Pisa, Lucca and wine experience Private Shore Excursion from La Spezia port

A Relaxed Day Exploring Pisa, Lucca, and Tuscan Wines

If you’re arriving at La Spezia and want to maximize your time with a seamless, well-organized trip, the Pisa, Lucca, and wine experience might be just what you need. For around $464 per person, this roughly 8-hour private tour offers a blend of art, history, and flavors—saving you the hassle of navigating public transit or self-driving. Your guide, along with transportation, handles the logistics, so you can focus on soaking in the sights.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines the iconic sights—like Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower—with the charm of Lucca’s well-preserved medieval streets. Plus, the stop at a countryside winery introduces you to authentic Tuscan wines and olive oils, often overlooked on quick visits. The small-group/private nature means plenty of flexibility, which is a real boon when traveling with a preference for a relaxed pace or specific interests.

One thing to keep in mind is that admission tickets for attractions like the Leaning Tower are not included, so you’ll want to budget for those ahead of time. Also, if you’re particularly eager to sample wine, note that the tasting is not part of the included package—but it’s certainly worth the extra few euros for a chance to taste some fine local products surrounded by scenic vineyards.

This tour works best for travelers who appreciate a mix of cultural sightseeing and authentic regional experiences. If you like a flexible schedule, enjoy small-group tours, and want to visit two beautiful Tuscan towns plus enjoy wine tasting, this trip may be ideal.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: All-day, air-conditioned minivan takes the stress out of travel logistics.
• Authentic experience: Visit Pisa’s iconic landmarks, Lucca’s charming streets, and enjoy a Tuscan winery.
• Flexible schedule: The itinerary is customizable to your ship’s timing and preferences.
• Hidden gems: Lucca’s well-preserved walls and quiet streets are a highlight, often missed on larger tours.
• Valuable for cruise travelers: Designed with port pickup and drop-off, making it a hassle-free option.
• Authentic wine tasting: Tour includes a visit to vineyards and cellar, with tasting opportunities (not included in the price).

An In-Depth Look at What You’ll Experience

Convenient Pickup and Transportation

Starting right outside La Spezia’s cruise terminal, your driver will hold a sign with your name, making it easy to find your guide. The air-conditioned minivan ensures you’re comfortable during the roughly 20-minute drive from La Spezia to Pisa, and then onward to Lucca. This is a significant advantage over trying to navigate regional trains or buses, especially if you’re pressed for time or traveling with luggage.

Exploring Pisa’s Famous Sights

Your first stop is Pisa, home of the world-famous Leaning Tower. While the tower itself isn’t included in the admission fee, standing beneath it is still a striking photo opportunity. You’ll also see the Cathedral and the Baptistery—all part of Miracle Square—just a short walk from your van’s drop-off point. Your guide can offer insights into the history and architecture, making the visit more meaningful.

The suggested itinerary allows about an hour here, which is enough to snap photos, admire the facades, and soak in the lively atmosphere. If you’re eager to go inside the tower, you’ll need to purchase tickets separately, but many travelers find the exterior views more than sufficient for a quick visit.

Discovering Lucca’s Medieval Charm

After Pisa, you’ll drive about 20 minutes through the Tuscan countryside, offering nice views of the rolling hills and vineyards. In Lucca, your focus will be on the greatly preserved city walls, which you can walk or bike along—an experience that’s both scenic and a fun way to see the city from a different perspective.

Key sights include the Church of San Michele in Foro, with its striking façade, and the Torre delle Ore, a medieval tower with a panoramic view of the city. Strolling the narrow streets of Lucca means passing boutique shops and local cafes, especially along Via Fillungo, a favorite shopping street. Your guide will take you to the Anfiteatro Square, a lively hub surrounded by cafes and shops, perfect for a quick coffee or snack if time allows.

The Winery Experience in the Tuscan Countryside

After exploring Lucca, you’ll venture into the countryside for a wine and olive oil tour. This part of the trip is a favorite among travelers who enjoy regional flavors. You’ll be led into the wine cellar, where the winemakers explain the history and process behind their products, and you’ll get a chance to walk through vineyards.

While the wine tasting itself is not included in the price, the opportunity to sample some of the local varieties in a scenic setting adds a genuine taste of Tuscan life. The views of rolling vineyards and olive groves are breathtaking, and many guests find this to be a highlight of the day—especially considering the quality of the wines and oils available.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers like Cathie have raved about the tour, calling it “the perfect combination of history, shopping, and wine tasting.” She also highlighted her driver, Masimo, describing him as “knowledgeable, interesting, and nice”. The praise for Lucca as a hidden gem echoes the sentiment that this tour offers a more intimate, authentic experience away from the busier tourist crowds.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for an easy, all-in-one day that combines sightseeing with regional flavors, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suited for cruise passengers who want to make the most of their limited time, with port pickup and drop-off included. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a private, flexible schedule and enjoy discovering lesser-known corners of Tuscany.

Travelers who are passionate about wine and olive oil will find this experience particularly rewarding, even if tasting isn’t included in the base price. The small-group approach means you can adjust your pace or focus on what interests you most.

Final Thoughts

This private shore excursion from La Spezia offers a thoughtfully curated taste of Tuscany’s iconic towns and countryside. The combination of Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower, Lucca’s medieval charm, and a scenic winery visit makes for a well-rounded day, especially for those who value comfort, flexibility, and authentic regional experiences.

While not the cheapest option, the value lies in the convenience and personalized attention you’ll receive, allowing you to avoid the hassle of public transportation and crowded tours. If you’re eager to see two historic towns and enjoy some regional wine, this tour strikes a good balance of sightseeing and leisure.

For those who want a relaxed, guided experience that’s both educational and pleasurable, this trip delivers on all fronts—making it a smart choice for a memorable day in Tuscany.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes all-day transportation by air-conditioned minivan, with pickup and drop-off at La Spezia cruise terminal.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The suggested schedule can be adjusted to fit your ship’s timing and personal preferences, making it flexible for your needs.

Are tickets for the Leaning Tower included?
No, admission tickets are not included, so if you want to go inside, you’ll need to purchase those separately.

Is wine tasting part of the tour?
No, the actual tasting is an additional experience; the tour includes a visit to the winery and vineyards but does not include the wine itself.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
Starting around 8:30 am aligns well with most cruise schedules, but it can be adjusted based on your arrival time.

How long is the drive between stops?
The drive from La Spezia to Pisa takes about 20 minutes, and from Pisa to Lucca is a short countryside drive, also around 20 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, but they need to be accompanied by an adult, and you might want to consider their interest in walking and sightseeing.

This private tour offers an appealing mix of culture, scenery, and flavors—perfect for travelers eager to experience Tuscan highlights without the stress of self-guided trips.