Discover the charm of Tuscany on a private full-day tour from Florence to the historic cities of Pisa and Lucca. Explore the iconic Leaning Tower, then venture to the walled city of Lucca to wander its medieval streets. No trip to the region is complete without sampling the local pastries – indulge in Buccellato and Cantucci, classic Tuscan treats that will delight your tastebuds. With the flexibility of a private tour, you’ll have the freedom to customize your experience and uncover the true essence of these captivating destinations. But what awaits you beyond the walls of these enchanting cities?
Good To Know
- This private full-day tour from Florence takes visitors to explore the historic cities of Pisa and Lucca, including a local pastry tasting experience.
- The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide in Pisa, and transportation in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi.
- In Pisa, the walking tour highlights the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and medieval Cathedral, focusing on Romanesque architecture and the tower’s stabilization efforts.
- Visitors will have free time to explore Lucca’s 16th-century walls, Piazza Anfiteatro, Torre Giunigi, and the Duomo di San Martino.
- The local pastry tasting includes traditional Tuscan specialties like buccellato, castagnaccio, ricciarelli, and cantucci.
Tour Overview and Details
This private full-day tour from Florence takes visitors to the historic cities of Pisa and Lucca. Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 10 reviewers, the tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, a local English-speaking guide in Pisa, and transportation in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with onboard Wi-Fi.
Guests can opt to upgrade for a 2-course lunch in a Pisa trattoria. The itinerary features a walking tour of Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, Baptistery, Leaning Tower, and Cathedral, as well as free time to explore Lucca’s Piazza Anfiteatro, Torre Giunigi, and 16th-century walls.
A local pastry tasting is included, except on Mondays. Entrance fees and gratuities are covered, but admission tickets for select Pisa attractions are not.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour kicks off at 8:30 am with pickup from your centrally located Florence hotel. Your driver will whisk you away to Pisa, where you’ll embark on a walking tour led by a local English-speaking guide.
| Pisa Walking Tour | |
|---|---|
| Piazza dei Miracoli | Medieval Cathedral (11th century) |
| Baptistery | Leaning Tower of Pisa |
After exploring Pisa, the tour continues to the historic walled city of Lucca. Here, you’ll have free time to wander the charming streets, visit the Piazza Anfiteatro, Torre Giunigi, Duomo di San Martino, and sample local pastries (not available on Mondays). Throughout the day, you’ll travel in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with onboard Wi-Fi.
Walking Tour of Pisa
Your visit to Pisa begins with a walking tour led by a local English-speaking guide.
The tour takes you to the renowned Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. You’ll also explore the Baptistery and the medieval Cathedral, both impressive examples of Romanesque architecture.
The highlights of the walking tour include:
- Marveling at the Leaning Tower’s distinctive tilt and learning about the efforts to stabilize it.
- Admiring the intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the Baptistery’s exterior.
- Stepping inside the Cathedral to appreciate its grand scale and detailed interior.
- Discovering the history and significance of these architectural wonders with your knowledgeable guide.
Free Time in Lucca
After exploring the iconic sights of Pisa, the tour shifts its focus to the charming town of Lucca.
Travelers will have free time to wander the 16th-century walls, a unique feature of the city. They can stroll through the Piazza Anfiteatro, a picturesque square built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
The Torre Giunigi, a distinctive tower with trees growing on top, offers panoramic views over the city. The Duomo di San Martino, a Romanesque cathedral, is also worth a visit.
Travelers can savor the local pastry during their free time, which is included in the tour (except on Mondays). This provides a chance to take in Lucca’s charming atmosphere and explore the town at their own pace.
Local Pastry Tasting
As part of the tour, travelers can savor the local pastry tasting in Lucca, providing a delightful opportunity to enjoy the town’s culinary delights.
This experience allows visitors to indulge in a selection of traditional Tuscan pastries, which are typically not available on Mondays.
The pastry tasting offers a chance to sample:
- Buccellato, a sweet bread with raisins and anise.
- Castagnaccio, a chestnut flour cake with pine nuts and rosemary.
- Ricciarelli, soft almond-based cookies.
- Cantucci, twice-baked almond biscuits.
This local pastry tasting is an included highlight of the tour, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the rich gastronomic heritage of Lucca.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes a local pastry tasting, gratuities, and entrance fees in Pisa and Lucca, though specific attraction tickets aren’t provided.
The driver is an English/Italian speaker, but admission tickets for the Duomo di Pisa, Leaning Tower, and Baptistery aren’t included.
Lunch is also not provided, unless the 2-course upgrade is selected.
Everything not explicitly mentioned as included is considered an exclusion.
Traveler Experience and Feedback
Travelers largely commended the tour’s friendly and knowledgeable guides, such as Francesco and Laura.
Many enjoyed the educational and personalized aspects of the private format, which allowed for a more focused experience. However, some feedback noted the tour’s high cost and the need for additional ticket purchases in Pisa.
Travelers appreciated:
- The scenic beauty and free time in the charming town of Lucca.
- The inclusion of a local pastry tasting, which added a delightful cultural element.
- The comfort of the air-conditioned transportation and on-board Wi-Fi.
- The convenience of round-trip hotel transfers from central Florence.
Additional Information
According to the information provided, this private tour is not wheelchair accessible. However, it is near public transportation, and infant seats are available. Most travelers can participate in this tour. The private group tour format ensures a personalized experience, and the price varies by group size with a lowest price guarantee.
| Wheelchair Accessible | Near Public Transportation | Infant Seats Available | Suitable for Most Travelers | Private Group Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
This tour offers a comprehensive and flexible experience, catering to the needs of various travelers. The additional information highlights the accessibility and convenience aspects, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Visit Other Sites in Pisa Beyond the Main Attractions?
While the tour focuses on the main attractions in Pisa, travelers may have the opportunity to explore other sites independently during their free time. The tour’s itinerary allows for some personal exploration beyond the scheduled activities.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration in Lucca?
Yes, travelers can extend their time in Lucca. The tour allows for free time to explore the town’s sights, so visitors can choose to spend more time wandering the historic center and walls at their own pace.
Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Include Additional Activities?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to include additional activities. Customers can work with the tour provider to add or modify stops and experiences based on their interests and preferences for the day.
What Is the Dress Code for This Tour, and Are There Any Restrictions?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. There are no major restrictions, though visitors should be prepared for moderate walking and periods of standing.
Is There a Way to Book This Tour for a Larger Group Size?
The tour can accommodate larger group sizes. Travelers can contact the tour operator to inquire about pricing and availability for their desired group size. The private tour format ensures a personalized experience regardless of group size.
Private Tour: Lucca and Pisa With Typical Pastry Tasting
The Sum Up
This private tour offers a delightful opportunity to explore the historic cities of Pisa and Lucca, with a chance to savor the local pastries that make the Tuscan region so renowned. Travelers can enjoy the iconic landmarks of Pisa, then discover the charming streets of Lucca at their own pace, all while indulging in a traditional pastry tasting experience.
