From Florence: Pisa & Lucca Day Tour with Buccellato Tasting

If you’re looking for a full-day sightseeing experience from Florence, the From Florence: Pisa & Lucca Day Tour with Buccellato Tasting offers a well-rounded glimpse into Tuscany’s charming towns. Priced at $62.59 per person and lasting approximately 9 hours, this guided trip takes you from the historic streets of Pisa to the walled city of Lucca, with plenty of time to explore and enjoy local flavors.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a organized, informative visit with some flexibility to wander on your own. It includes notable highlights such as entrance tickets to the Pisa Cathedral, a guided tour of both towns, and a tasting of Buccellato, a traditional Lucchese cake. The option to access the Leaning Tower of Pisa adds a memorable touch, though it requires selecting the appropriate option.

While the tour offers a comprehensive rundown of Pisa and Lucca’s highlights, it also features some practical considerations. The pacing involves a good amount of walking, especially in Lucca, and some reviews note that extra walking can be tiring for those with mobility issues. Still, the guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience enjoyable for most.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $62.59, the tour provides a good value, including transport, guided visits, and a Buccellato tasting.
• Flexible Tour Options: Access to Pisa’s Cathedral and Leaning Tower is optional, giving you choices based on your interests.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, the Cathedral, and Lucca’s historic sites, including city walls and main squares.
• Local Flavors: Enjoy a tasting of Buccellato, a typical Lucchese cake, after exploring Lucca.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised guides like Gabrielle, Danielli, Sarah, and Hilaria are known for their knowledge and friendly manner.
• Timing & Pacing: The tour includes ample free time in both Pisa and Lucca, but some review comments mention the significant walking involved.

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Departure and Meeting Details in Florence

The tour begins at Piazzale Montelungo, next to the Santa Maria Novella train station. Look for staff wearing fuchsia jackets. The return to the same meeting point takes place at the end of the day, ensuring convenience for travelers.

The schedule involves bus transportation with air conditioning, making the day comfortable despite the busy itinerary. The duration is 9 hours, with starting times subject to availability. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and a sun hat, as the day involves a fair amount of walking and outdoor exposure.

Exploring Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli and Cathedral

Your visit to Pisa centers around the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, the cathedral, and other monuments. Entrance to the Pisa Cathedral is included with the tour, allowing you to appreciate its architectural grandeur.

The guided tour of Pisa enhances your experience, with guides explaining the history and significance of the cathedral and other landmarks. One notable aspect is that the Leaning Tower access is optional and must be selected separately, with a locker provided for your belongings due to tower restrictions.

Some reviews highlight that timing in Pisa can feel rushed, especially if you want to visit additional sites like the baptistery or cemetery, which are extra costs. Still, the included cathedral visit offers a substantial glimpse into Pisa’s religious architecture.

Walking Through Lucca’s Enchanting Old Town

After Pisa, the tour moves on to Lucca, renowned for its intact city walls and charming streets. The guided tour takes you through main attractions such as Anfiteatro Square, the Gingi Tower, and San Martino Cathedral.

The guide leads you through the old town center and provides insights into the city’s history. You’ll also have the opportunity to walk along Lucca’s rooftops, providing spectacular views of the city and surrounding landscape. The free time allows for strolling past antique shops and exploring at your own pace.

A tasting of Buccellato cake occurs during your time in Lucca, giving you a taste of local pastry traditions. Some reviews mention that the tasting is good but not exceptional, especially for those unfamiliar with aniseed flavors.

The Route and Travel Time Between Locations

The itinerary involves bus travel between Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, with approximately 1.5 hours from Florence to Pisa and 45 minutes from Pisa to Lucca. The return trip lasts about 75 minutes back to Florence.

The stops are structured to give you roughly one hour in Pisa for exploration and one hour in Lucca after the initial tour, with additional free time. Some reviews note the significant walking distances, particularly in Lucca, which can be challenging for some participants.

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Guides and Multilingual Support

The tour is conducted in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Guides such as Gabrielle, Sara, Hilaria, and Roberta are praised for their knowledge, friendly approach, and ability to handle multiple languages efficiently.

One review emphasizes a guide who did the tour in three languages, making the experience accessible to diverse groups. Another highlights that guides explain the architecture and history clearly and engagingly, contributing significantly to the enjoyment.

Buccellato Tasting and Local Flavors

As part of the tour, you get to sample Buccellato, a traditional Lucchese cake known for its sweet, anise-flavored profile. The tasting takes place in Lucca, providing an authentic taste of local pastry craftsmanship.

While some reviews describe the Buccellato as “just okay”, others appreciate the opportunity to try a regional specialty. The tasting is a pleasant addition to the tour, especially for those eager to indulge in local flavors after sightseeing.

Accessibility and Physical Considerations

The tour involves a good deal of walking, especially in Lucca, where walking along the city walls and exploring the narrow streets can be physically demanding. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and travelers should be aware that wheelchair access is not available.

The bus transport does not get very close to the Leaning Tower, meaning some walking is unavoidable. Reviews mention that people with mobility issues may find some parts difficult and may want to consider alternative arrangements or shorter tours.

Booking, Cancellation, and Flexibility

The tour booking can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for changing plans. The option to reserve now and pay later allows travelers to secure a spot without immediate payment.

This tour is suitable for travelers seeking guided visits with knowledgeable hosts, especially those interested in Pisa’s architecture and Lucca’s historic walls. It is not recommended for travelers with large luggage or pets due to restrictions.

Final Thoughts on the Pisa & Lucca Day Trip

The From Florence: Pisa & Lucca Day Tour with Buccellato Tasting offers a solid value for its price, combining guided tours, free time, and local food into one package. The expert guides and well-organized itinerary receive consistent praise, making it a reliable choice for visitors eager to cover both towns in a day.

However, the significant walking involved and some timing constraints are points to consider, especially if mobility or pace is a concern. The optional access to the Leaning Tower and additional sites allows flexibility but requires advance selection.

This tour suits those who appreciate guided storytelling, enjoy walking tours, and want a taste of Tuscany’s architectural and culinary delights in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided between Florence, Pisa, and Lucca?
Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned buses for all transportation between locations.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, admission fee to Pisa Cathedral, guided tours (if selected), Leaning Tower access (if chosen), and a Buccellato cake tasting.

Can I access the Leaning Tower?
Yes, access to the Leaning Tower is optional and must be selected during booking; a locker is provided for belongings.

How much free time do I get in Pisa and Lucca?
You receive about one hour in Pisa and one hour after the initial Lucca tour, plus additional free time in Lucca for exploring.

Is this tour suitable for people with walking difficulties?
The tour involves significant walking, especially along the city walls and through streets, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and a sun hat for outdoor walking. No large luggage or pets are allowed.

What languages are supported by guides?
Guides conduct the tour in English, with support in Spanish, French, and Portuguese depending on the day and group size.

How do I cancel the booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included, but there is ample time to grab a meal during the free time in Pisa.

What if I want to explore more in Lucca?
The additional free time allows you to walk the city walls and browse shops, but if you wish to explore further, plan for extra time on your own.

Can children participate?
Yes, children are welcome, but consider the walking involved and bring appropriate footwear and sun protection.

What are the starting and ending points?
The tour begins and ends at Piazzale Montelungo, next to Santa Maria Novella train station.

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