La Spezia: Florence and Pisa Full Day Shore Excursion

If you’re planning to squeeze a visit to Florence and Pisa into a single day from La Spezia, this tour might seem like a great way to hit two of Italy’s most famous destinations. It promises a mix of guided sightseeing and free time, all while offering the convenience of transportation from the port. But, like many organized day trips, it’s a mix of highlights and some notable hurdles.

What we really appreciate about this excursion is how it offers guided tours of Florence’s key monuments—from the Duomo to Ponte Vecchio—and the chance to enjoy free time to explore each city at your own pace. Plus, the round-trip transfer from La Spezia makes things easier logistically, especially if you’re not familiar with traveling independently in Tuscany. However, a couple of reviews flag potential issues, including confusion over start times and the risk of missing some parts of the tour if timings aren’t managed well. This might not be ideal for travelers seeking a fully seamless experience but could suit those comfortable with a flexible schedule and a bit of adventure.

In this review, I’ll break down the itinerary, the pros and cons, and what you can realistically expect from this trip. Whether it’s worth your money depends on your priorities—are you after a quick overview of Florence and Pisa, or do you prefer a more relaxed, in-depth exploration? Let’s find out.

Key Points

• Guided walking tour in Florence covers main monuments like Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria.
• Free time in both Florence and Pisa allows for personal exploration and photos.
• Comfortable round-trip transfer from La Spezia simplifies logistics but can be subject to schedule changes.
• Timing issues have been reported, so punctuality and flexibility are important.
• Tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or wheelchair users.
• Expectations should be realistic: this is a quick snapshot of each city, not an in-depth experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What It Means for You

Departure from La Spezia Cruise Terminal

Your day begins at the La Spezia Cruise Terminal, where your driver will wait with a sign. This part is straightforward and hassle-free for cruise passengers, but keep in mind that timing is crucial. Since the schedule may vary based on your ship’s arrival, there’s a bit of an element of uncertainty. The bus ride to Florence takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in and enjoy the scenery.

Florence Guided Tour (1.5 hours)

Once in Florence, the guide will lead you through the city’s most recognizable sights, including the Duomo, its bell tower, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. We liked that the guide is knowledgeable, offering enough context to make the sights meaningful without overwhelming you. The walk lasts about an hour and a half, which is enough to get a sense of Florence’s charm, but probably not enough for deep exploration.

One of the issues some travelers have faced, according to reviews, is confusion over the start time. One reviewer in Canada mentioned missing out on Florence altogether because of a scheduling problem. So, you’ll want to confirm your start time and keep track of the schedule carefully.

Free Time in Florence (2 hours)

After the guided tour, you’re given about two hours to wander on your own. This is the perfect opportunity to browse local markets, grab a quick bite, or snap some photos. You might want to visit the Central Market to try some typical Florentine dishes, as suggested by the tour description.

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Travel to Pisa (1.5 hours)

In the afternoon, the coach heads to Pisa. The drive is relatively short, about 30 minutes, so you’ll arrive at the Piazza dei Miracoli with some time left for exploration. Pisa is famous for the Leaning Tower, but also has a stunning Cathedral and Baptistery, which are worth a look.

Free Time in Pisa (75 minutes)

This is your chance to see the Leaning Tower up close, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. Keep in mind that the free time is limited, so plan your photos and visits accordingly. Some reviews noted that this part of the trip felt rushed, which is understandable given the tight schedule.

Return to La Spezia

The return trip is about 30 minutes, arriving back at the cruise terminal in the early evening. Consider possible delays—traffic or schedule changes—so be sure to keep an eye on the clock.

What’s Good About This Tour

Convenience and logistics are a clear plus. For cruise travelers or those with limited time, having an all-in-one transfer and guided tour simplifies the logistics, allowing you to focus on sightseeing rather than navigating public transport or booking multiple tickets. The guides seem knowledgeable, which adds value, especially if you’re interested in quick cultural context.

The sights themselves—Florence’s iconic landmarks and the Piazza dei Miracoli—are truly worth seeing. The guided walk in Florence gives a solid overview, and the free time allows you to explore at your own pace.

Scenery and atmosphere: The Tuscany landscape on the drive is lovely, and you’ll get some nice views of Italy’s countryside, especially if the weather is clear.

The Challenges and Considerations

Timing and schedule management are the biggest concerns. Several reviews point out that start times can be confusing or delayed, and some travelers have missed parts of the tour or even the entire Florence visit. This is especially problematic if your cruise’s schedule is tight or unpredictable.

Rushed experience: With only about two hours of free time in each city and guided tours squeezed into a short period, you might find yourself feeling hurried. If you’re a traveler who prefers deep immersions and leisurely exploration, this trip might fall short.

Cost vs. value: While the price includes transportation and guided tours, the quick stops mean you’re mainly getting a snapshot, not a full experience. For some, this is enough for a taste of Italy’s highlights; for others, it might feel like a missed opportunity.

Not suitable for everyone: This tour is explicitly not recommended for pregnant women, those with back or heart issues, or wheelchair users, due to the walking involved and limited accessibility.

User Reviews: What Do Others Say?

The honest reviews highlight a mixed bag. One person from Canada was disappointed due to confusion over start times, missing Florence altogether. Another from Malta felt the experience lacked clarity and professionalism, mentioning threatening behavior from staff—an unusual and concerning comment.

However, some reviews praise knowledgeable guides and stunning views. It’s clear that if the logistics are handled well, many travelers find the sightseeing enjoyable. But the inconsistency in experiences is worth noting; it’s a tour that can go either way depending on circumstances.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re cruising La Spezia and want a quick, guided taste of Florence and Pisa without the hassle of organizing transport yourself, this tour offers a convenient option. It’s suitable for those who are okay with a fast-paced day and don’t mind a degree of unpredictability.

It’s not ideal for travelers seeking in-depth exploration, luxurious time in each city, or full accessibility. If you’re traveling with mobility restrictions or prefer to take your time, look for options that allow more flexibility.

Final Thoughts

This shore excursion from La Spezia offers a straightforward way to tick off Florence and Pisa in one day, with the reassurance of guided tours and round-trip transport. The guides’ knowledge and famous sights create a memorable snapshot, especially if you’re short on time or want a hassle-free experience.

However, be prepared for the potential pitfalls of tight scheduling and rushed visits. To get the most out of this tour, arrive early, stay flexible, and be clear about your timetable. The experience seems best suited for travelers who are happy with a quick overview rather than an exhaustive exploration.

Overall, it’s a decent option for a taste of Tuscany, but don’t expect to cover everything thoroughly. Use it as a starting point, and if you fall in love with Florence or Pisa, plan to return for a more relaxed visit later.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with back or heart problems, as the tour involves walking and some uneven terrain.

What time does the tour start?
The schedule varies depending on your cruise’s arrival and departure, but the tour generally begins from La Spezia Cruise Terminal. Confirm your specific start time with the provider.

Will I see the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
Yes, during your free time in Pisa, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Leaning Tower and other monuments in Piazza dei Miracoli.

How much free time do I get in each city?
You’ll have approximately 2 hours in Florence and 75 minutes in Pisa to explore independently.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and casual clothes are recommended. No smoking is allowed during the tour.

Are there any issues reported by other travelers?
Some reviews mention timing confusion and even missed parts of the tour. It’s important to stay attentive to the schedule and communicate with guides if possible.

If you’re up for a quick, guided glimpse of Florence and Pisa with the ease of transportation, this tour could work. Just keep in mind the potential for a rushed experience and make sure it aligns with your travel style.

You can check availability for your dates here: