Lucca is a city that invites exploration—and tasting—at every turn. Its compact, walkable streets, medieval walls, and welcoming atmosphere make it a standout spot for food lovers. What we love most about Lucca’s culinary scene is the blend of traditional Tuscan flavors with a relaxed, local vibe. For example, a bike tour like Lucca Bikes and Bites offers a lively way to see the city while sampling local cured meats, cheese, and gelato. It’s a fun, active way to indulge in regional favorites, all with expert guidance.
If walking appeals more than pedaling, the Flavours of Lucca tour combines history, culture, and food into a cozy two-and-a-half-hour experience. For a full meal experience, the Lucca: Taste Tuscany on a Full Meal Food Tour offers a relaxed stroll through the old town with multiple tastings of pasta, street food, and sweets. Whether you prefer active biking, intimate walking, or a more comprehensive culinary journey, Lucca’s food tours deliver authentic, flavorful experiences.
Below, we compare the nine best food tours in Lucca, each with its own special flavor and focus, to help you decide which best suits your trip plans.
1. Lucca Bikes and Bites with food tastings for Small Groups or Private
At number 1, this bike and food tour is perfect for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing with tasting regional delicacies. For around $103, you spend about three hours cycling through Lucca’s historic streets, city walls, and secret passages, all while stopping for local treats, gelato, and wine.
What sets this tour apart is its balance of fun, fitness, and flavor. Your guide shares insights into Lucca’s history and culinary traditions, making it more than just a tasting. Guests rave about the relaxed pace, the friendly guide Luca, and the chance to explore the city from a different perspective. Kids and adults alike find biking easy, thanks to ebikes available, and the stops are well-timed for maximum enjoyment. The highlight? Cycling atop the ramparts with panoramic views and tasting in spots favored by locals.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a lively, healthy way to experience Lucca’s charm, ideal for active travelers seeking both history and gastronomy.
2. Flavours of Lucca, Art, History, Food for Small Groups or Private
At number 2, this walking tour gives you a taste of Lucca in just over two hours. For about $87, you’ll stroll through the city’s most iconic spots, from the ramparts to the Duomo, with a passionate local guide. You’ll sample Lucca’s famous sweets, such as biscuits and gelato, and learn about the city’s art and architecture along the way.
What makes this tour special is the small group size—just 12 people—which fosters a more personal connection and allows your guide to tailor commentary. Reviewers mention how the combination of history, culture, and food creates an engaging experience that gives you a solid foundation to explore on your own later. The stops at renowned eateries and historic sites make it a great way to orient yourself and discover hidden local gems.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-time visitors who want a compact, informative, and tasty introduction to Lucca’s cultural and culinary treasures.
3. Lucca: Taste Tuscany on a Full Meal Food Tour by Do Eat Better
For around $106, this full meal tour offers a comprehensive taste of Lucca’s culinary traditions over roughly three hours. It includes sampling pasta, street food, cured meats, wines, and artisan chocolates as you stroll through the historic center.
This tour’s standout feature is its focus on local insiders’ favorite spots, giving you a genuine taste of Lucca’s modern and traditional cuisine. The guide shares stories behind each dish, enriching your understanding of Tuscan food culture. Guests appreciate the relaxed, informal vibe and the variety of tastings, which make it feel like a delicious, meandering dinner. The itinerary covers Piazza Napoleone, San Michele in Foro, and Piazza Anfiteatro, blending food with sightseeing seamlessly.
Bottom Line: Best suited for foodies wanting a full, relaxed culinary experience paired with small-group interaction and cultural insights.
4. Lucca: 3-Hour Bikes & Bites Foodie Adventure like a Local
Number 4 on our list is this biking and tasting adventure which offers a spirited 2.5-hour ride through Lucca’s streets and squares. For those who want to stay active while enjoying a flavorful journey, this tour is ideal. You’ll taste cured meats, cheeses, and artisan gelato, all while riding along tree-lined boulevards and discovering Lucca’s Romanesque architecture.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of active cycling and authentic tasting stops, guided by locals who love sharing their city’s culinary secrets. Reviewers mention the friendly guide and the fun of riding through narrow lanes and green walls. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to combine a quick, energetic tour with delicious bites.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers interested in both sightseeing and sampling Lucca’s best-loved foods in a lively, informal setting.
