Valdinievole and Lucca tour with Funicular Ride in Montecatini
(Private Tour departures from: Massa-Carrara, Florence and Pisa)
- 8 Hours
- Easy
- Private
Overview
Private Tuscany Tour: Lucca, Montecatini Alto & Nievole Valley with Wine & Lunch
Full-Day Private Tour | Art, History, Wine & Food Experience
A Day of Art, History, Wine, and Food in the Heart of Tuscany 🌿🍷🍝🍇
Join our expert local driver for an unforgettable private Tuscany tour, perfect for lovers of art, history, wine, and authentic Italian food. Discover the timeless beauty of Lucca, the medieval charm of Montecatini Alto, and enjoy a traditional Tuscan winery lunch surrounded by rolling countryside.
Morning – Discover Lucca’s Rich History
Your day begins in Lucca, one of Tuscany’s most elegant and well-preserved historic towns, famous for its Renaissance walls and as the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini.
Highlights of Lucca:
🏛️ Piazza dell’Anfiteatro (formerly Piazza Ovale) – a unique Roman amphitheater turned into a lively square
⛪ Lucca Cathedral (San Martino) – a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture
🌳 Guinigi Tower – climb to the top for panoramic views crowned by its famous oak trees
🎼 Optional visit to the Puccini Museum
Stroll through charming streets, elegant piazzas, and historic landmarks at a relaxed pace.
Lunch – Fattoria Carmignani: Authentic Tuscan Winery Experience 🌿🍷🍝
Next, we drive to Montecarlo di Lucca for a memorable lunch at Fattoria Carmignani, a family-run farmhouse winery nestled in the Tuscan countryside.
Lunch & Wine Tasting Experience:
🍝 Traditional 3-course Tuscan lunch
🍷 Wine tasting of 5 local wines
🫒 Extra virgin olive oil tasting
🥓 Selection of cold cuts and bruschettas
Elena and her family will welcome you and guide you through the farm, sharing stories of Tuscan winemaking, olive oil production, and rural traditions—a true farm-to-table experience.
Afternoon – Montecatini Alto & Funicular Ride 🚂
After lunch, continue to Montecatini Alto, a picturesque medieval village overlooking the Nievole Valley.
🚂 Ride the historic Montecatini Funicular (operating since 1848)
🏰 Explore the medieval fortress and ancient streets
🌄 Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside
☕ Relax in a quiet piazza with a coffee or gelato
Important Note
The Montecatini Alto Funicular operates from one week before Easter until October 31st.
Why Choose This Private Tuscany Tour?
🚘 Private tour with an English-speaking local driver
🏛️ Art & history in Lucca
🍷 Authentic Tuscan winery lunch & wine tasting
🚂 Historic Montecatini Alto funicular
🌿 Scenic views of the Nievole Valley
⏳ Relaxed pace & fully customizable experience
✨ Experience the authentic soul of Tuscany through art, landscapes, wine, and food.
📅 Book your private Lucca & Montecatini Alto tour today for a truly unforgettable day! 🌟
What's Included
- Local expert driver and tour leader
- Private tour with air-conditioned vehicle
- Wine tasting in Winery Farm (3 tastings of Chianti wine, extra vergine olive oil with brischettas)
- 3 Course lunch - 5 wine tastings
- Bottled water
- Funicular Ticket
Please Note
- Pick up at your Hotel or private flat and B&B with confortable Mercedes Minivan or similar. Welcome sign PEK TUSCANY IN LIMO + your name.
- English speaking driver
IMPORTANT: We can also pick up and drop off customers at private addresses, apartments or B & B, without extra charge. It is only necessary to indicate the correct address in the notes.
What To Expect and Itinerary
Stop At: Lucca, the city of ancient Walls🏰 🏛️
Our English-speaking driver will pick you up at your hotel or apartment around 9:00 AM for a scenic drive to Lucca, a charming city steeped in history and art. Known as the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, Lucca offers a fascinating journey through time, from its Roman origins to the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and modern times.
The city is enclosed by its famous Renaissance walls, which are beautifully crowned with trees, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere. You can enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides along the pedestrian-friendly streets within the city, taking in the unique blend of history and modernity.
Top attractions include Piazza Ovale, an oval-shaped square built within the remains of a Roman amphitheater, and the Cathedral of Lucca, an important site with a beautiful interior and rich history. Don’t miss the Guinigi Tower, where you can climb to the top and find a garden with oak trees growing on the roof—offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
With 2 hours to explore, you’ll experience the essence of this magical city, filled with history, beauty, and timeless charm.
Stop At: Lunch at Fattoria Carmignani – A Taste of Authentic Tuscan Cuisine 🌿🍷🍝🍇
After a morning of exploring Lucca, enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch at Fattoria Carmignani, a charming family-run winery located in the picturesque hills of Montecalo di Lucca. Here, you’ll experience the true flavors of Tuscany with a three-course meal made from fresh, local ingredients and prepared in the time-honored way.
Your lunch begins with a selection of bruschettas topped with the finest extra virgin olive oil, and cold cuts, such as prosciutto, salami, and local cheeses, offering the perfect introduction to Tuscan flavors.
For the main course, you’ll enjoy homemade pasta, made with love and care, a staple of traditional Tuscan cuisine. The dish is accompanied by five exceptional wines from the Carmignani family’s vineyard, each carefully chosen to complement the meal and highlight the unique terroir of the region.
After lunch, take a guided tour of the vineyard to learn about the family’s winemaking techniques, from grape harvesting to fermentation. You’ll also discover how the family produces their fine wines, including the secrets behind their traditional winemaking methods.
This experience offers a perfect combination of authentic Tuscan cuisine, local wines, and family traditions, making it an unforgettable part of your day in Tuscany.
Duration: 1,5 hours
Stop At: The Funicular 🚂 Ride to Montecatini Alto – A Scenic Journey to the Past
The funicular ride from Montecatini Terme to Montecatini Alto is a truly unforgettable experience. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding Nievole Valley, with its rolling hills, lush greenery, and charming villages dotting the landscape. The funicular, a historic transport system dating back to 1848, offers a unique perspective on the valley, slowly climbing up through picturesque terrain, creating a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.
As you approach Montecatini Alto, the views only get more dramatic, with sweeping panoramas stretching all the way to the distant city of Lucca. The journey offers a glimpse of the peaceful beauty of Tuscany, where nature, history, and tradition blend seamlessly.
Arriving at Montecatini Alto, you’ll find yourself in a medieval village brimming with history. Narrow, cobbled streets wind through the town, lined with quaint shops, cafes, and ancient buildings. The old fortress and Piazza Giusti provide charming spots to explore and relax, offering a true sense of stepping back in time. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nievole Valley, making this tranquil hilltop village a perfect destination to unwind and take in the beauty of Tuscany.
Duration: 1,15 Min.
Return to Florence
After the visit to Montecatini Alto we return to Florence at 5.00 PM
Duration: 45 Min.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Please Note:
Inform us about any food allergies or intollerances you might have in advance during your booking procedure.
