They say Tuscany moves at its own pace. Time softens, curling around terracotta rooftops and stone piazzas in the shade of plane trees and ancient churches. In Lucca and Pisa, two quietly compelling cities in Italy, history seeps into daily life. Bicycles glide along Renaissance walls, church bells mark the hour, and streets stumble upon ancient wonders. This corner of Tuscany is one of balance: a grand artistic legacy paired with simple pleasures; world-famous landmarks set alongside lived-in neighbourhoods and hidden trattorie. Lucca offers refinement without pretence, while Pisa is all intellect and icon. Together, they create a destination that feels deeply rooted yet effortlessly explored, with Florence, the vineyards of Chianti, the medieval beauty of Siena, and the rolling countryside around Arezzo all within easy reach.
Spend your days wandering cobbled streets, pausing for espresso, escaping to the coast or countryside, before returning home to your own sanctuary. However you choose to explore, it’s best enjoyed from an Oliver’s Travels holiday home.
Our villas in Lucca and Pisa are handpicked for their character, comfort, and sense of place. Expect generous spaces, private gardens, pools made for long summer afternoons, and destinations that balance seclusion with easy access to culture, coast, and countryside. Whether you’re travelling as a family or gathering friends, we’ll find you a villa that suits.
Once you book a holiday, our Concierge Service is here to help with all things planning and recommendations to make your stay truly extraordinary.
Lucca and Pisa sit at the crossroads of Tuscany’s many identities. Art and architecture meet slow living; centuries of history coexist with a youthful buzz. Pisa may be known for its gravity-defying monument, but you’ll also find elegant palazzi, peaceful riverside walks, and a city shaped by scholars, scientists, and centuries of curiosity.
Lucca, meanwhile, feels secretive. Encircled by formidable city walls, it’s preserved a sense of calm and intimacy rare in such a historic place. Inside, you’ll find Roman ruins woven into medieval streets, graceful piazzas framed by honey-hued buildings, and an atmosphere that forces you to slow down.
Both cities are ideally placed for exploration. The Tuscan coast is within easy reach, as are the rolling hills of Garfagnana and the vineyards of Montecarlo. Florence is close enough for a day trip, yet far enough away to let Lucca and Pisa retain their singular charm.
Lucca’s Renaissance walls – impossibly intact and beautifully green – form a tree-lined promenade perfect for walking or cycling at sunset. In Pisa, it’s all contrast; beyond the Leaning Tower lies one of the world’s oldest university cities filled with excellent wine bars, independent shops, and restaurants serving simple, seasonal dishes.
Walk or cycle Lucca’s Renaissance walls
Explore Lucca’s historic heart, from the café-lined Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, once a Roman amphitheatre, to the richly decorated Duomo di San Martino.
Climb the Guinigi Tower, crowned with oak trees, for one of the most memorable panoramas in Tuscany.
Discover Lucca’s musical heritage at the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini
Visit Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto stand in striking harmony.
Dive into art and history, from medieval masterpieces at the Museo di San Matteo to rotating exhibitions at riverside Palazzo Blu.
Venture beyond the cities, spending beach days in Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi, exploring vineyard-dotted hill towns, or hiking in the dramatic Apuan Alps.
By plane
Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) is the most convenient gateway, with regular direct flights across Europe. It’s just minutes from Pisa’s centre and around 30 minutes from Lucca by car or train. Florence Airport is another option, especially if you’re combining your stay with the wider region.
By train
Pisa Centrale is a major rail hub with direct connections to Florence, Rome and the Cinque Terre. Lucca is a short, scenic train journey away, with frequent daily services. Both historic centres are compact and easy to explore on foot.
By car
A car offers the greatest flexibility, especially for countryside villas, coastal trips and exploring beyond the cities. Roads are well maintained, though both Pisa and Lucca have restricted traffic zones (ZTLs) in their historic centres, so parking outside the walls is recommended. Many villas provide private parking.
By bus or bike
Local buses link Pisa, Lucca and nearby towns, while Lucca is one of Tuscany’s most cycle-friendly cities. Flat terrain, wide paths and its circular city walls make cycling an enjoyable way to explore.
