The best of Lucca and Pisa tour

Exploring Tuscany’s Gems: Pisa and Lucca in One Day

This private tour offers a seamless way to experience two of Tuscany’s most captivating towns — Pisa and Lucca — in just about nine hours. For around $880 per group (up to eight travelers), you get the convenience of round-trip port transfers, your own dedicated driver, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Led by friendly, knowledgeable guides (we loved Claudia’s warmth and insight), this is a smart choice for travelers craving authentic sights without the hassle of navigating on their own.

What truly makes this tour shine is the personalized experience it offers. You’ll get close-up looks at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and its accompanying cathedral complex, then enjoy the quaint charm of Lucca, from its historic city walls to its bustling shopping streets and iconic squares. We especially appreciated the drive around Lucca’s medieval city walls, which offers a different perspective of the city’s ancient defenses and lovely vistas. The tour is well-paced, with enough free time to browse shops and snap memorable photos.

One possible downside? The tour is quite full, and if you’re hoping for a leisurely, museum-heavy visit, this might feel a bit rushed. It’s primarily about seeing highlights and soaking in the atmosphere, not in-depth historical touring. Still, for those interested in a practical, scenic overview of Tuscany’s treasures, this hits the mark.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and authentic local flavor. If you prefer traveling with a small group or private guide, and want to skip the stress of planning transport or tickets, this is a prime choice. It’s especially perfect if you’re arriving via cruise and want a structured but flexible day outside the busy crowds.

Key Points

• Convenient Private Transport: Your own vehicle ensures comfort and flexibility.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Claudia and Valeria bring the towns alive with commentary.
• Efficient Itinerary: Highlights include Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Lucca’s city walls, squares, and shopping streets.
• Flexible Free Time: Ample opportunities to browse, shop, and photograph.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Entrance tickets included, with round-trip transfers and no hidden fees.
• Ideal for Cruise Passengers: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, stress-free day trip.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Meet and Greet: Starting at 8:30 am

Your day begins early, with pickup from your cruise port or hotel. The tour’s private nature means your group is the only one on board, avoiding the chaos often found in large group tours. From the start, it’s clear that your driver—who speaks fluent English—aims to make your day comfortable and informative. The vehicle is a private, air-conditioned car, ideal for relaxing during the scenic drives between towns.

Stop 1: Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa

The tour’s first stop is the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Santa Maria Assunta Church. We loved how the driver dropped us off at the perfect spot for photos in front of the tower, with plenty of time to walk around and appreciate the complex’s architecture. The admission ticket to the Tower is included, but you’ll need to book your timed entry online, ideally for a 09:30 slot, as recommended.

While the tower is an iconic image, we also appreciated the chance to explore the cathedral and baptistery without feeling rushed. The latter’s acoustics and the art inside the cathedral add depth to the visit. Expect about two hours here, allowing sufficient time for photos, sightseeing, and possibly a quick coffee in the piazza.

Stop 2: Piazza Napoleone, Lucca

Next, a short drive takes you to Piazza Napoleone, Lucca’s elegant central square. The square is surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed walk. This stop is a favorite for many, as it offers a glimpse into Lucca’s aristocratic past. The review from a recent visitor highlights how “Claudia was very nice and informative and accommodating all the way,” making this part of the trip both enjoyable and educational.

Stop 3: Via Fillungo, Shopping Street

For those who love to browse, Via Fillungo is the place to be. This bustling pedestrian street is lined with shops selling everything from local crafts to high-end fashion. The 45-minute stop allows plenty of time for shopping or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere. We noticed this stop was highly valued by travelers who enjoy a bit of retail therapy alongside their sightseeing.

Stop 4: Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

One of Italy’s most famous squares, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, is a marvel. Built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, it’s now a charming oval-shaped plaza lined with cafes and quaint buildings. Visitors find it a perfect spot for photos and people-watching. The review from a traveler mentions, “We were very happy to have Claudia as our guide,” emphasizing the importance of good guiding in enhancing such scenic stops.

Drive Around the City Walls of Lucca

The final highlight is the drive around Lucca’s ancient city walls. These well-preserved ramparts offer panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. It’s a unique experience, allowing you to appreciate the scale and history of Lucca’s defensive structures without straining your legs.

What’s Not Included

The tour price covers gas, vehicle expenses, and your driver and guide, but food and drinks are not included. You might find some cafes or small eateries along the way if you want a snack or lunch, but most travelers prefer to bring light refreshments or eat in Lucca after the tour.

The Value of This Tour

At roughly $880, this is a solid value when you consider the private transport, guided commentary, and included tickets. The convenience of door-to-door pickup and the ability to customize your experience are significant advantages. Compared to booking separate tickets or arranging your own transport, this package offers a hassle-free way to see two Tuscany towns efficiently.

From a review perspective, many travelers found guides like Claudia and Valeria to be a highlight. Their knowledge and friendly approach turn what could be a rushed sightseeing day into a memorable, informative experience. The flexibility to explore at your own pace, with free time built into the itinerary, makes this a good choice for those who want to see the highlights but still enjoy some personal leisure.

On the downside, you’ll want to be prepared for a full day and possibly some crowds at Pisa — especially in peak season. The tour doesn’t include museum visits or in-depth historical explanation, so if your interest lies in deeper understanding, you might need to add extra time or visits.

Who Should Consider This?

If you’re arriving by cruise and want a well-organized, private tour that covers the essentials of Pisa and Lucca, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s also excellent for small groups eager to explore authentic Italy without the stress of navigation or crowding. Travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and a relaxed yet comprehensive itinerary will find this experience rewarding.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, as it’s designed to be a comfortable, flexible day trip. Just keep in mind the walking involved at some stops.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes your private driver, gas, vehicle expenses, and admission tickets for Pisa’s Tower and cathedral complex. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I book this tour if I arrive late?
It’s best to book and confirm at least 48 hours in advance; the start time is 8:30 am, and it’s essential to be punctual to maximize your day.

Is it possible to customize the stops?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with the guide or driver, within the scope of the scheduled stops.

How much free time do I get in each location?
You’ll have about two hours at Pisa and 45-minute stops at various sites in Lucca, along with free time to shop or browse.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is recommended—comfortable shoes are a must since there’s some walking involved, especially in the piazzas and around the walls.

Final Thoughts

This “Best of Lucca and Pisa” tour is a well-balanced way to see two of Tuscany’s most beloved towns without feeling rushed. The private nature of the experience, combined with guided insights and flexible free time, makes it ideal for curious travelers who want to enjoy authentic sights comfortably. Whether you’re snapping photos of the Leaning Tower or strolling along Lucca’s charming streets, you’ll find this tour offers a genuine taste of Italy’s timeless charm.

For those seeking a well-organized, intimate day trip that combines sightseeing with personalized service, this tour is a strong contender. It’s especially suited for cruise passengers, small groups, or first-time visitors eager to cover key highlights with ease and comfort. Just remember to book your Tower tickets early and bring your appetite for a day full of memorable views and friendly guides.