Private Tour: Lucca and Pisa with Typical Pastry Tasting

If you’re thinking about seeing Pisa and Lucca in one go while based in Florence, this private tour might catch your eye. It promises a full day of exploring two iconic Tuscan towns with a private guide, some local treats, and flexible options to suit your pace. Having looked into various options, what really stands out about this experience is how personalized it feels — with a dedicated guide and the chance to customize some parts of your day. Plus, the included pastry tasting in Lucca is a delightful touch that adds a true local flavor.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is the price—at around $637 per person, it’s definitely an investment. That said, considering the private guide, transportation, and the chance to skip some lines, many find it worthwhile if you’re after comfort and a tailored experience. It’s also worth noting that the pastry tasting isn’t available on Mondays, so plan accordingly if that’s on your must-do list.

This tour tends to suit travelers who appreciate a bit of luxury, value knowledgeable guides, and want the convenience of door-to-door service. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a stress-free way to hit the highlights, it can be a good fit. It’s less ideal if you’re on a tight budget or prefer self-guided wandering — then you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with your own guide and driver
• Includes round-trip hotel transfers from Florence, easing logistics
• Famous sights like Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Cathedral are highlights
• Lucca’s medieval walls and piazzas offer charming exploration
• Optional 2-course lunch adds value and local flavor
• Pastry tasting in Lucca (not available on Mondays) is a sweet touch

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This full-day private excursion offers a relaxed, well-curated way to see Pisa and Lucca without the hassle of navigating on your own. The fact that it’s private means you’ll get personalized attention, and your guide can adapt the tour to your interests — whether you’re history buffs, food lovers, or just want to soak in the scenery.

The round-trip hotel transfers in a deluxe vehicle mean you won’t have to worry about parking or public transport, which can be a relief in busy Tuscan towns. Plus, the vehicle’s WiFi ensures you can stay connected or share your photos on the go.

The guiding in Pisa is a highlight for many travelers, especially those who appreciate a lively, knowledgeable person sharing stories behind the landmarks. The Pisa part of the day features the world-famous Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, and the Cathedral. You can also opt to purchase skip-the-line tickets for the Baptistery and Cathedral, which is a real plus during busy seasons.

In Lucca, the charm is in the walk along the 16th-century city walls. These walkways offer panoramic views over the rooftops and are a favorite among visitors. Once inside, the Piazza Anfiteatro and Duomo di San Martino provide picturesque scenes perfect for wandering and snapping photos. The sweet stop at a historic downtown café with local pastries adds a genuine touch of Italy to the experience, something that reviews rave about.

The Itinerary in Detail

Coming from Florence

Your day begins early — with pickup at your hotel by a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The drive to Pisa is scenic, offering glimpses of Tuscany’s rolling hills, and sets a relaxed tone for the day ahead.

Pisa Highlights

Once in Pisa, your private guide will lead a walking tour of the piazza. You’ll pass the Piazza dei Miracoli, a stunning expanse of white marble monuments. The guide will point out the details of the Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, and introduce the Leaning Tower, which needs little introduction. Many travelers comment that their guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge made the experience more engaging. One reviewer shared, “Laura was very animated with great knowledge of the history of the buildings,” which can really elevate your visit.

You’ll also see the Battistero di San Giovanni and have the option to buy tickets for priority access — a definite advantage during busy times. This way, you avoid waiting in line and get inside to appreciate the intricate architecture.

Lunch Options

Here’s where the tour flexes: you can choose to eat on your own in Pisa or Lucca, or upgrade for a 2-course lunch at a traditional trattoria near the Leaning Tower. The upgraded option includes a glass of wine, water, dessert, and coffee — a fair addition considering the overall price. Many reviews mention the lunch as a highlight, with one reviewer noting that their guide recommended a restaurant that was closed, but still loved the day overall.

Lucca Exploration

After lunch, you’ll head to Lucca, a town often described as a hidden gem. Free time here allows you to walk along the 16th-century city walls, which are especially popular for their panoramic views. You can then explore the Piazza Anfiteatro, a lively square built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater, and visit the Duomo di San Martino.

A sweet stop at a downtown café completes the experience, where you’ll sample a local pastry. It’s a simple but memorable way to indulge in genuine Tuscan flavors. As one reviewer pointed out, “the pastry tasting was a lovely addition” that made the day special. Keep in mind, this pastry stop isn’t available on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Return to Florence

Reunited with your driver, you’ll enjoy the comfortable ride back to your hotel, reflecting on a day well spent exploring Italy’s treasures in style.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers generally praise the knowledgeable guides and the seamless logistics of this private tour. “Francesco was extremely friendly and accommodating,” one reviewer shared, highlighting how personalized attention enhances the experience. Many appreciated the flexibility — some opted to spend more time in Lucca, others enjoyed the guided Pisa tour.

The value for money is a common theme. While the price is on the higher side, many felt that the private service, skip-the-line options, and the overall convenience justified the cost. One comment summed it up: “While quite expensive, my wife and I found it to be a good value for the level of service and comfort.”

That said, a few noted minor hiccups — such as guides or restaurants being closed or not handling disruptions as smoothly as ideal. But overall, the positive experiences seem to outweigh the negatives, especially when you value a private, tailored day out.

Practical Details & Tips

• The tour starts at 8:30 am, so get an early start to maximize the day.
• Pickup is offered if your hotel is centrally located in Florence, removing the stress of finding transportation.
• The guide in Pisa is an English-speaking professional, ensuring clear communication.
• The tour includes transportation in a deluxe vehicle with WiFi, making the commute comfortable and connected.
• Keep in mind that entrance fees to Pisa and Lucca sites are not included, so plan for some extra expenses if you wish to go inside attractions.
• Pastry tasting in Lucca isn’t available on Mondays, so plan your day accordingly.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, but ask about mobility if needed — the towns are relatively flat, but walking is involved.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who enjoy walking and sightseeing will find Lucca especially engaging. The walk along the walls and the outdoor sights in Pisa are quite accessible.

How long is the drive between Florence and Pisa/Lucca?
The drive is included in the 8-hour duration, with a comfortable vehicle provided. It’s enough time for relaxing travel and possibly some sightseeing commentary.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, especially with a private guide. You can choose to spend more time in one town or explore specific sites if desired.

What’s the advantage of upgrading to include lunch?
The 2-course lunch with drinks, dessert, and coffee offers a genuine Tuscan meal close to the main sights, saving time and providing a local culinary experience.

What are the main sites I’ll see in Pisa?
The Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Cathedral. You might also get the chance for priority access inside some monuments.

How do reviews rate this tour overall?
With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 10 reviews, most travelers find it a worthwhile, enjoyable day, praising guides, scenery, and overall value.

To sum it up, this private tour from Florence to Pisa and Lucca offers a smooth, personalized way to tick off two iconic Tuscan towns. It’s especially good for travelers who value comfort, expert guiding, and the flexibility to tailor their day. While it isn’t cheap, the combination of private transport, guided insights, and local tastes makes it a strong choice for those wanting a more curated experience of Italy’s beautiful cities.

If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized day without the stress of navigating on your own, this tour is worth considering — especially if you enjoy a good story, scenic views, and some authentic bites along the way.