy (mine had a bell that made a very satisfying “ding!”), and before I knew it we were gliding up onto those wide tree-lined ramparts. There was this earthy smell from the plane trees overhead — kind of sweet, almost grassy — and you could hear little bursts of laughter from couples walking hand in hand. It felt like the city was breathing around us.

Paolo pointed out how the Walls of Lucca aren’t just for show; locals actually use them as their own park. We passed an old man walking his tiny dog (the dog wore a red sweater — not kidding), and then zipped down into quieter neighborhoods where laundry hung from windows and someone somewhere was making espresso. Our first food stop was tucked away behind an unmarked door. Inside: slices of salty pecorino cheese, paper-thin prosciutto, bread that crackled when you tore it. We tried olive oil so green it looked almost fake — Paolo told us about the harvest last autumn while we dipped our bread. I probably ate more than my share.

The ride itself is gentle — mostly flat — but there are moments when you’re weaving through narrow alleys or passing under arches that make you feel like you’ve slipped into another century. At one point we stopped near San Michele in Foro and listened to bells echo off stone facades; I remember thinking how different church bells sound here compared to back home, less urgent somehow. Oh, and don’t get me started on the gelato at the end: hazelnut so creamy it almost melted before I could get my camera out. In winter they swap it for cake and coffee (Paolo says he prefers that anyway). We ended back at the starting point a little sweaty but grinning stupidly at each other because honestly? That was way more fun than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike tour and food tastings in Lucca

• Meet at Railway station entrance
• Pick up bikes at rental shop
• Ride on top and around town walls
• Explore secret passages and hidden sites
• Cycle through historical centre and neighborhoods
• First food stop with local delicatessens tasting
• Ride through alleys and ancient churches
• See San Frediano basilica and Amphitheatre square
• Explore east side of town
• Return to walls for unexplored parts
• Pass Piazza Grande for last sweet stop
• Taste gelato or cake and coffee
• Return to starting point

Top questions

Is bike rental included in this Lucca bike tour?

Yes, your bike rental is included for the entire tour duration.

Do we get to try local food during the tour?

Yes, you’ll enjoy tastings of pecorino cheese, cured meats, extra-virgin olive oil, and artisan gelato or cake with coffee in colder months.

Where does the Lucca bike tour start?

The tour begins at the main entrance of Lucca Railway Station.

How long is the cycling route around Lucca?

The route covers both the city walls and various neighborhoods within central Lucca; most of it is flat and easy to ride.

Is this day trip suitable for kids?

Children under 12 are welcome; special bikes and menus are available for them.

What happens if it rains during our booking?

If it rains, you’ll be offered a walking version of the same itinerary instead of biking.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included besides food tastings?

Your day includes use of a bicycle, all food tastings (cheese, meats, olive oil), wine or soft drink at one stop, artisan gelato (or cake/coffee in winter), plus guidance throughout from a knowledgeable local.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Lucca Railway Station’s main entrance where your guide meets you; all bicycle rentals; tastings of local cheese, cured meats, olive oil with wine or soft drink; plus artisan gelato (or cake and coffee during colder months) before returning to your starting point together.