From Florence: 2-Day Tour of Pisa, Cinque Terre, & Tuscany

Traveling through Italy often means juggling busy schedules and trying to squeeze the most out of limited time. This 2-day tour from Florence offers a well-organized way to visit some of the most iconic sights and delicious experiences in Tuscany and Liguria, all without the hassle of planning transportation or navigating crowds alone. Whether you’re after picture-perfect landscapes, historic architecture, or top-notch wine, this tour packs it all into a manageable itinerary.

What we love about this experience is the comprehensive approach—covering Pisa, Cinque Terre, and Tuscany—so you get a taste of Italy’s diverse charms without the stress of self-driving or detailed planning. Plus, the knowledgeable guides seem to make a real difference, adding insights and humor that make the journey more memorable. The inclusion of wine tastings and local products also elevates the experience, turning a sightseeing trip into a delicious adventure.

One potential consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of travel and walking, especially at busy sites like Pisa and Cinque Terre, so it might not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer relaxing vacations. Also, since visits to Cinque Terre are by regional train, crowds can be large, and seats are not always guaranteed, especially in peak season. Still, if you’re comfortable with a lively pace and some flexibility, this tour offers excellent value for a rich, authentic experience.

This tour best suits travelers eager to see multiple highlights in a short time, those who enjoy scenic views and cultural sites, and wine lovers looking to sample Tuscany’s finest. It’s designed for people who want a guided, well-organized adventure that combines sightseeing with tasting local flavors.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience covering Pisa, Cinque Terre, and Tuscany in two days.
• Expert guides providing insights and local knowledge.
• Diverse activities including sightseeing, wine tasting, and optional swimming.
• Efficient transportation with train tickets and bus transfers included.
• Free time in Pisa, Cinque Terre villages, and San Gimignano for spontaneous exploration.
• Authentic experiences such as wine and olive oil tastings, plus balsamic vinegar.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Day 1: Pisa & Cinque Terre

We start early, meeting at 7:30am in front of Florence’s main train station, which means you should plan to arrive on time. The first stop is Pisa, home of the world-famous Leaning Tower. The tour allows around 1 hour and 30 minutes here—plenty of time to snap those iconic photos and take in the main monuments like the Baptistery, Campo Santo, and the cathedral. The large crowds here are inevitable, especially during high season, so having a guide who can navigate through the throngs is a real plus, as one reviewer noted: “Our tour leader did best he could do to navigate our group through throngs of other travelers.”

After Pisa, the journey continues towards the Liguria region, specifically the Cinque Terre. The villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza are the stars of the show. You’ll visit Riomaggiore first, where you can enjoy a quick orientation walk and grab a bite for lunch—or just soak in the spectacular coastal views. Then, the tour moves to Manarola for fantastic photos of colorful houses perched on cliffs, and finally Vernazza, where you might want to sunbathe, swim, or simply relax on the beach.

Travel by regional train is a key part of the experience. While this allows you to cover more ground without the stress of logistics, it also means dealing with crowds, especially during the busy months. The review from a traveler mentions that trains can be crowded and delays are possible; thus, flexibility is essential. The tour organizer encourages bringing water shoes if you want to swim, although swimming might be less appealing in winter.

Day 2: Tuscany & San Gimignano

The second day starts around 9:40am, with a relaxed departure from Florence’s Piazza della Calza. This day is dedicated to exploring Tuscany’s countryside, its renowned wine, and the medieval town of San Gimignano.

The visit to two wineries stands out as a highlight. The first winery offers tastings of four different wines, along with 30-year-old balsamic vinegar and truffle-infused extra virgin olive oil. The winemakers share stories about their craft, giving you a deeper appreciation of Tuscany’s agricultural riches. The second winery, with views of San Gimignano’s towers, is situated in a picturesque area and offers guided tours of the vineyards and cellars.

In the afternoon, you’re free to wander through San Gimignano’s narrow streets, admire its iconic tower-filled skyline, and indulge in a scoop of world-champion gelato. The town’s medieval charm is palpable, and many travelers find this part of the tour to be a genuine highlight.

The day wraps up around 5:00pm back in Florence, giving you some time to reflect on the trip or explore further on your own.

Transportation & Logistics

Transportation is a significant part of this tour. The train tickets for Day 1 and bus or van transfers on Day 2 are included, making the experience more relaxed. Notably, the seats on regional trains are not assigned, and during peak season, train capacity could be limited, so flexibility and patience are necessary. The overall timing allows for a good balance between sightseeing and leisure.

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What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour provides a knowledgeable local guide, all train tickets, and wine and olive oil tastings—which are substantial and highly praised by past travelers. The meals or accommodations in Florence are not included, so plan accordingly. The tour emphasizes authentic experiences rather than luxury or extensive downtime, making it excellent value for those seeking a guided taste of Italy.

Real Traveler Insights

Reviews highlight the quality of guides and the richness of the tastings. For example, one traveler praised their guide Maria: “She did a fantastic job!! This was an amazing experience.” Another noted, “Ned was so calm when hiccups occurred with the trains, and he was very insightful and kind,” illustrating the importance of good leadership when navigating a busy itinerary.

However, some found the Cinque Terre visits a bit overwhelming due to large crowds—“we did three towns in one day, and it was a bit rushed,” one review stated. If you prefer to spend more time relaxing in fewer places, this might be a consideration.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This 2-day tour offers a well-rounded taste of Italy’s northern beauty, combining iconic landmarks, scenic coastal villages, and tasty local products. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see a lot without the hassle of organizing logistics themselves. If you love wines and local culinary delights, the winery visits will delight you. For those interested in historic towns and picturesque landscapes, the stops in Pisa, San Gimignano, and Cinque Terre provide plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments.

Keep in mind that the pace is lively and includes some walking, plus the train rides can be crowded. If you’re traveling with mobility issues or prefer a more relaxed itinerary, this might not be the best fit. Nevertheless, for active travelers eager to maximize their time and enjoy authentic local experiences, this tour offers excellent value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
It’s not specifically designed for children under 18, and some aspects like walking and train travel might be tiring for young kids. Always consider the pace and your child’s comfort.

Do I need to bring my own water shoes?
Yes, the tour recommends bringing water shoes if you plan to swim, although swimming is not always feasible in winter months.

What do the wine tastings include?
Up to 9 wine tastings are included, along with the chance to taste 30-year-old balsamic vinegar and high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Are hotel accommodations included?
No, the tour price does not include accommodations in Florence. You’ll need to arrange your own stay.

How flexible are the timings?
The tour operates on scheduled start and end times, with some free time built into the itinerary for exploring towns and relaxing.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some peace of mind for flexible travel plans.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the nature of the sites and transportation.

What should I pack for the trip?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water shoes if you plan to swim, sun protection, and a camera. Also, consider bringing a light jacket, especially if visiting in shoulder seasons.

Will I see the leaning tower of Pisa?
Absolutely. The tour provides ample time at Pisa to take pictures and admire the main monuments, with a particular highlight being the famous leaning tower.

To sum it up, this 2-day Florence-based tour strikes a nice balance between structured sightseeing and free exploration, letting you experience Italy’s renowned landscapes, history, and flavors in a manageable package. It’s best for active travelers eager to explore multiple regions with knowledgeable guides who can enrich the journey. If you’re looking for a way to sample Tuscany’s wines, see the colorful villages of Cinque Terre, and stand beneath the Leaning Tower—all in one trip—this tour offers a compelling option worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: