Pisa and Lucca Private Tour from La Spezia

If you’re cruising along Italy’s coast and want to make the most of your time ashore, a private tour to Pisa and Lucca from La Spezia is a solid choice. It promises a full day of exploring two uniquely beautiful Tuscan towns, with the convenience of a private driver and flexible itinerary. Think of it as a chance to get some iconic photos at the Leaning Tower, wander through medieval streets, and enjoy some local tastings—all without the hassle of public transport or large groups.

What really catches our eye about this experience are the personalized touch of a private guide and the easy, comfortable transportation that lets you relax between stops. Plus, the itinerary is well-structured, giving you time to soak in Pisa’s famous sights and enjoy Lucca’s charming walls and streets.

One thing to keep in mind is that entrance fees to attractions aren’t included, so be prepared for some extra costs if you want to go inside certain sites. Also, if you’re expecting a highly guided experience with detailed historical commentary, you might find the tour feels more like a scenic drive and drop-off rather than a deep dive into history—reviews suggest it’s more about the sights and ambiance than guided storytelling.

This tour suits travelers who want a convenient, well-organized day trip with plenty of time to explore at their own pace. It’s particularly good if you appreciate private transportation and a flexible schedule, especially if you’re traveling with a small group looking for comfort and ease.

Key Points

• Private and personalized experience tailored to your group’s pace and interests.
• Comfortable transport between Pisa, Lucca, and the Tuscan countryside.
• Flexible itinerary with time for photos, lunch, shopping, or just wandering.
• Expert driver-guide ensures a smooth, informative trip.
• Time management guarantee means you’ll get back to your cruise ship on time.
• Cost includes private vehicle, WiFi onboard, and full-day service, but excludes attraction tickets.

Planning a shore excursion from La Spezia can be tricky—you’re often limited on time and options. This private tour offers a good balance: it packs in Pisa and Lucca, two of Tuscany’s most charismatic towns, in about eight hours, with the peace of mind that your transportation and timing are handled smoothly.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop at Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa

The journey begins at the Piazza dei Miracoli, the UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to Italy’s most famous leaning tower. We loved the way this stops allows you to get a sense of the grandeur of this open square. Though admission tickets are not included, you can choose to explore the cathedral or the baptistery if you wish—just keep in mind those are paid entries.

Travelers rave about the setting: “Our guide, Sara, was amazing! She told us the best spot to get pictures of the tower,” says Stacey_A. If you’re into photography, this is one of those iconic moments you’ll want to capture from the perfect angle. The 30-minute walk-by of the Leaning Tower itself is brief but enough for a quick photo op and to admire its tilt from various angles.

A Short Drive into Tuscany

Next, you’ll hop into your private vehicle for a scenic 30-minute drive across the hills and mountains of Tuscany to Lucca. The drive is often described as “short but amazing,” giving travelers a chance to enjoy the countryside views. It’s a great way to experience the region without the fatigue of a long bus ride.

Exploring Lucca

Once in Lucca, you have about three hours of free time. The city’s walled old town is the star here—imagine walking or biking along the fortress walls that encircle the city, offering sweeping views of rooftops and distant hills. You can opt for lunch, grab some local gelato, or do some shopping. Many reviewers, like Joanna_O, highlight the chance to visit a small vineyard for lunch and wine tasting, which was a perfect addition to the day, showing the flexibility of the tour.

“Alberto and Marco were fabulous,” one review notes, praising the friendly guides who made the experience both educational and fun. The town’s medieval charm is palpable, with narrow cobblestone streets, quaint piazzas, and lively markets.

What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a mostly positive picture. “Theresa was the best tour guide! She was kind, patient, spoke perfect English and the tour was fantastic,” gushes Goldie. The driver’s professionalism and vehicle cleanliness often get high marks, and onboard Wi-Fi is a bonus for sharing your trip in real-time.

Some reviews mention that the tour is more about sightseeing and less about detailed guided commentary. As Kenneth_K notes, “We were just dropped in Pisa and Lucca with minimal information given of what to see or any history,” suggesting that travelers should set expectations accordingly. The focus is on the sights and the experience, not an indoor museum tour.

The Value for Money

Considering the cost is around $1,305 for up to 8 people, it’s quite good value for a private, all-inclusive day out. The price covers transportation, an expert driver-guide, Wi-Fi, and the flexibility to customize your stop duration. Extra costs come from attraction tickets and meals, which are on your tab if you want to go inside sites or grab lunch.

The Overall Experience

From seamless logistics to engaging guides, the tour offers a balanced mix of relaxation and sightseeing. The reviews are almost unanimous in praising the professionalism and friendliness of the drivers and guides. “Claudio was our driver to Pisa and Florence, and he was amazing,” says Laura_W, emphasizing how a good driver makes a difference in the overall experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who values comfort, flexibility, and personalized service, this tour hits the right notes. It’s especially suited for small groups or families who want to avoid the crowds and rigid schedules of larger tours. If you’re keen on grabbing the perfect photo of the Leaning Tower and exploring Lucca at your own pace, this experience aligns well with your interests.

However, if you’re after a deeply historical or guided tour with detailed storytelling, you might find this more of a scenic drive with brief stops. It’s best for travelers who prioritize seeing the sights comfortably and on their own terms.

This Pisa and Lucca private tour from La Spezia offers a well-rounded, stress-free way to visit two of Tuscany’s most captivating towns. It combines professional guiding, comfortable transportation, and ample free time, making it an ideal choice for those who want a relaxed yet enriching day. The high praise from past travelers for guides, views, and wine tastings suggests you’ll enjoy a memorable experience—especially if your main goal is to see the sights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The carefully curated stops, the flexibility to explore at your own pace, and the promise of being back at your cruise port on time all make this a dependable option. It’s a fantastic way to turn a brief port stop into a true taste of Tuscany’s beauty and charm.

If you’re eager to tick Pisa and Lucca off your list without the hassle of self-organizing transportation, this tour is worth considering. Perfect for those who want comfort, convenience, and a touch of personalized insight in Italy’s stunning countryside.

Is this tour suitable for small groups or families?
Yes, the tour is private for your group, up to 8 people, making it comfortable for families, friends, or small groups who want personalized service.

How long do we spend in Pisa?
You’ll have about 2 hours at Piazza dei Miracoli, including time to see the Leaning Tower and take photos. There’s no included inside access, so it’s mainly a sightseeing stop.

What about in Lucca?
You get roughly 3 hours to explore. You can walk the walls, visit shops, or enjoy lunch and wine tasting if you wish—it’s flexible.

Are attraction tickets included?
No, entrance fees to sites like cathedrals or museums are not included, so plan for some extra expenses if you want to go inside.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Absolutely. The tour uses private air-conditioned vehicles, and reviews specifically mention the vehicle’s cleanliness and onboard WiFi as positives.

How do I ensure I get back to the port on time?
The tour guarantees a timely return, with your driver guiding you back to La Spezia on schedule.

Can I customize the stops or timing?
While the itinerary is structured, the tour’s flexible nature allows some customization, especially at Lucca for lunch or shopping.

If you’re after a relaxing, tailored way to see Pisa and Lucca from La Spezia, this private tour ticks a lot of boxes—and with excellent reviews backing it, it’s likely to deliver a memorable day.