5. Lucca: Guided Food Walking Tour with Tastings
This guided walking tour lasts about 3.5 hours and costs a reasonable amount, offering a deep dive into Lucca’s food scene. Starting at Cappella Musicale Santa Cecilia, you’ll visit local wine bars, cafes, and traditional restaurants, sampling Tuscan specialties like tordelli, cecina, and Buccellato.
The tour boasts a diverse itinerary that includes multiple tastings in historic eateries, making it ideal for those who enjoy culinary exploration and cultural stories. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide and high-quality food, from wines to chocolates. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a leisurely pace and the chance to explore Lucca’s culinary diversity.
Bottom Line: This tour delivers a comprehensive taste of Lucca’s food and culture, perfect for those who like a relaxed, immersive experience.
6. Lucca: Morning Food Tour with Snacks and Coffee
For a morning start, this food tour offers a flavorful way to see Lucca before the day heats up. Lasting about 2.5 hours, it includes sampling local treats like Torta di riso, sipping espresso or gelato, and walking along the city’s ancient walls.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on Lucca’s artisan traditions and quiet corners, with stops at local markets and artisan bakeries. Reviewers appreciate the balance of sightseeing and tasting, making it a good choice for those arriving in the morning and wanting to settle into the city’s culinary rhythm. It’s suitable for travelers on a tight schedule or those who prefer to start their day with a flavorful walk.
Bottom Line: Ideal for morning people wanting a quick yet authentic taste of Lucca’s local cuisine and artisan shops.
7. Lucca Aperitivo evening walk with food and wine for Small Groups
Number 7 is a charming evening stroll, capped at just 12 people and costing around $139. It’s a relaxed way to experience Lucca’s nightlife and local bar culture. Starting with a walk along the city walls, the tour visits a popular local bar for an aperitivo, where regional wines, snacks, and lively conversation await.
Guests appreciate that it feels more like a friendly meet-up than a tour. The guide shares engaging stories about Lucca’s culture, art, and history, with well-chosen stops that include the Duomo and Piazza Napoleone. The tour is perfect for those who want a tasting experience paired with a scenic evening walk, especially in good weather.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking an informal, social introduction to Lucca’s food and nightlife with a local touch.
8. 2Italia Lucca Food Tour
Last but not least, this immersive food walk lasts over three hours and features tastings of regional cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked bread. It’s a true insider experience, visiting family-owned eateries not found in guidebooks, and offers a chance to learn about Lucca’s culinary roots from passionate locals.
Guests love the variety of foods sampled, with reviews praising the knowledgeable guide, Paola, and the quality of the offerings. The tour is particularly suited for food lovers who want to see the city while discovering authentic, often hidden, culinary spots. It’s a leisurely pace with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos.
Bottom Line: This tour is a delicious, authentic choice for those eager to uncover Lucca’s culinary secrets through the eyes of local families.
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Lucca
When selecting your perfect Lucca food experience, consider your schedule, interests, and fitness level. If you’re active and want a dynamic, scenic adventure, the Lucca Bikes and Bites might be your best fit. For a more relaxed, cultural introduction, the Flavours of Lucca or guided walking tour provide rich stories along with tastings. Budget-conscious travelers may prefer shorter tours like the Morning Food Tour, while those looking for a lively evening should consider the Aperitivo walk.
Always book early in high season, especially for small-group tours, to secure your spot. Think about how much time you want to dedicate—two hours or a full afternoon—and pick a tour that matches your energy level and curiosity.
Final Thoughts
Lucca offers a wonderful array of food tours that cater to different tastes and schedules. Whether you want to pedal around the city with local bites, explore on foot with a knowledgeable guide, or enjoy a scenic evening with wine and snacks, there’s something for all. We recommend Lucca Bikes and Bites for active explorers, Flavours of Lucca for culture and cuisine lovers, and Taste Tuscany if you’re after a full, satisfying meal. Booking in advance is wise, especially during peak season, so plan ahead and get ready to savor the flavors of Lucca.
