Livorno Shore Excursion to Lucca & Pisa optional Leaning Tower Ticket

A day exploring two of Tuscany’s most charming towns—Lucca and Pisa—without the hassle of planning. For just under $40 per person, this 7-hour trip offers a smooth ride in an air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, making it a convenient way to see key highlights of Italy’s iconic sights. Whether you’re limited on time or eager to tick off these must-see destinations, this excursion could be just what you need.

We particularly enjoy the flexibility of optional upgrades, like guided tours in Lucca and entry tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Both add a layer of depth to your visit—helping you appreciate the towns beyond a quick glance. What’s a potential downside? The limited time at each site means you’ll need to prioritize what’s most important for you. Still, this trip suits curious travelers eager for a taste of Tuscany’s charm without the expense or stress of independent travel.

Key Points

• Comfort and Convenience: Travel in an air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, making the journey comfortable and connected.
• Flexible Options: Upgrade for guided tours and Leaning Tower tickets to enhance your experience.
• Time-Efficient: Designed for cruise ship passengers, with a well-planned schedule to maximize sightseeing in a short window.
• Authentic Experience: Free time to explore Lucca’s quaint streets and Pisa’s famous piazza at your own pace.
• Value for Money: For about $40, you get transportation, some guided insights, and a chance to see two classic Italian towns.
• Limited in-Pace: The short stops and limited time in Pisa mean you’ll need to choose what you want to see most.

Detailed Review of the Livorno Shore Excursion to Lucca & Pisa

The Basics: What You Get for the Price

Starting at just $39.18 per person, this tour offers a solid, budget-friendly introduction to two Tuscany gems. The trip lasts approximately 7 hours, perfect for cruise travelers who want a taste of Italy without overextending their day. The buses are comfortable, equipped with Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, making the journey pleasant even on warm days. Pickup is included, which sounds simple but is crucial, especially in busy cruise ports where logistics can be tricky.

The tour is well-rated—4.5 out of 5 from 123 reviews—which suggests most travelers find it worth the price. The reviews highlight the experienced guides, the stunning scenery, and the good organization, but also point out a few hiccups, such as timing issues or meeting point confusion.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of our favorite features is the upgradable options. For a bit extra, you can add a guided walking tour of Lucca and timed tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This is a real plus because it transforms a simple bus transfer into a more meaningful experience. For example, some travelers rave about their guide Kiyki, who was described as “funny, knowledgeable, and knew when to let us rest,” adding authenticity and local insight that you might miss on a non-guided visit.

The comfort of the coach is another highlight. Traveling in a small group of up to 60 people means less chaos than some large tour buses, and the Wi-Fi helps you share photos or look up quick facts during the ride. The timed entrance ticket for Pisa’s Leaning Tower, if booked, ensures you don’t waste precious time trying to buy tickets on-site, especially valuable during busy times.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See

Lucca (about 3 hours)

Your day begins with a 15-minute early boarding, setting off at 10:30 am. The drive from Livorno to Lucca takes around an hour, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery as you pass through Tuscany’s rolling hills.

Once in Lucca, the focus is on free time to explore at your own pace, though a guided option is available. The reviews mention famous landmarks like Torre Guinigi, the Anfiteatro square, and San Frediano Church. One traveler noted that “all went very well,” and appreciated the free time to wander, shop, or relax in cafes. The Torre Guinigi with its rooftop garden offers a charming view, while Piazza dell’Anfiteatro provides a delightful space for people-watching.

If you’ve opted for the guided walk, your escort helps you navigate these highlights, sharing stories that bring the town’s history alive. Some reviewers expressed that more historical info at each stop would be welcome, but overall, the guided aspect adds a layer of depth.

Pisa (about 1 hour 45 minutes)

After Lucca, your coach departs for Pisa—a quick 30-minute drive away. Here, you’re given plenty of free time to wander around Piazza dei Miracoli, the famous square housing the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, and Baptistery. The reviews are clear: most visitors find the Pisa Tower the star. It’s difficult not to get a great photo beside this nearly four-degree lean, which is a testament to the city’s quirky history.

