Pisa and Lucca from the Cruise Port of La Spezia

Discover Pisa and Lucca from La Spezia with a Private Tour

This private tour takes you to two of Tuscany’s most beloved cities—Pisa and Lucca—without the hassle of group buses or crowded guided visits. For approximately 8 hours and at a cost of $905.65 per group (up to 8 people), you’ll enjoy personalized transportation, insider tips from your driver, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Our guide will take you through Pisa’s famous Piazza dei Miracoli and Piazza dei Cavalieri, then drop you off inside Lucca’s ancient walls, giving you time to wander its picturesque streets and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.

Two things we love about this experience are the convenience of private transportation crossing into city centers—a rare luxury—and the opportunity to explore these historic sites independently, which allows for a more relaxed and personal visit. The driver’s friendly guidance enriches the journey with local insights, and the flexibility to spend as much time as you like in each city makes this a great value.

One consideration is that guided tours including inside access to Pisa’s monuments aren’t included in the price, so if you’re eager to climb the Leaning Tower or step inside the Cathedral, you’ll need to purchase tickets separately. This arrangement suits travelers comfortable with some independent exploration and wanting to avoid large group tours. If you prefer a structured, guide-led experience with paid entries included, this might not be the best fit.

This tour appeals especially to travelers who value comfort and flexibility, and those looking to see these iconic Tuscan cities in a day without feeling rushed. It’s perfect if you enjoy wandering independently and appreciate local drivers who double as informal guides.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private transportation with an English-speaking driver enhances comfort and insight.
• Flexibility: You set your own pace in Lucca and enjoy a short city tour of Pisa from outside.
• Convenience: The driver enters city centers, saving you walking time and hassle.
• Cost-Value Balance: While priced higher than group tours, the private setup offers tailored comfort and flexibility.
• Limited Included Access: Inside monuments require separate tickets, so plan accordingly.
• Accessibility: The tour accommodates travelers with mobility needs, with a friendly driver and plenty of room.

An In-Depth Look at the Pisa and Lucca Tour

When considering a day trip from La Spezia, this tour stands out for its focus on personalized comfort and independent exploration. The journey begins at the La Spezia cruise terminal, where your driver, who is fluent in English, greets you with a warm Meet & Greet. This initial touch already sets a relaxed tone, especially after a long cruise or train journey.

The Drive to Pisa: First Impressions

The drive from La Spezia to Pisa takes about an hour, during which your driver, often a local with inside knowledge, provides commentary on the landscape and city life. We appreciated the WiFi on board, allowing us to share photos and stay connected. Traveling in a private vehicle means you avoid the crowds and rigid schedules typical of large tour buses. It’s a more intimate, stress-free way to travel, especially in Tuscany’s traffic and narrow streets.

Exploring Pisa: Short but Sweet

Your first stop is Pisa, a city synonymous with the Leaning Tower. The driver will take you on a short car tour passing the Arno River, which offers great views and photo opportunities. Next, you’ll visit Piazza dei Cavalieri, an elegant square that once was the heart of civil power, and now hosts the Scuola Normale Superiore—a hub for students and scholars. The review quotes reflect how this spot is both historically significant and visually appealing, with one traveler noting it as “a cultural attraction and study hub.”

The main highlight, of course, is Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery. While tickets for inside visits aren’t included, you’ll have ample time to admire the exterior and snap photos of the iconic tilt. If you’re eager to go inside, tickets can be purchased separately, but many travelers find that photographing the tower from outside offers plenty of visual drama.

The Journey to Lucca: Independence and Charm

After Pisa, your driver continues to Lucca, a jewel of medieval Italy enclosed within ancient walls. The driver will drop you off inside the city walls with a map, so you can explore at your own pace. The walls themselves are a treat—perfect for walking or cycling—with panoramic views over green countryside and rooftops.

Many reviews praised the driver’s local knowledge and accommodating attitude, especially for travelers with mobility issues. One traveler notes, “Simon made this trip wonderful! He was very accommodating with my uncle in a wheelchair, and there was plenty of room in the van.”

In Lucca, you’ll find a maze of cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and cozy cafes. You might choose to visit the Guinigi Tower, known for its rooftop garden, or simply enjoy wandering the quiet streets lined with shops and cafes. Since you’re free to explore independently, you can prioritize what interests you most, whether that’s relaxing over a cappuccino or visiting a church.

Returning to La Spezia

At the end of your exploration, your driver will pick you up and return you comfortably to the cruise terminal. The flexibility of timing allows you to tailor your day, whether that means lingering longer in Lucca or catching an extra photo at Pisa.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Transport and Comfort: The private vehicle, often a spacious van, is praised for being clean, comfortable, and accommodating—especially for travelers with mobility needs. The driver is friendly and safe, making the journey smooth.

Timing and Pacing: The itinerary allows for about an hour in Pisa (including the outside tour and optional inside visit) and two hours in Lucca. This balance offers a taste of each city without rushing, though you might wish for more time in Lucca’s enchanting streets.

Cost and Value: The price reflects the private nature of the tour, which is more expensive than group options but offers unmatched flexibility and comfort. The reviews reinforce that many find it well worth the price, especially given the personalized service and insider knowledge.

What’s Not Included: Inside visits to Pisa’s monuments require separate tickets. There’s no guided tour or lunch included, so plan for your own meals and entrance fees if desired. The upside is the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Insights

Many travelers highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides—not guides in the traditional sense, but the drivers who double as informal local experts. Several reviews mention how drivers like Matteo, Simone, or Emilio made the experience special through their friendly attitude and local insights.

One traveler appreciated the timeliness and communication, saying “Matteo was on time and a great communicator,” which might seem simple, but it’s crucial when coordinating with cruise schedules.

Others appreciated the flexibility and independence. Instead of a guided tour with strict schedules, you can decide how long to linger in each city, making this experience ideal for travelers who enjoy spontaneous exploration.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits independent-minded travelers who want the convenience of private transport combined with the freedom to explore. It’s perfect if you appreciate local insights but prefer wandering at your own pace rather than following a guide with a set itinerary.

Travelers with mobility concerns will find the driver’s accommodating attitude very helpful, and families or groups who value privacy and comfort will find the price justified. If you’re looking for a cost-effective and flexible way to see Pisa and Lucca in a day, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up

This private Pisa and Lucca tour offers a comfortable, flexible way to experience two of Tuscany’s most charming cities. The key benefits include private transportation that enters city centers, the freedom for independent sightseeing, and local drivers who enhance your understanding of the area. While it’s not a guided tour with inside monument visits included, many travelers find the balance of freedom and comfort makes it well worth the price.

It’s especially suitable for those who want a relaxed, personalized day without the rush of large group tours. If you’re eager to skip the crowds and enjoy Tuscany at your own pace, this tour provides a practical, enjoyable solution.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable if I have limited mobility?
Yes, the driver is accommodating, and the van has plenty of space. One review specifically mentions how helpful and flexible the driver was for a traveler in a wheelchair.

Do I need to purchase tickets for inside Pisa’s monuments?
Yes, tickets for inside the Leaning Tower and Cathedral are not included. If you want to go inside, plan to buy these separately.

How much free time will I have in each city?
You’ll spend about an hour in Pisa and around two hours in Lucca, giving you enough time to see key sights and explore independently.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is designed with flexibility in mind. You can choose how much time to spend in each city, and your driver can provide local insights during the drive.

What type of vehicle is used?
A comfortable van, praised for being clean and spacious, ideal for groups up to 8 people.

Is WiFi available during the trip?
Yes, WiFi is included on board, helping you share your experience or stay connected.

What if I want a guided tour with commentary?
This is a self-guided experience with a driver, not an official guide-led tour. If you prefer guided inside visits, look for options that include tickets and guided commentary.

This private tour strikes a nice balance—combining the ease of door-to-door transportation with the freedom to wander. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to enjoy Tuscany’s highlights without the constraints of a large group or rigid schedule.