A full-day tour from Montecatini to Pisa and Lucca offers an excellent way to see two of Tuscany’s most enchanting towns in one go. Priced at around $86 per person, this approximately 8-hour journey takes you from the thermal spa town of Montecatini Terme to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the charming, walled city of Lucca. What we love most: the chance to admire Pisa’s iconic architecture with skip-the-line access to the cathedral, and the opportunity to stroll along Lucca’s historic city walls—plus sampling a slice of the local buccellato cake.
A couple of considerations: the tour can feel somewhat rushed, especially for those wanting a more leisurely experience, and the group size and pacing might not suit everyone, particularly older travelers or those who prefer more time at each site. This trip is best suited for travelers who want a guided overview of these highlights without the hassle of independent planning, and who appreciate knowledgeable guides and well-organized itineraries.
Key Points
- Comprehensive itinerary covers both Pisa and Lucca in one day, ideal for a quick yet rich experience.
- Expert guides enhance the visit with engaging stories and local insights, making history come alive.
- Skip-the-line access to Pisa Cathedral saves time and adds to the smoothness of the experience.
- Authentic tastes of Lucca’s buccellato cake provide a delicious, traditional highlight.
- Comfortable transportation in a climate-controlled coach makes the journey relaxing.
- Group size maxes out at 30 travelers, balancing intimacy and efficiency.
Visiting Pisa and Lucca: An Honest Breakdown
When we think about Tuscany, images of rolling hills, medieval towns, and timeless architecture come to mind. This tour from Montecatini makes those dreams reachable in a single day, with stops at Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli, as well as the lovingly preserved walls and streets of Lucca.
Planning more time in Montecatini Terme? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Morning Drive: Setting the Scene
The journey begins early in the morning at Piazzale Italia, where we meet our guide and hop onto a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. For about 30 minutes, we relax and listen to some context about what makes Pisa and Lucca unique. This is a good chance to settle in and get excited because once you arrive, things move quickly.
Pisa: The World’s Most Famous Leaning Tower
Arriving at Pisa, you’re immediately greeted by the Square of Miracles—an open green space surrounded by beautifully detailed white marble buildings. The Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery stand like jewels in the square, and the Leaning Tower itself is impossible to miss.
Your guide will lead you directly to the site, avoiding the chaos of wandering solo, and you’ll get skip-the-line tickets for the Cathedral—a real timesaver. Inside, you’ll see frescoes and masterpieces by Nicola Pisano, and the grand interior is breathtaking in its simplicity and grandeur. One reviewer called it “a must for all visitors,” so it’s clear that even the most seasoned travelers find this part of the tour worthwhile.
Some reviews mention that the cathedral can be crowded or closed on busy days, in which case the tour might substitute a visit to Piazza Cavalieri. Still, the exterior and the atmosphere of the square are compelling enough to satisfy most visitors.
Guided Tour in Pisa
Your local guide in Pisa will fill you in on why the Leaning Tower leans (a fascinating story of engineering and centuries of settling in soft soil) and what makes Pisa’s architecture so distinctive. They also point out details you might overlook on your own, turning the visit into an engaging storytelling session.
Lucca: Medieval Charm and City Walls
Next, the journey takes you to Lucca, a city famous for its renovated Renaissance walls. The drive of about 30 minutes offers scenic views of Tuscany’s countryside, building anticipation for the medieval streets and vibrant piazzas.
Once in Lucca, a professional guide leads you through the narrow streets dotted with churches, historic buildings, and lively cafés. You’ll also walk along the city walls, which provide a rare opportunity to see the city from above and enjoy panoramic views. It’s a peaceful way to appreciate Lucca’s history and layout, as one reviewer noted, “the walking tour left us wishing it would go faster,” implying that the sights are so lovely you’ll want more time.
While you're exploring Montecatini Terme, here are other experiences we've looked into
- Guided tours of the olive grove with oil tasting.
