Traveling through Tuscany often means balancing awe-inspiring sights with authentic local flavors. This tour offers a well-rounded taste of both—visiting the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and the charming walled city of Lucca, topped off with a delicious lunch at a family-run winery. It’s a full-day experience that promises cultural richness, scenic beauty, and culinary delights, all bundled into one seamless trip.
What we love about this experience is how it manages to combine self-guided exploration with the warmth of a personalized touch—plus, the chance to enjoy local wines and homemade Tuscan fare. The downside? Its 8-hour duration might feel a bit long for those who prefer shorter trips, especially if you’re tight on time. But for travelers eager to see key highlights without the hassle of organizing transport and logistics, this tour hits the sweet spot.
This experience works best for history buffs, food lovers, and anyone wanting a relaxed, authentic day in Tuscany. If you’re craving a blend of sightseeing, regional cuisine, and wine tasting—done with a personal touch—this tour is an excellent choice.
Key Points
- All-inclusive private tour with transport, lunch, and wine tasting.
- Visit Pisa’s Miracle Square and its iconic Leaning Tower at your own pace.
- Explore Lucca’s medieval walls and Piazza dell’Anfiteatro for a taste of local charm.
- Enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal at a family-run farm, tasting regional products.
- Sample some of the best Tuscan wines in a genuine setting.
- Comfortable transport in an air-conditioned minivan with a friendly, multilingual driver.
- Flexible pickup and drop-off options in Florence or private addresses.
- Approximate duration of 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.
- Cost of around $260 per person, offering good value considering all inclusions.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Montecarlo Tuscany.
Starting in Florence
The adventure begins with a pickup in Florence—your driver, who speaks several languages including English, will meet you at your hotel, B&B, or private apartment. This personalized service means you won’t need to worry about navigating public transport or figuring out directions before the tour even starts. The journey itself takes about an hour as you leave the bustling city behind and enter the peaceful hills of Tuscany.
First Stop: Pisa
Your first major destination is Pisa, famed worldwide for its Leaning Tower and the Miracle Square. This stop is mostly self-guided, giving you freedom to explore at your own pace. Expect to see the Baptistry and Cathedral nearby—photogenic landmarks that define the cityscape. Many travelers appreciate the self-guided format, as it allows for spontaneous photos and personal reflection without a hurried guide.
According to reviews, visitors find Pisa’s sights “really worth it,” especially when you take the time to seek out the perfect shot of the lean. After all, this is the one place where a slight tilt adds charm rather than chaos. You’ll probably want to walk around the square, soak in the atmosphere, and maybe snap a few memorable photos with the tower as your backdrop.
Lunch at a Family-Run Farm in Montecarlo
After Pisa, the tour continues to a typical Tuscan family-run farm for lunch. This is a highlight for many—an opportunity to indulge in authentic regional cuisine prepared with love. You might find a menu featuring local wines, cheeses, olive oils, and balsamic vinegar, paired perfectly with typical Tuscan sweets or other local specialties.
The experience is more than just eating; it’s about tasting the true flavors of Tuscany in a warm, welcoming setting. Guests often comment on the delicious food and excellent wine, describing the meal as “authentic” and “a highlight of the day.” The guided wine tasting adds an educational layer, helping you appreciate the regional varieties and craft behind each glass.
More Great Tours NearbyExploring Lucca
Post-lunch, the journey continues to Lucca, a jewel with its medieval walls and historic charm. You’ll have around 1.5 hours for a self-guided exploration, enough time to walk along the ancient ramparts, perhaps climb the Torre Guinigi for views over the city, or relax with a coffee in the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro—an open-air square built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
Reviewers repeatedly mention the pleasure of wandering Lucca’s streets and enjoying the quiet, authentic atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “The town is beautiful, with its walls and charming squares—perfect for a relaxed afternoon.” As the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, Lucca also offers a cultural touchstone for music lovers.
Final Stop: Return to Florence
After a relaxed afternoon exploring Lucca, the group is transported back to Florence, completing the approximately 8-hour tour. The comfortable van makes the return trip a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights—scenes of Pisa’s leaning tower, Lucca’s medieval walls, and the flavors of Tuscan wine and cuisine.
The Value of This Experience
Considering what’s included—private transport, lunch, wine tasting, and flexible pickup—the $260.56 price point offers good value for a curated, hassle-free day in Tuscany. The personalized service means you avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate look at these historic towns. Plus, the self-guided nature allows for spontaneity, making it easier to focus on what interests you most.
Many travelers have praised the quality of the lunch, often citing it as a highlight. Mariana’s review summed up the experience with: “The tour with the guide Andrea was very pleasant and the lunch at the winery was delicious.” Such feedback suggests that the combination of sightseeing and culinary experience delivers excellent value—a true immersive taste of Tuscany.
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
This tour is ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts, who want a flexible way to see Pisa and Lucca without the challenge of self-planning. It’s also perfect for foodies who appreciate authentic Tuscan cuisine paired with regional wines. The personal, private format suits travelers seeking a more relaxed, customized experience—especially when traveling in small groups, couples, or families.
If you’re looking for a full day of scenic views, cultural exploration, and regional flavors, this tour offers a balanced, well-organized option. However, if you prefer more guided commentary or fewer self-guided stops, you might want to consider other options.
FAQ: Practical Questions About the Tour
Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes private, air-conditioned transportation in a comfortable minivan, with pickup and drop-off at your chosen location in Florence or private addresses.
What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, lunch, and wine tasting.
Can I customize my pickup location?
Pickup is available at hotels, B&Bs, or private addresses within the specified area—simply indicate your address when booking.
Is lunch included, and what does it entail?
Yes, a traditional Tuscan lunch at a family-run farm is included, featuring regional products like cheeses, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and local wines.
Are wine tastings part of the experience?
Absolutely. You’ll enjoy tastings of regional wines as part of the lunch experience, adding to the regional flavor.
What’s the self-guided tour about?
In Pisa and Lucca, you will explore major sights at your own pace, with time for photos and personal discovery.
Who facilitates the tour?
An expert driver, who speaks several languages including English, will ensure smooth transport and share local insights.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, the experience is designed for private groups, offering an intimate setting and personalized service.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—making it flexible for changing plans.
This tour offers a carefully curated taste of Tuscany’s most beloved sights and flavors in a way that balances independence with guided comfort. For those eager to see Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower, wander Lucca’s historic streets, and indulge in true Tuscan cuisine and wines—all without the stress of planning—this experience hits the mark.
Its flexible, private approach means you can enjoy the scenery and culture at your own pace, while the inclusion of regional specialties makes it more than just a sightseeing trip. The combination of cultural highlights, culinary delights, and scenic drives makes this tour a strong contender for a memorable day in Tuscany, especially for those who value authenticity and personal attention.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this experience offers a well-balanced, honest taste of Tuscany that will leave you with lasting memories—and plenty of photos to show off your trip.
You can check availability for your dates here: