Lucca, the enchanting Tuscan city, invites families to embark on a captivating private tour that transports young adventurers back to the captivating Middle Ages. Led by an experienced local guide, this engaging 2-hour experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history through the eyes of a child. From the intricate carvings of the Cathedral of San Martino to the fascinating legends depicted on the Church of San Michele’s façade, this tour promises to ignite the imagination and leave lasting memories. But the true delight lies in the final stop – a delectable gelato treat that caps off this immersive journey.
Key Points
- Guided 2-hour private tour in Lucca, Italy designed for kids, focusing on the Middle Ages and its historic sites.
- Allows children to engage with stories of pilgrims and the Volto Santo, inspiring their imagination.
- Offers hands-on experiences, such as watching a medieval coin being minted at the historic Zecca.
- Explores the ornate facades of the Cathedral of San Martino and the Church of San Michele, with their captivating symbolic elements.
- Concludes with a gelato treat, creating a memorable cultural experience for the young participants.
Tour Overview
This 2-hour private tour in Lucca, Italy is designed with kids in mind, offering a captivating glimpse into the Middle Ages.
Participants will visit historic sites like the Cathedral of San Martino, Church of San Michele, and the medieval mint, the Zecca.
The tour aims to inspire children’s imagination with stories of pilgrims and the Volto Santo, a revered wooden crucifix.
Along the way, kids can watch a replica of a medieval coin being made and receive their own souvenir.
The tour concludes with a refreshing gelato treat, leaving young guests with a memorable experience.
Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Lucca
Key Attractions
As visitors explore the tour, they can admire the elaborate façade of the Cathedral of San Martino, which features intricate representations of flowers, animals, and saints’ stories.
The tour also includes a visit to the Zecca, the historic mint, where children can watch a replica of a Medieval coin being made for each of them.
Plus, the group will explore the Church of San Michele and learn about the legends depicted on its façade.
The tour provides a unique opportunity for children to step back in time and imagine the stories of pilgrims and the Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix.
Key Attractions:
-
Admire the ornate Cathedral of San Martino façade.
-
Watch a Medieval coin being minted at the Zecca.
-
Discover the legends on the Church of San Michele’s façade.
-
Engage with the stories of pilgrims and the Volto Santo.
Tour Experience
What makes the tour experience so engaging for children? The guided tour is led by an experienced local guide who brings the Middle Ages to life through captivating stories and interactive activities.
One highlight is the opportunity for children to watch a medieval coin being made at the historic mint, the Zecca. This hands-on experience allows them to connect with the craftsmanship of the past.
The tour concludes on a sweet note with a gelato treat, leaving the young participants with a memorable taste of Lucca’s history and culture.
Exploring the Cathedral of San Martino
The Cathedral of San Martino stands as a magnificent testament to Lucca’s rich history.
As the tour group approaches the façade, they’re captivated by its intricate carvings depicting a vibrant world of flowers, animals, and saints’ stories.
The guide explains the significance of these symbolic elements:
-
The flower motifs symbolize the growth and renewal associated with the Christian faith.
-
The animal figures represent the duality of human nature – both the divine and the earthly.
-
The saints’ stories illustrate the triumph of faith and the power of divine intervention.
-
The overall design reflects the cathedral’s role as a spiritual and cultural centerpiece of the city.
Visiting the Zecca
After exploring the grand façade of the Cathedral of San Martino, the tour group makes its way to the historic Zecca, or mint.
The children eagerly anticipate seeing a Medieval coin being made. Inside, the guide explains how coins were handcrafted centuries ago, demonstrating the process with a replica mint.
Each child receives their own commemorative coin, minted on the spot. The group marvels at the intricate designs, a window into the past.
This hands-on experience brings the Middle Ages to life, sparking the children’s imagination and wonder.
The Zecca visit is a highlight, immersing the young travelers in Lucca’s rich history.
- Tuscany Wine Tours in a Family Winery Podere Pellicciano
- One-Hour Tour Through the Historic Center and Half Renaissance Walls
- Complete Tour of the City and Walls
- Cesarine: Fresh Pasta Class & Meal at Locals Home in Lucca
- 2Italy Lucca Food Tour
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Cooking Class at Locals Home in Lucca
Discovering the Church of San Michele
Next, the group makes its way to the captivating Church of San Michele. The guide explains the legends depicted on the church’s intricate façade, sparking the children’s curiosity.
