Pisa & Lucca Day Trip from Florence with Optional Leaning Tower

About this experience

Fall in love with the charms of Tuscany on an unforgettable day trip from Florence! Your journey begins in Pisa, where an expert tour leader will guide you through the breathtaking Piazza dei Miracoli. Stand in awe before the majestic Baptistery, explore the historic Duomo, and snap that perfect photo with the legendary Leaning Tower, a proud UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, escape the crowds and discover Lucca, one of Tuscany’s most enchanting hidden gems. Stroll along its iconic Renaissance walls and enjoy an intimate walking tour through history, marveling at the unique Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and the stunning Lucca Cathedral. To top off your perfect Tuscan day, treat your tastebuds to a delicious slice of Buccellato, Lucca’s famous traditional sweet cake.

Itinerary

English information from the provider

1. Stop 1

   Duration: 60 min

   Discover two of Italy’s most symbolic towns - Pisa and Lucca! Meet your tour guide at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal. Piazzale Montelungo is located 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella train station. Find your seat on the comfortable coach bus, sit and relax, and prepare to depart for Pisa! The drive will take about two hours, and your guide will share some useful and interesting information about the city and its landmarks before your arrival. If you have any questions, your expert guide will be there to assist you!

2. Stop 2

   Duration: 60 min

   When you arrive, your guide will lead you directly to the ancient gate surrounding the Square of Miracles. When you enter, you will be greeted by a breathtaking panorama - white, marble buildings dominating a square of perfect, green lawns. The intricate architecture is unbelievable, and you will not be able to resist immediately taking photos!

3. Stop 3

   Duration: 60 min

   Your group will meet an expert, local guide, who will introduce you to the fascinating history of this square and its monuments. Embark on a captivating walking tour through history, as you learn all about the monuments in a fun and vivid way. Your guide will lead you to all of the buildings in the square - you can admire the exteriors of the large Baptistery and the Monumental Graveyard. Then, follow your guide into the incredible Cathedral to learn more.

4. Stop 4

   Duration: 15 min

   Next, follow your guide into the Pisa Cathedral with your included skip-the-line ticket. You will discover the fascinating history of this Cathedral with its unique Romanesque architecture. The interiors of the Cathedral are equally beautiful with ancient frescoes and masterpieces by Nicola Pisano. As the natural light shines into the cathedral, it has a heavenly, unforgettable atmosphere.

5. Stop 5

   Duration: 15 min

   There is no better place to end your walking tour of Pisa than in front of the world-famous Leaning Tower! Your guide will explain why it is leaning and what makes this tower so special. Then you will have some time to explore Pisa independently. Alternatively, you can enhance your experience by skipping-the-line to climb the Leaning Tower. Quickly enter and make your way to the top! Then, admire the stunning and diverse views of Pisa from above the rooftops of these ancient buildings. Enjoy the breeze from the top of the Leaning Tower and take some fun photos before heading back down!

6. Stop 6

   Duration: 120 min

   After exploring the symbolic town of Pisa, you will head to nearby Lucca. In about thirty minutes, you will arrive in this historical gem of Western Tuscany. Lucca is most famous for its Renaissance walls, which encompass the entire city. Your guide will lead you through the picturesque, medieval streets until you reach the center. A professional walking tour guide will meet your group to lead you throughout the city. You will visit the most famous and fascinating sites of the city. Also known as the “city of 100 churches,” Lucca has a surplus of incredible things to see! Your guide will take you on a journey through the history of the city as you visit the most beautiful sites you can imagine! You will also spend a portion of your tour walking along the city walls, so you can admire views of Lucca from above the rooftops of the building with lovely panoramic views. Your city tour will last for two hours as you discover the historical wonders and picturesque sights.

7. Stop 7

   Duration: 15 min

   A must-see in Lucca is Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. Not only is this a stunning and lively square, but it is also one of the most historic parts of the city, filled with stories and legends. This square was first constructed in the 1st century AD and then continued to flourish throughout the centuries. Your guide will explain how it transformed from an amphitheatre, to a vibrant market, to the restaurant-lined square it is today! Any curious questions you may have, your guide will be happy to answer.

8. Stop 8

   Duration: 5 min

   After visiting various sites and monuments in Lucca, your guide will finish the tour in front of the city’s iconic Duomo - Cathedral of San Martino. This ancient church has fascinating origins from the Roman era. Your guide will dive into the history with you as you admire the stunning architecture outside the church. Enhance your tour by adding entry to the Cathedral (not included in the tour package).

9. Stop 9

   Duration: 60 min

   Enjoy some time to independently explore Lucca after the walking tour finishes. Grab any last minute souvenirs before heading back to Florence. The drive will take about 1 hour, and you will return in the early evening.

What's included

English information from the provider

• 1 hour Guided Tour of Pisa (not included in the semi independent option)
• Buccellato cake tasting (traditional cake from Lucca)
• Expert multilingual Tour Leader
• Leaning Tower of Pisa entry ticket (if option selected)
• Admission fee to Pisa Cathedral (not included in the semi independent option)
• 1 hour Guided Tour of Lucca (not included in the semi independent option)
• Journey by fully-fitted GT Coach with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi on board

What's not included

English information from the provider

• The semi independent option does not include the guided tour in Lucca or Pisa
• Leaning Tower of Pisa entry ticket (unless option selected)

Additional information

English information from the provider

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Kindly note that the Pisa and Lucca Semi independent option does not include the local guides in Pisa and in Lucca
• Please note that the Cathedral of Pisa is now free and, on extremely crowded days, it will not be possible to visit its interior due to a long queue. In such cases, we will offer a tour of Piazza Cavalieri instead
• From November to March (Low Season): The tour is always confirmed in English and Spanish. The minimum required to confirm the tour in Italian, French and Portuguese is 4 pax
• From April to October (High Season): The tour is always confirmed in English and Spanish. Italian, French and Portuguese are confirmed as follows: PORTUGUESE: Tuesday - min 2 pax FRENCH: Thursday - min 2 pax

Cancellation policy

English information from the provider

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.