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Luxury Villa Rentals for 2+ people
Lucca is a province of Tuscany, punctuated by its beautiful medieval capital, the city of Lucca, and surrounded by the panoramic rolling hills, verdant Mediterranean flora, and even lovely beaches. Luxury villas in Lucca Italy let you experience the best of this beautiful part of Tuscany in style, privacy, and exquisite modern comfort.
Like the villas themselves, Lucca is home to a rich history. Since Roman times, it has been widely regarded as a centre of arts and culture -- in fact, the town's main piazzas, Pizza San Michele and Pizza dell'Anfiteatro, are located on the site of an ancient forum and amphitheatre, respectively.
During the Middle Ages, Lucca became a centre of pilgrimage, thanks in part to hosting Volto Santo (Holy Face), a wood carving of Jesus Christ on the cross which is said to have been carved by Nicodemus after helping entomb Christ. It is housed today in the city's famous Gothic Cathedral, St Martin's Cathedral, whose bell tower dominates the city's tranquil skyline.
That said, Lucca's most famous features are its old walls. Dating back to the Renaissance, these thick, tree-lined walls completely encircle the city and have become important common areas for the city's residents. They help further imbue Lucca with its own distinct charm and timeless elegance.
Ultimately, it's this laid-back, quaint character that really elevates Lucca and makes it such a favourite among connoisseurs.
While the city's narrow streets and thick ramparts give it an undeniable appeal, it's in the surrounding countryside where you'll find Lucca's best luxury villa rentals.
Starting in the 15th century and through to the 19th century, rich aristocrats built holiday homes in the Lucca hills surrounding the city. Today, Lucca's most historic villas include Villa Bernardini, Villa Grabau, and Villa Reale, the former residence of Elisa Baciocchi (Napoleon's sister and the former princess of Lucca).
While these villas cannot be rented as accommodation, Rental Escapes has a fine collection of villas to rent in Lucca that can be all yours. Most villas are located in the surrounding countryside, where you can experience the unforgettable beauty of Tuscany while still being just a short drive from the city center.
These villas and holiday rentals are independently owned and operated, with a history and style all their own. The first step to choosing a luxury villa to rent in Lucca and Tuscany, then, is deciding on your approximate travel dates and your party size. From there, your Rental Escapes villa specialist will be happy to present you with the very best luxury villas in Lucca Italy for your dates.
Because so much of Lucca's appeal revolves around enjoying the warm climate and beautiful landscapes, most of our Lucca villas provide amenities such as private swimming pools. Take a dip and cool off before enjoying a wonderful meal al fresco or BBQ, prepared by your attentive private chef. That's villa life in the province of Lucca.
Top choices here include:
Life in Tuscany is all about getting together with friends and family and enjoying good food, good wine, and the beauty of your surroundings. Large villas in Tuscany let you do just that with comfortable communal areas, elaborate dining areas, and plenty of spacious bedrooms for all. They include:
Italy is part of the Schengen area, which includes most European countries. If you're coming from outside the Schengen area, including from the US, Canada, or the UK, then you'll have to show your passport once upon entry, after which you won't have to pass through customs again.
The closest airports to Lucca are Florence Airport and Pisa Airport if you're travelling by air. Pisa is about 20 minutes by train from Lucca, while Florence is one hour and 20 minutes away. If you're landing in Venice, Milan, or Rome, expect a 3-4-hour train ride.
You can also rent a car or arrange for a private driver to travel from Pisa or Florence to Lucca. Pisa is a 30-minute drive, while Florence is an hour and 10 minutes.
Once you're in Lucca, a rental car or private driver is suggested if you are staying outside the city. Much of the old city is closed off to cars, so once inside, you have to get around on foot or by bicycle.
Your Rental Escapes concierge can assist you with airport drivers, rental cars, private drivers, and more.
For most, late spring and early fall are the ideal times to visit Lucca. The weather is warm, though not as hot as the peak of the summer, and there's still a low chance of rain. Travelling at this time also lets you avoid the crowds of peak season in the summer.
That said, if you're looking to relax by the pool or visit some of Lucca's beaches, then you'll probably want to travel in the summer months when water temperatures are at their highest. Just be aware that villa rentals for this busy time tend to book months in advance.
Winter in Lucca is decidedly low season, and many villas close during this time. Temperatures drop, leaves fall, and there's not much going on until Easter. Still, if you want to experience Lucca like a true local, this could be the time for you.
Bike or walk around the walls of Lucca: Lucca's well-preserved and tree-lined ramparts encircle the city and function as a much-loved communal area. Walk or take a bike to get a great view of the city and experience the laid-back rhythm of life in the historic center and heart of Lucca.
Visit St. Martin's Cathedral: Lucca's most famous and magnificent sight, St. Martin's Cathedral, is a massive Gothic cathedral that is home to three masterpieces: Ilaria del Carreto's tomb, Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints, and Volto Santo. These masterpieces, and the church itself, have attracted pilgrims for centuries.
Take in the San Michele in Foro: With its distinct Gothic and Romanesque façade, San Michele in Foro is a masterpiece to behold. Built on the site of a former Roman forum, its four levels of loggias are replete with intricate sculptures, culminating with a large statue of St. Michael at the top. The area around the church is also one of Lucca's main piazzas and a great place to grab a drink.
So much of Lucchese cuisine revolves around using fresh, local ingredients. Its privileged location, with Emilia-Romagna to the north, the rest of Tuscany to the south, and the sea to the west, gives Lucca the unique advantage of being able to pull from a variety of regional influences and bounties.
Local specialties include scarpaccio, a type of flatbread filled with fresh ingredients; tordelli Lucchese, a type of fresh stuffed pasta; and rovelline lucchesi, made with local beef and mountain capers.
And while Lucca certainly has its share of great restaurants, your Rental Escapes concierge can also arrange private chef service and villa pre-stocking (as well as restaurant reservations) on any stay.
Lucca benefits from a warm, Mediterranean climate, and is slightly cooler than other parts of Tuscany.
Summers are short and hot, with average temperatures of 26°C (78.8°F), reaching a peak of 30°C (86°F) in July. Summer is also the dry season, with only 3-4 days of precipitation per month.
Autumn sees temperatures drop to 16°C-11°C (60.8°F-51.8°F), with precipitation picking up to an average of 7.2-9.2 days of the month.
Winter sees temperatures drop further to an average of 7°C (44.6°F), with a chance of snowfall.
Spring sees temperatures pick back up between 10°C-17°C (50°F-62.6°F), with precipitation averaging between 6.5-8.1 days per month.
If you're hoping to visit this beautiful part of Italy, Rental Escapes can elevate your Lucca villa rental into a true luxury experience.
Our portfolio includes the finest, handpicked luxury villas in Lucca Italy, including villas with private gardens, pools, large villas, family owned estates, and apartments in the heart of Tuscany.
Your Rental Escapes reservation expert can find the best villa for your group, and your concierge personalizes your trip to create the ultimate Lucchese luxury villa experience.
Contact us today to book your next dream holiday!