The façade showcases:
-
The Archangel Michael battling the devil.
-
Symbolic animals representing the virtues and vices.
-
Scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
-
Intricate carvings of foliage, mythical creatures, and biblical figures.
The children listen intently, their eyes wide with wonder, as they imagine the stories unfolding before them.
The tour continues, leaving the group eager to explore more of Lucca’s enchanting medieval wonders.
Logistical Details
As the tour concludes, participants are directed to the meeting point at the Duomo di San Martino in Piazza Antelminelli, Lucca.
The tour ends at Piazza Napoleone, just a short walk away.
The experience is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and the area is well-served by public transportation.
The 2-hour private tour is priced at $164.14 for a group of up to 10 people.
Reviews highlight the engaging nature of the tour for children and the beauty of Lucca’s historical sites, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5.
Pricing and Reviews
The tour is priced at $164.14 for a group of up to 10 people.
Though a bit pricey, reviews suggest the tour offers great value, with a 4.3/5 rating highlighting its engaging nature for children and the beauty of Lucca’s historic sites.
Some key takeaways from the reviews:
-
Children were captivated by the stories and hands-on activities.
-
The guide’s expertise brought the Middle Ages to life.
-
Visiting iconic landmarks like the Cathedral and Church was a highlight.
-
The gelato treat at the end was a delightful conclusion to the experience.
Ask Away
Can Children Attend the Tour Without Their Parents?
Children cannot attend the tour without their parents. The tour is designed for families, and requires parental supervision to ensure the safety and engagement of the young participants.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
The tour allows photography throughout, giving families the opportunity to capture their children’s reactions and the historic sites visited. Photography is encouraged to help create lasting memories of the immersive Middle Ages experience.
Can the Guide Accommodate Special Dietary Requests?
The guide can accommodate special dietary requests for the concluding gelato treat. Guests should inform the guide of any dietary needs or allergies prior to the tour to ensure a positive experience.
What Languages Are the Tours Offered In?
The tours are offered in English and Italian. The experienced local guide can accommodate participants’ language preferences to ensure an engaging and informative experience for children and their families.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
There’s no minimum group size requirement for this tour. It’s priced per group, accommodating up to 10 people, making it flexible for families or small groups to enjoy the Middle Ages experience in Lucca.
Final Words
This captivating 2-hour private tour in Lucca offers young adventurers a chance to step back in time and enjoy the enchanting Middle Ages. From exploring the stunning Cathedral of San Martino to witnessing medieval coin minting at the historic Zecca, the tour culminates with a delightful gelato treat, leaving lasting memories of Lucca’s rich history.
More Tours in Lucca
- Private wine tour on the magical hills of Lucca (2 wineries)
- Lucca: self-guided bike tour + picnic in the vineyards
- Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by van
- Self-guided Bike Tour from Lucca to Pisa
- Cinque Terre Tour by van from Lucca, Pisa or La Spezia Port
- Lucca: The Puccini Cycle Path and Lake Massaciuccoli Tour
More Tour Reviews in Lucca
- Private wine tour on the magical hills of Lucca (2 wineries)
- Wine tasting in Lucca “at home” with expert sommelier – 5 wines
- Lucca: self-guided bike tour + picnic in the vineyards
- Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu with Mamma in Lucca
- Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by van
- Lucca Bikes and Bites with food tastings for Small Groups or Private
Still browsing? Here are more Lucca experiences we've covered recently
- Walking Tour: Mysterious Lucca through Stories and Legends
- Private wine tour on the magical hills of Lucca (2 wineries)
- Wine tasting in Lucca “at home” with expert sommelier – 5 wines
- Lucca: self-guided bike tour + picnic in the vineyards
- Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu with Mamma in Lucca
- Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by van
- Lucca Bikes and Bites with food tastings for Small Groups or Private
- Lucca Aperitivo evening walk with food and wine for Small Groups
- Self-guided Bike Tour from Lucca to Pisa
- Cinque Terre Tour by van from Lucca, Pisa or La Spezia Port
- Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca
- Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Pistoia with Show Cooking