Pisa and Lucca Tour from Florence

Exploring Tuscany from Florence: Pisa and Lucca in a Day

If you’re looking to see some quintessential Tuscan towns without the hassle of renting a car, this private Pisa and Lucca Tour from Florence offers a fantastic solution. For around $1,052 per group of up to seven people, you get a full day’s journey—about eight hours—guided by a friendly, knowledgeable driver and guide (some reviews mention guides like Francesco and Claudio who make the experience memorable). You’ll visit the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli with its famous Leaning Tower, stroll through the charming streets of Lucca, and have the option to indulge in a traditional Tuscan meal and wine tasting at a family-run vineyard.

What we love about this tour is how flexible it is—free time at each stop means you can explore at your own pace, and the optional winery visit adds a delicious, authentic touch to the day. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off means no worries about transportation logistics. One slight consideration is that entrance fees to monuments aren’t included, so plan for some extra expenses if you want to go inside major sites. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a personalized experience with plenty of time to soak in the scenery and local flavor, especially if they’re eager to avoid self-driving or navigating busy public transport.

Key Points

• Private and flexible: Full-day tour with personalized attention and freedom to explore.
• Visit iconic sites: See the Leaning Tower of Pisa and walk or bike around Lucca’s historic walls.
• Authentic experiences: Optional wine tasting and Tuscan meal at a family farm.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides like Francesco and Claudio make the day special.
• Comfortable transportation: Private vehicle reduces stress and maximizes sightseeing.
• No hidden costs: All taxes and fees included, but monument entrance fees are extra.

A Deep Dive into the Pisa and Lucca Tour from Florence

When we think about Tuscany, images of rolling hills, medieval towns, and world-famous architecture come to mind. This tour encapsulates that charm with visits to Pisa, Lucca, and optionally, a local vineyard. It’s designed to give you a taste of Tuscany’s highlights without the need for a rental car or complicated planning.

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Transportation

The tour starts with hotel pickup, ensuring a smooth start to your day. Your private guide and driver will whisk you away in a comfortable vehicle, letting you relax while absorbing local insights. Because it’s a private tour, you won’t be tied to a group timeline, giving you more freedom to linger or move at your own pace. The drive from Florence to Pisa takes around an hour and a half, during which your guide might share stories about the region, setting a friendly, welcoming tone.

Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli: The Iconic Leaning Tower

Arriving at Pisa, you’ll have roughly an hour and a half at the Piazza dei Miracoli. It’s the moment most travelers have been dreaming of—the chance to snap photos of the Leaning Tower and marvel at the cathedral and baptistery. While entrance tickets to these monuments aren’t included, the free view of the tower and the chance to wander the square make this stop worthwhile.

Reviewers like DeAnn praise how “Pisa is fantastic and a not miss,” noting how impressive the tower looks in person. The free time allows for some self-guided exploration—maybe a quick climb (if you purchase tickets separately) or just admiring the architecture from the outside.

Lucca: Medieval Streets and City Walls

Next, you’ll head to Lucca, a gem of a town that’s often overshadowed by its famous neighbor Pisa. Once there, your driver introduces you to the main attractions, but the real joy lies in wandering its narrow streets and lively squares. You get about an hour and a half to explore—plenty of time for shopping, grabbing a coffee, or renting a bicycle to ride atop the well-preserved medieval walls.

Travelers like Sara highlight how “Francesco allowed us to change up the tour”—which shows the flexibility and personal touch of this experience. Many enjoy riding bikes on the ramparts, which give a unique perspective on the town’s medieval layout and offer spectacular views.

Optional Winery Visit: Tuscan Food and Wine

For those who want a taste of authentic countryside life, the optional wine tasting and lunch at a family-run farm is a highlight. Priced at about €60 per person, this extra experience includes a guided tour of the vineyards, a traditional Tuscan meal, and tastings of local wines. One reviewer, Sara, called it an “amazing trip to a winery” that was “the best” they’ve experienced so far.

This part of the tour is a real treat for food and wine lovers, offering not only delicious flavors but also a chance to learn about the region’s viticulture from passionate locals. It’s worth noting that this add-on requires some planning and extra budget, but many find it well worth the expense.

Wrapping Up the Day

The tour wraps up back in Florence, with hotel drop-off included. Because it’s a private experience, you can choose to linger at any stop or head back sooner if you prefer—giving you control over your day.

Price and Value

At just over $1,050 for up to seven people, this tour offers good value considering the personalized service, private transportation, and multiple stops. While monument entrance fees aren’t included, the flexibility to explore freely makes it easier to manage those costs as you see fit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a cultural and scenic experience without the stress of driving or public transport. It suits those who enjoy free time to explore, and who are eager to see famous landmarks like Pisa’s Leaning Tower and walk the historic walls of Lucca. Food and wine enthusiasts will appreciate the optional vineyard visit, which adds a delicious, authentic touch.

It’s particularly good for small groups or families looking for a personalized, relaxed day with knowledgeable guides, ensuring a comfortable, engaging experience.

The Sum Up

This Pisa and Lucca Tour from Florence offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, local culture, and optional culinary delights—all wrapped into a private, flexible package. Its main strengths lie in the expert guides, comfortable transportation, and freedom to explore at your own pace. Many travelers rave about guides like Francesco who make the day memorable, and the opportunity to enjoy authentic Tuscan food and wine makes it even more special.

While it does require extra costs for monument entry and food, the overall value is high for those wanting a hassle-free, immersive day in Tuscany. It’s perfect for small groups or families who prefer an intimate experience rather than large tour buses. If sightseeing, authentic experiences, and flexible timing are your priorities, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The price covers all taxes, fees, handling charges, private transportation, and a professional English-speaking driver. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included, making the start and end of your day seamless.

Are monument entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to Pisa’s cathedral, baptistery, or tower are not included. You’ll want to budget extra if you plan to go inside these sites.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, the guides like Francesco have been praised for their flexibility. You can choose to spend more time in certain locations or opt into the winery visit if you wish.

How long is the drive between Florence and Pisa?
The journey is approximately an hour and a half each way by private vehicle, which keeps the day relaxed rather than rushed.

Is there free time at each stop?
Yes, you get roughly 1.5 hours at Pisa and 1.5 hours at Lucca, giving you ample opportunity to explore, take photos, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

What’s the optional wine tasting like?
The wine tasting at a family-run farm includes a guided tour of the vineyards, a Tuscan meal, and tastings of local wines. It’s highly praised for its authenticity and warm hospitality.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Absolutely. The private nature and flexible timing make it accessible for all ages. Riding bikes on Lucca’s walls is optional and can be skipped if preferred.

This private Pisa and Lucca tour from Florence provides an excellent blend of iconic sights, local flavor, and personalized service—perfect for those wanting to make the most of a day in Tuscany without the complications of self-driving.