From Florence: Pisa & Lucca Day Tour with Buccellato Tasting

If you’re planning a day trip from Florence to experience the beauty and charm of Tuscany’s most iconic towns, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a guided visit to Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower, a walk through Lucca’s enchanting old town, and a taste of Buccellato, a local sweet treat. With a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 249 reviews, it seems like a good value, especially at around $62.59 per person.

What we like about this tour is that it offers a balanced mix of guided sightseeing and free time — perfect if you want some structure but still crave space to explore on your own. We also appreciate the inclusion of entrance tickets and tastings, which simplify things and give you a taste of local flavors. The downside? The length of the day and walking involved might not suit everyone, especially if you have mobility concerns or prefer more relaxed visits.

If you’re someone who enjoys cultural sights, scenic views, and authentic food experiences, this tour could be a real winner. But if you’re after in-depth exploration or a more leisurely pace, you might want to consider other options or extending your stay. For travelers looking to tick Pisa and Lucca off their list with a reliable guide, this trip is worth considering.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: Air-conditioned bus makes the long day manageable.
• Guided Tours: Expert guides help unpack the history and architecture.
• Entrance Tickets Included: Skip the lines at Pisa Cathedral.
• Taste of Local Food: Buccellato tasting offers a delicious insight into Lucchese traditions.
• Flexible Language Options: Tours available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
• Time Management: Well-structured itinerary balances sightseeing and free time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect From This Day Trip

When we first looked into this tour, the main thing that stood out is how it combines famous sights with local flavor. The day kicks off early, with pickup points conveniently near Florence’s train station. From there, it’s about 1.5 hours on a comfortable coach to Pisa, a town that, thanks to its iconic Tower, is well-loved worldwide.

Pisa: The Tower and Beyond

Once in Pisa, you’ll have about an hour of free time, which is enough to snap some photos of the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, and other fascinating monuments. The tour includes an entrance ticket to the Cathedral, making it easier to access this popular site without the hassle of lines. If you select the optional Tower access, you’ll get the chance to climb the Leaning Tower — an experience many find memorable.

From reviews, it seems that the guides are generally well-informed and capable of explaining the history behind Pisa’s architectural marvels. One reviewer even mentions their visit was “good with ample time to cover the sites and have lunch,” which suggests the schedule is quite reasonable.

Lucca: The Hidden Gem

Next, the coach takes you to Lucca, about 45 minutes away. This city, famed for its intact city walls, offers a different vibe from Pisa — more relaxed and charming. Your guide will lead you through the enchanting old town, highlighting key sights like the Anfiteatro Square, Guinigi Tower, and the San Martino Cathedral.

You’ll also get a chance to walk along the city walls, which are still well-preserved and provide spectacular views. According to reviews, the guides in Lucca are knowledgeable and friendly, with some guests noting that their explanations made the experience much richer.

Tasting Buccellato

A highlight for many is the Buccellato tasting — a sweet, anise-flavored Lucchese cake. One reviewer describes it as “quite good,” but notes that if you’re not a fan of aniseed, it might not be your favorite. Still, tasting regional specialties is always a nice way to connect with local culture.

More Great Tours Nearby

Balancing Sightseeing and Free Time

The itinerary allows for about one hour of free time in Lucca after the guided tour, giving you space to wander, browse local shops, or just enjoy the scenery. Some reviews mention that the walking involved can be quite extensive, especially as you explore the town walls and winding streets. For anyone with mobility issues or who tires easily, it’s worth considering this before booking.

Logistics and Group Size

The tour’s structure seems quite organized, with small groups and guides who are attentive. The company claims to skip the lines, which is a real advantage in busy tourist spots. The coach usually departs and returns to the same meeting point near Florence’s train station, making the day straightforward.

Value for Money

At just over $60, the tour offers a lot of value: transportation, guided sightseeing, entrance to the Pisa Cathedral, plus a local tasting. Several reviews praise the good organization and knowledgeable guides, which turn a simple sightseeing trip into a meaningful experience.

