Pisa and Lucca Private Tour from La Spezia

A Private Day Trip from La Spezia to Pisa and Lucca

If your cruise docks in La Spezia and you’re itching to see some of Tuscany’s most captivating sights, this private tour offers a well-rounded taste of Italy’s famed art, architecture, and countryside in just one day. For around $1,305.51 per group (up to 8 people), you’ll enjoy a roughly 8-hour journey, complete with air-conditioned transport, expert guidance, and the flexibility to customize your time.

What we love about this experience is the convenience of a private guide and vehicle, meaning no wandering with a big group or waiting in lines — just a tailored outing with someone who knows the ins and outs. The second plus? The stunning photo opportunities at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, along with a leisurely walk through Lucca’s enchanting walled city.

A small consideration is that admission tickets to attractions are not included, so you’ll want to plan for a little extra budget for entry fees if you wish to go inside the monuments. Also, while most travelers find the pace perfect, those expecting a heavily guided tour with full historical narration might be disappointed — this is more of a “see and enjoy” experience than a lecture.

This tour suits travelers who want a comfortable, flexible day with a blend of sightseeing, local flavor, and photos. It’s ideal for cruise passengers eager to make the most of their brief stop, especially if you appreciate expert drivers, scenic drives, and authentic small-town charm.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience designed for your group size and interests
• Beautiful photo stops at Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Lucca’s city walls
• Includes flexible time in Lucca for lunch, shopping, or just wandering
• Transport is in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi and expert guidance
• Most attractions’ entry fees are not included, so budget accordingly
• Guarantee of timely return to your cruise port

An In-Depth Look at Pisa and Lucca from La Spezia

When planning a day trip from La Spezia, the idea of darting off to Pisa and Lucca might seem hurried or superficial. Yet, with this private tour, you gain the advantage of a tailored experience that balances seeing highlights with some leisure. Here’s what you can expect, based on actual traveler feedback and the detailed itinerary.

Starting Point: La Spezia Cruise Terminal

Your day begins right at the cruise port, where your driver (most often in a spacious, clean Mercedes van) will be waiting. The convenience of pickup in this central spot means no stress about finding your guide or navigating busy streets. Most reviews highlight punctuality and professionalism, with travelers praising drivers like Val and Theresa for their friendly, informative approach and smooth driving.

Pisa: The Iconic Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower

Your first stop is the UNESCO-listed Piazza dei Miracoli, a site that truly lives up to its reputation. Here, you’ll have about 2 hours to take in the impressive collection of monuments — the cathedral, baptistery, and of course, the famous Leaning Tower.

While entrance fees aren’t included, many travelers shared that their guide pointed out the best angles for photos — “our guide, Sara, was amazing,” says Stacey_A, highlighting her fun personality and detailed tips for capturing the perfect shot. You’ll get a 30-minute stop specifically at the Leaning Tower, giving you time to walk around and marvel at its tilt, which is even more striking in person than on postcards.

The photo opportunities here are plentiful, and many visitors find this to be the highlight — a perfect blend of history, architecture, and just plain fun trying to snap the best shot.

The Drive Through Tuscany to Lucca

From Pisa, it’s a scenic 30-minute drive across the Tuscan hills to Lucca. Travelers often comment on the beautiful landscapes and how the ride itself is a pleasurable part of the overall experience. The rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves make for a relaxing backdrop, and most drivers are happy to share tidbits about the countryside.

Lucca: The Walled City and Its Charms

Once in Lucca, you’ll have about 3 hours of free time — enough to explore the city walls, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or browse small shops for local crafts and souvenirs. Many reviews mention the joy of wandering through Lucca’s charming streets, with its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and lively town squares.

Guides often recommend finding a quiet spot atop the city walls for views over the rooftops, or popping into a café for some authentic Italian gelato. As Joanna_O notes, “we loved the small vineyard lunch recommendation — it added a genuine touch to the experience.”

You’ll also have the flexibility to visit inside the city walls or simply soak in the atmosphere. The absence of included entrance fees means you can choose what interests you most — perhaps the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, with its circular shape and lively cafes, or the Torre delle Ore for panoramic views.

Returning to La Spezia

After your free time, your driver will whisk you back along the scenic route, aiming to get you back to the port on time. With most reviews praising the punctuality and professionalism of the driver-guide, you can relax knowing your cruise schedule is well managed.

What Makes This Tour Valuable?

This experience isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about quality time with the sights, personalized attention, and the comfort of private transportation. Many travelers appreciated the guides’ local knowledge and friendly demeanor, which added a layer of authenticity.

The Wi-Fi onboard is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to share your adventures instantly, while the full-day length provides enough buffer for spontaneous stops or extra photo sessions. Keep in mind that since attraction tickets aren’t included, you might want to plan for purchasing entries if you wish to go inside any monument.

Price-wise, considering the private transport, expert guiding, and the convenience of door-to-door service, many find it quite good value, especially compared to group tours or arranging transport independently.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This private tour is excellent if you value comfort, flexibility, and insider tips. It’s perfect for small groups or families who want to avoid large bus crowds and enjoy personalized attention. Travelers who appreciate beautiful scenery, historic architecture, and the chance to explore at their own pace will find this trip especially rewarding.

If your goal is to see Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Lucca’s charming streets without the hassle of self-driving or confusing schedules, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s especially suitable for cruise passengers with a tight schedule who need a reliable, well-organized experience that respects your time.

FAQs

How much does the tour cost?
The private tour costs $1,305.51 for your group of up to 8 people, which includes transport, driver-guide, and private service.

What is included in the price?
It covers round-trip private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an expert driver-guide, onboard commentary in English, and full-day service. Attraction entrance fees are not included.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, from pickup at La Spezia port to return — enough time to enjoy Pisa, Lucca, and some leisure in between.

Can I customize the sightseeing?
Since it’s a private tour, most guides are flexible with timing and may accommodate interests like a quick stop at a vineyard or extra photo sessions, within reason.

Is this suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and guides are known for being friendly and accommodating, including those traveling with elderly family members or mobility aids.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, some cash for optional entry fees or lunch, and your camera or smartphone for photos. Wi-Fi is provided onboard for sharing your moments instantly.

Will I have enough time in Lucca?
Yes, about 3 hours, which is ample for a relaxed walk, shopping, or a sit-down meal. Many travelers enjoy exploring the city walls and hidden alleys.

Are the entrance fees for Pisa or Lucca included?
No, those are extra if you choose to visit inside the monuments or museums. You’ll want to budget for this if you wish to go inside.

Is the tour reliable?
Yes, most reviews highlight punctuality, professionalism, and a friendly attitude from guides and drivers, with a focus on making your day smooth and enjoyable.

To sum it up, this private Pisa and Lucca tour from La Spezia offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, comfort, and authentic charm. The personalized approach, scenic drives, and manageable pace make it a smart choice for travelers seeking a meaningful day out—especially if you’re cruising and want to see the best of Tuscany without the fuss. Whether you’re snapping photos of the Leaning Tower, wandering Lucca’s historic streets, or simply enjoying the countryside views, you’ll come away with memories that feel personal and genuine.