Lucca and Pontedera in one day
The Renaissance walls of Lucca in the morning, the story of the Vespa in Pontedera in the afternoon: an itinerary pairing two Tuscan towns with strong, very different identities.
Why pair Lucca and Pontedera
Lucca is one of Italy's best-preserved walled towns, a compact historic centre enclosed within Renaissance ramparts that can be walked or cycled. Pontedera, a little further south, tells instead the Tuscany of work and industry, the one tied to Piaggio and the Vespa.
The two towns are about an hour apart, making them a convenient pairing for anyone who wants to see, in a single day, both the more classic face of touristic Tuscany and a more industrial, less-trodden one.
Morning in Lucca
- Early morning
The walk around the walls
The Renaissance walls encircling Lucca's old town can be walked or cycled along a tree-lined path overlooking both the town and the surrounding countryside: probably the most iconic thing to do here.
- Mid-morning
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and the centre
Heading down into the centre, the distinctive oval shape of Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built over the site of the ancient Roman amphitheatre, is one of the most photographed spots in town.
- Late morning
Towers and bell towers
Lucca still has several historic towers in its skyline: climbing one of the town's panoramic points gives an overall view before a lunch stop in the centre.
Getting to Pontedera
After lunch, drivers can follow the roads linking the Lucca plain to the Pisa area and then the Valdera, a journey of about an hour. Those who prefer the train can use regional connections with a change at Pisa Centrale to reach the Pontedera-Casciana Terme station: check current timetables and connections on the official rail operator's website before setting off.
Afternoon in Pontedera
- Early afternoon
Piaggio Museum
Once in Pontedera, the Piaggio Museum is the main stop for understanding the deep bond between the town and the history of the Vespa. Check the museum's official website for opening hours and visit arrangements before you go.
- Late afternoon
Old town and murals
A walk through the centre discovering the themed murals and the street art scattered around town rounds off the day nicely, before an aperitivo in one of the main squares.
Practical tips for planning the day
Given the distance between the two towns, it's worth setting off early, especially if you want to walk Lucca's walls at a relaxed pace before the midday crowds. If time is tight, you can also dedicate only the morning to Lucca and cut the Pontedera stop down to a quick museum visit and a short walk through the centre: our guide to a whistle-stop itinerary offers a few extra ideas for organising a short visit to the home of the Vespa.
FAQ
How do you get from Lucca to Pontedera?
By car along the roads connecting the Lucca plain to the Pisa area and Pontedera, or by train with a change at Pisa: the best option depends on where your day starts.
How long does the walk around Lucca's walls take?
On foot at a relaxed pace, one to two hours is enough for a full loop; by bike, a very popular way to cover this route, the time is much shorter.
Is it worth renting a bike in Lucca?
Yes, it's one of the most typical things to do in town: the centre has several bike rental shops, handy for covering the walls walkway quickly.