However, some guests mentioned the long hours and walking involved, with a few noting that their group struggled with the pace. The tour includes about 3 hours of driving total and a fair amount of walking, so it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable on their feet.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Departure and First Leg

Starting from Piazzale Montelungo — conveniently located next to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station — the tour begins with a short briefing and boarding the comfortable air-conditioned bus. Look out for staff in fuchsia jackets, easy to spot and friendly.

The first ride, approximately 1.5 hours, takes you toward Pisa. This early start helps avoid the worst of the crowds and gives you enough time to explore.

Exploring Pisa

Once in Pisa, you’ll find about an hour of free time, allowing you to take photos, explore the piazza, or visit the cathedral if you’re interested. The guided tour of Pisa, if you select that option, provides insights into the history and architecture of the monuments, which many reviewers find valuable.

Entrance to the Pisa Cathedral is included, meaning you won’t have to wait in line or buy tickets separately. However, note that access to the Baptistery and Cemetery is extra if you want to see more. Also, some visitors mention the requirement to cover shoulders when entering religious sites — so dress modestly.

Moving to Lucca

After Pisa, it’s about 45 minutes on the bus to Lucca. During this drive, guides often share interesting facts about the region, and you might find yourself looking forward to wandering this lesser-known Tuscan treasure.

Discovering Lucca

In Lucca, your guide will lead you through the historic center, sharing stories about its medieval walls, towers, and churches. You’ll get to stroll around the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater-turned-square, and climb the Guinigi Tower, famous for its medieval rooftop garden.

The walk along the city walls is a highlight, offering panoramic views of the rooftops and surrounding countryside. This is something many guests rave about in reviews, describing the views as “spectacular” and “breath-taking.”

Tasting and Free Time

The Buccellato tasting is a brief but sweet stop, allowing you to sample this regional specialty. Afterwards, you’ll have about an hour of free time, perfect for wandering the streets, shopping for souvenirs, or simply taking in the sights at your leisure.

Return to Florence

The day concludes with a 75-minute coach ride back to Florence, arriving at the original meeting point. Some reviewers mention the return trip being a bit longer than expected due to traffic or festival-related delays, but overall, the schedule is quite predictable.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a well-organized, affordable way to see Pisa and Lucca in a day, this tour hits most of the marks. The guides are praised for their knowledge, and the entrance tickets, tastings, and transportation make it a convenient choice. It’s especially suited for those who want to maximize sightseeing with limited time, as the schedule is quite full.

However, be prepared for a fair amount of walking and a packed day. If you’re not comfortable on your feet or prefer a slower pace, consider whether this tour matches your travel style. Also, if you’re curious about deeper historical insights or want to explore beyond the main sights, you might find this trip somewhat introductory.

Overall, it’s a solid pick for first-time visitors or those eager to check Tuscany’s most famous towns off their list without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll travel on an air-conditioned bus from Florence and back, making the long day more comfortable.

Does the tour include the Leaning Tower?
Access to the Leaning Tower is optional and can be added if you select that option. It’s included in the tour if you choose the Tower access.

How much free time do I get in Pisa and Lucca?
In Pisa, about one hour of free time; in Lucca, around one hour after guided sightseeing.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour can be booked in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, depending on the day and availability.

Is this suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking, including along the town walls, which might be challenging for some. It’s not recommended for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a sun hat are advised, as there’s plenty of walking and outdoor time.

How long is the total tour?
The whole day lasts about 9 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and free time.

Is there a cancelation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I want to skip the guided tour?
The low-cost option does not include guides in Pisa and Lucca, so you’ll explore on your own with just the transportation.

This tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to glimpse two of Tuscany’s most picturesque towns. If you’re okay with a busy schedule and want the ease of guided visits plus some local treats, it could be just what you’re looking for.

You can check availability for your dates here: