Pisa and Lucca Shore Excursion from La Spezia Port

Exploring Pisa and Lucca from La Spezia: An Authentic Day in Tuscany

If your cruise docks at La Spezia and you’re craving a genuine taste of Tuscany without the hassle of large tour groups, this private tour is a fantastic choice. For around $1,156 (up to 8 people), you’ll spend approximately 9 hours exploring the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, the stunning Pisa Cathedral, and the charming medieval walls of Lucca. Led by personable drivers, this tour offers a relaxed pace and insightful commentary that takes you beyond the typical tourist spots.

What we love most? First, the personalized experience—you won’t be rushing through sights packed with crowds. Second, comfortable transportation that gets you between sites efficiently, leaving more time for enjoying each city’s unique ambiance. One thing to keep in mind: since drivers aren’t licensed guides, they can’t enter museums or churches, but they excel at sharing local knowledge from the vehicle, which adds a lot of value.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a stress-free, customized day exploring two of Tuscany’s most beloved towns without the rush. It suits those eager to enjoy authentic sights and possibly indulge in a wine tasting or some shopping at Via Fillungo. If you value comfort, flexibility, and local insight, this experience is a good fit.

Key Points

• Personalized Private Tour: Small group experience with dedicated driver for a relaxed day.
• Highlights of Pisa and Lucca: From the Leaning Tower to medieval city walls.
• Authentic Insights: Driver commentary offers local knowledge beyond guidebooks.
• Comfort and Convenience: Air-conditioned vehicle, port pickup, and drop-off included.
• Flexible Schedule: Stops at major sites with optional activities like wine tasting.
• Good Value: For the price, you gain a comprehensive, comfortable day exploring two Tuscan gems.

In-Depth Review of the Pisa and Lucca Shore Excursion

Thinking about whether this private tour from La Spezia fits your travel style? Let’s explore what makes it stand out, what to expect, and how it compares with other options.

The Perfect Balance of Comfort and Authenticity

Traveling with a small group or even just your own family, you’ll appreciate the private transportation, which ensures you avoid the chaos of crowded buses. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a must on warm Italian days, and many reviews mention the cleanliness and comfort of the ride. Having Wi-Fi on board in some vehicles means you can share your photos or look up interesting facts during transit—an appreciated touch.

The drivers are not licensed guides, so they won’t lead tours inside museums, but they do provide informative commentaries from the vehicle, which many travelers find adds context to what they see. This arrangement strikes a good balance, especially if you prefer to explore at your own pace rather than be herded from site to site.

Itinerary Breakdown: What Really Happens

The tour kicks off at the Cruise Terminal in La Spezia at 8:00 a.m. After a hassle-free pickup, your first stop is Piazza dei Cavalieri in Pisa—home to the Prestigious Scuola Normale di Pisa. This quick 10-minute stop is free to walk around and takes in impressive architecture that hints at Pisa’s academic prestige. It’s a great warm-up before heading to the main attraction.

Next, you’ll visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, the heart of Pisa’s sightseeing. Here, the Leaning Tower dominates as the star, but you’ll also see the Pisa Baptistery and the Duomo. Expect about 45 minutes to enjoy these sights; admission tickets to these sites are not included, giving you the flexibility to choose whether to go inside or just admire the exteriors and take photos. Many reviews mention how the driver’s recommendations helped them decide whether to visit the interior.

After Pisa, the tour continues towards Lucca, where the Piazza Napoleone provides a lively, historic setting for a brief stop. Then, you’re off to the Duomo di San Martino, a beautiful cathedral with free entry, where you can marvel at its architecture and quiet atmosphere.

The highlight of Lucca is the Torre Guinigi—the only tower in the world topped with four trees. The climb is about 30 minutes, and although tickets aren’t included, visitors say the view from the top is worth it. Many reviews appreciate the driver’s insights here, as the tower embodies Lucca’s medieval charm.

Following that, the Piazza Anfiteatro offers a picturesque setting with its rounded, Roman-era amphitheater layout—ideal for a quick stroll and photos. Then comes a walk down Via Fillungo, a lively shopping street perfect for souvenir shopping or a quick snack.

For those with time and interest, the Centro Storico Montecarlo provides a chance for wine tasting at a local winery—an included optional activity. Though the tasting isn’t guaranteed, many travelers enjoy this relaxed ending, savoring local wines and the scenic countryside.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems

What makes this tour special, as some reviews highlight, is the local driver’s commentary. While not a licensed guide, Maurizio, the operator, is praised for his responsiveness and flexibility. One reviewer notes, “He would reply within hours,” emphasizing the personal touch.

Travelers also love the stunning views, especially from the top of Torre Guinigi, and the chance to stroll through Lucca’s beautiful medieval streets. The Piazza dei Cavalieri in Pisa and the Piazza Anfiteatro in Lucca are authentic squares that really showcase the towns’ historical depth.

The Price and What You Get

While $1,156.44 might seem steep at first glance, it’s important to consider what’s included: private transportation, port pick-up and drop-off, Wi-Fi on most vehicles, and the flexibility to customize your stops. For a small group, this is a good value—especially compared to crowded group tours, which often sacrifice comfort and flexibility.

Keep in mind, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget some time for a meal or snacks in Lucca, where local cafes serve delicious paninis, gelato, and more.

Review Highlights and Practical Tips

Multiple travelers rave about their driver, Maurizio, calling him “great” and “flexible,” which can make or break a tour. One said, “We enjoyed every minute of this excursion,” emphasizing how the personalized service made the difference. Others appreciated the clean vehicle and timely pickup.

Given the itinerary’s balance of iconic sights and authentic local experiences, this tour suits travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and insightful commentary. It’s perfect for cruise passengers with limited time wanting a thorough, relaxed day exploring Tuscany’s highlights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private excursion is best suited for travelers who prioritize comfort and personalized service. If you want a stress-free day with insider tips and the ability to customize your experience, this is a solid choice. It’s ideal for those traveling with family or friends who prefer a relaxed pace and value authentic sights over rushed group visits. If you love tasting local wines or shopping at charming streets, this tour offers enough flexibility to include those pursuits.

However, if you’re eager to explore inside museums or religious sites, remember that the driver cannot access these attractions. Be prepared to decide on the go whether to buy tickets for interior visits.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 8:00 a.m. from the cruise terminal.

What’s included in the price?
Private transportation, port pickup and drop-off, and Wi-Fi on most vehicles are included. Admission tickets to sites are not, giving you flexibility.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the itinerary offers flexibility, especially for activities like wine tasting or shopping. The driver can provide commentary but isn’t a licensed guide for inside visits.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan accordingly for a meal in Lucca or bring snacks.

What if I want to visit inside the Tower of Pisa or Duomo?
Tickets are not included in the tour price. You can purchase them on-site or decide whether to enter based on the driver’s recommendations.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, the comfortable vehicle and relaxed pace make it suitable for most travelers, though climbing towers might be challenging for some.

To sum it up, this Pisa and Lucca shore excursion offers a rare chance to enjoy Tuscany’s highlights with comfort, flexibility, and a touch of local flavor. It’s perfect for travelers who want a personalized experience, avoiding the crowds and rushing, while still covering the most iconic sights and some authentic local experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of charming squares, or a wine enthusiast, this tour provides a well-rounded, memorable taste of Tuscany, all within a manageable and enjoyable day.