If you’ve purchased timed tickets, you’ll get to climb the tower (about 40 minutes). Some travelers were thrilled to do so, describing the experience as “amazing,” while others who couldn’t climb (due to age restrictions or timing issues) still enjoyed the view from below. The Pisa Baptistery and Cathedral are free to admire from outside, but if you want to go inside, you’ll need tickets—something you might want to book separately if not included.

The End of the Day

After Pisa, it’s time to head back to Livorno, with a relaxed ride in the coach as you reflect on the day. The schedule ensures you return in plenty of time for your ship’s departure, though some reviews mention traffic delays—a reminder that Italy’s roads can be unpredictable, so flexibility is key.

What Travelers Love

Multiple reviews mention knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and good value. For example, “Kiyki in Lucca was fantastic—funny and informative,” and “Fredricko was a wonderful host,” stood out. The free time in Lucca was appreciated, giving guests a chance to enjoy the charming streets, shops, and cafes.

Food lovers will also appreciate the delicious local cuisine in Lucca, which some travelers enjoyed during their free time—perfect for tasting Tuscan tapas or gelato. The scenery on the drive is also a highlight; passing through lush countryside makes the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.

Potential Drawbacks

While the trip offers excellent value, a few reviews mention timing issues—such as late arrivals or shorter-than-expected stays in Pisa. Some travelers felt the time in Pisa was limited, especially if they wanted to explore the cathedral or the Baptistery inside.

Another consideration is meeting point confusion, with some travelers reporting difficulty in finding the right bus or guide. The tour advises arriving 15 minutes early and looking for staff in green T-shirts, but be prepared for possible mix-ups during busy port days.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a cruise passenger with limited time but want a snapshot of Tuscany’s highlights, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who value comfortable transportation and flexible options—like guided walks or skip-the-line tickets. It’s also ideal if you’re eager to see the iconic Leaning Tower but don’t want the hassle of figuring out logistics alone.

However, if you’re after a more in-depth experience or want to spend more time inside sites like Pisa’s cathedral or Lucca’s churches, this might feel a bit rushed. It’s best for travelers who enjoy free time to explore at their own pace and who don’t mind a quick visit rather than an exhaustive tour.

Final Thoughts

This Livorno shore excursion provides a cost-effective way to tick off two of Tuscany’s most beloved towns. Its main strengths are the comfortable transportation, flexibility of upgrades, and authentic small-town charm that Lucca offers. You’ll love the views, the ease of logistics, and the chance to see Pisa’s famous tower without overextending your day.

While some may wish for more time or detailed narration, most travelers find it a reliable, enjoyable introduction to the region’s highlights. It’s especially suitable for cruise travelers who want to maximize their limited time with a well-organized, scenic trip that offers both freedom and guided insights.

FAQ

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, pickup is offered at the Livorno cruise shuttle stop, making it easy to start your day without extra hassle.

How long is the drive from Livorno to Lucca?
The journey takes about an hour, giving you time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Can I climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
Yes, if you’ve booked the timed entry ticket, you can climb the tower (about 40 minutes). Children under 8 are not allowed to enter the tower.

What’s included if I upgrade?
You get a guided walking tour of Lucca and a reserved ticket to enter the Leaning Tower in Pisa.

How much free time do I get in Pisa?
Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, enough to see the square and take photos. Additional time inside the cathedral or baptistery requires separate tickets.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but you will have free time in Lucca to enjoy local cafes and snacks.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, and perhaps some cash for souvenirs or snacks during free time.

Is this tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
Some reviews suggest that less mobile travelers may find it challenging, especially with walking involved in the towns and inside the sites.

What if my cruise itinerary changes?
The tour provider advises you to contact them, as the schedule can be adjusted for different ports or times, ensuring you still get the experience.

Overall, this Livorno shore excursion strikes a good balance between comfort, value, and authentic charm. It’s best suited for those wanting a taste of Tuscany’s highlights with flexible options, and it offers enough memorable moments to justify its modest price.