Nestled within the rolling hills of northern Tuscany, Lucca is a city where history, artistry, and quiet elegance converge—making it the perfect setting for a Creative Experiences retreat. Surrounded by fortified Renaissance walls and filled with timeless charm, Lucca offers a peaceful yet culturally rich escape ideal for guests seeking inspiration, relaxation, and authentic connection.
Unlike the bustling cities of Florence or Pisa, Lucca moves at a more graceful pace. Its well-preserved historic centre is a living museum of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance influences. Narrow, cobbled streets wind past ancient towers, artisan boutiques, and sun-drenched piazzas, while the wide, tree-lined ramparts—now a city park—invite leisurely walks or cycle rides with panoramic views of terracotta rooftops and distant mountains.
At the heart of the city lies the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a uniquely oval square built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre, now lined with cafés and artisan shops. Nearby, the Duomo di San Martino and San Michele in Foro showcase Lucca’s architectural grandeur, while hidden cloisters, ornate chapels, and centuries-old bell towers offer quiet moments of reflection and discovery.
Beyond the city walls, Lucca opens up to the Tuscan countryside, dotted with historic villas, olive groves, and picturesque villages. One of the region’s true gems is Villa Reale di Marlia, a magnificent 17th-century estate just a short drive from the centre. Once home to Napoleon’s sister Elisa Bonaparte, the villa features exquisite gardens, ornamental lakes, and a tapestry of opulent rooms—making it a favourite destination for cultural excursions during our retreats.
Lucca also has a deep connection to the arts. As the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, the composer of La Bohème and Madama Butterfly, the city celebrates its musical heritage with concerts held in historic churches and open-air venues throughout the year. For guests with a love of textile traditions, Lucca is home to a number of small haberdasheries, fabric merchants, and craft stores that reflect the region’s enduring appreciation for fine materials and handcraftsmanship.
During your stay with Creative Experiences, you’ll enjoy this extraordinary setting in the comfort of a traditional Tuscan villa, where historic charm meets warm hospitality. Whether sketching the view from a quiet piazza, gathering inspiration from the Florentine looms, or simply enjoying a glass of wine beneath the cypress trees, Lucca offers a creative sanctuary unlike any other.