- Montecatini Terme cycle and wine tasting visit
- Cinque Terre Day Trip with Transport from Montecatini
- Other towns: Private Tour Cinque Terre and leaning tower of Pisa
- Olive Oil tour with Tuscan dinner
- Wine Experience in farm vineyard & winery from Montecatini T.
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and the Duomo
A highlight is the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a lively, oval-shaped square built atop an ancient Roman amphitheater. It’s a scenic spot filled with cafes, perfect for photos and people-watching. The guide explains how it evolved from a Roman arena to a bustling market space.
Later, the Duomo di San Martino beckons with its Romanesque architecture. Though only a brief stop, the church’s origins date back to the Roman era, adding a layer of historical depth to your visit. Some reviews express appreciation for the guided tour here, calling it “excellent.”
The Final Highlight: The Leaning Tower of Pisa
To close the day, you’ll return to Pisa for a relaxed period of independent exploration. Here, you can opt for skip-the-line access to climb the tower—a memorable way to see Pisa from above and appreciate the tilt firsthand. The view of the city rooftops and countryside is well worth it, though some travelers note the walk from the bus to the tower is a bit long, and the pace can be brisk.
Returning to Montecatini
After soaking in Pisa’s ambiance, you’ll hop back on the coach for about an hour’s drive home, with the option to reflect on the day or nap as the scenery slips by.
What We Think: Pros and Cons
What we love:
– The expert guides do a fantastic job of sharing stories that bring the sites alive, especially in Pisa where the guide’s explanations help make sense of the architecture and history.
– The skip-the-line tickets for Pisa Cathedral streamline the visit, making sure you spend more time enjoying the sights than waiting in queues.
– The chance to taste buccellato cake in Lucca adds a tasty, authentic touch and a real flavor of the region.
Possible drawbacks:
– The tour can feel rushed at times, particularly in Lucca, where some reviews mention wishing it went a bit slower.
– The group size (up to 30) and the pace might not suit everyone, especially those who prefer a more relaxed, independent experience.
– Because of traffic delays, some travelers have found their timing tight or the walking distances longer than expected.
Who is This Tour Best For?
If you’re eager to tick off Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower and want a guide who will tell you the stories behind the architecture, this trip hits the mark. It’s also suited for those who want to see Lucca’s charming streets and city walls without a lot of hassle or planning. It’s perfect for first-timers or those with limited time in Tuscany but who still want to get a sense of its history and beauty.
However, if you prefer a slow, unhurried exploration or dislike large groups, you might find the pace a bit quick. Similarly, travelers wanting to avoid walking distances or long queues may want to consider whether the timing suits their comfort level.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the pace might be challenging for older guests or those with mobility issues, as there is quite a bit of walking and standing.
Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, it starts at Piazzale Italia in Montecatini Terme. You will need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.
Can I climb the Leaning Tower?
Climbing the tower is optional and not included in the basic ticket. You can enhance your experience by purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to go to the top.
How long is the drive between sites?
The drive from Montecatini to Pisa is about 30 minutes, and from Pisa to Lucca also roughly 30 minutes, making travel relatively easy and scenic.
What is included in the price?
The price covers coach transportation, guides in Pisa and Lucca, and admission to Pisa Cathedral (if accessible). Tasting of buccellato cake is also included.
What if the Pisa Cathedral is crowded or closed?
In busy days, access might be limited, and the tour may replace interior visits with a walk around Piazza Cavalieri.
Can I skip parts of the tour?
Yes, you’re free to explore the sites independently during free time, especially in Pisa after the guided tour.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, some cash or card for souvenirs or snacks, and perhaps a light jacket depending on the weather.
To sum it up, this full-day trip from Montecatini to Pisa and Lucca offers a well-organized, value-packed way to see two of Tuscany’s most loved towns. The guided tours enrich the experience with stories and insights, and the included skip-the-line tickets save precious time. It’s ideal for travelers who want an overview with some authentic touches—like tasting local cake and walking along historic walls—without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Just be prepared for a fairly fast-paced day, especially if you wish to linger longer in each place. For those who enjoy guided group outings with expert narration, this tour can be a memorable highlight of your Italian holiday.