Private Pisa and Lucca Half Day Tour from Florence

Key Points

• Private, guided half-day tour from Florence to Pisa and Lucca, lasting approximately 7 hours.
• Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa for panoramic views and explore the Piazza dei Miracoli with its historic monuments.
• Enjoy a scenic horse carriage ride along Pisa’s riverside and squares.
• In Lucca, choose between walking or biking to explore the walled city and its churches.
• Visit Via Fillungo, the main street lined with old palaces and cafes, and walk through Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and San Michele in Foro.
• This tour is recommended by 100% of 20 reviews and is highly praised for the guides’ knowledge and the overall experience.

The Private Pisa and Lucca Half Day Tour from Florence offers a well-paced exploration of two of Tuscany’s most captivating cities. For $592.92 per person, this private experience includes air-conditioned transportation, a professional English-speaking guide, and free time to wander each city at your leisure. The tour lasts around 7 hours, departing from Florence at 1:30 pm, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a concise yet comprehensive visit to Pisa and Lucca.

This tour stands out for its personalized approach, with only your group participating, and features highlights like climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa and enjoying scenic horse carriage rides. Guides are known for their knowledgeable storytelling, with reviewers frequently mentioning guides Alex, Stefano, Sara, Roberto, and Alessandro for their friendliness and depth of information. The tour is particularly suitable for travelers who want a comfortable, guided experience with flexible exploration options in Lucca.

From Florence to Pisa: Comfort and Scenic Drives

The tour begins at Florence, where an air-conditioned coach picks up your group at the designated meeting point. The drive to Pisa takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, during which the guide shares interesting facts about Pisa’s history and the iconic Leaning Tower. This scenic journey helps set the tone for a day filled with impressive architecture and stunning views.

Traveling comfortably, guests are free to relax or ask questions as they enjoy the countryside views. The small group size ensures personalized attention and an engaging atmosphere. The transportation arrangement also emphasizes convenience, with pickup offered and mobile ticketing for easy access.

Exploring Piazza dei Miracoli: The Heart of Pisa

Upon arrival in Pisa, a guide leads the group directly to the Piazza dei Miracoli, where the white marble buildings shimmer against lush, green lawns. This square is home to several world-famous sites, including the Cathedral, Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery. Visitors have about an hour to appreciate these marvels, with options to upgrade to skip-the-line tickets for the Leaning Tower.

The architecture and atmosphere of the square create a photogenic setting that remains awe-inspiring, especially with the vibrant contrast of white marble and green grass. The guide provides insights into each monument, enriching the experience and helping visitors appreciate their historical significance.

Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa: Breathtaking Vistas and Fun Stairs

A highlight of the tour is the climb up the Leaning Tower, which takes around 30 minutes. The ticket is free, but it is recommended to pre-book for a specific time slot to avoid disappointment. The ascent offers incredible views of Pisa’s monuments below, the city, the Arno River, and the Tuscan countryside in the distance.

The staircase inside the Tower is a fun challenge, with a gentle dizziness at the top adding to the experience. Reviewers praise the guide’s helpful tips and the dizzying thrill of standing atop the famous structure. The views from the top are a perfect reward after the climb, making this a truly memorable part of the day.

Scenic Horse Carriage Ride through Pisa’s Riverside and Squares

After the tower visit, the group enjoys a 30-minute horse carriage ride, which offers a relaxed way to see Pisa’s riverside and beautiful squares. This ride showcases Pisa’s architecture and atmosphere from a different perspective, with the riverside scenery providing a peaceful backdrop to the city’s rich history.

Guests often note how this addition makes the tour feel more special and leisurely, breaking up the walking and climbing segments and offering a unique photo opportunity.

Transitioning to Lucca: A 30-Minute Drive into Tuscany

Following Pisa, a short drive of around 30 minutes takes the group to Lucca, renowned as the Little Vatican of Tuscany due to its numerous churches and religious sites. This historic city’s atmosphere is marked by its medieval walls and well-preserved streets.

The guide provides a briefing on the city’s highlights, including its Puccini heritage and the historic street Via Fillungo. The transition between Pisa’s grandeur and Lucca’s charming intimate streets makes for a diverse and engaging experience.

Discovering Lucca’s Historic Center: Walk or Bike Along the Walls

Once in Lucca, visitors have about 3 hours to explore. Guided options include walking or biking tours of the city walls and historic center. Lovers of history and architecture appreciate the walled city’s medieval charm, its churches, and old buildings.

The guide shares stories about Giacomo Puccini, the famous opera composer born in Lucca, and his house museum in corte San Lorenzo. Visitors get to see the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, an oval-shaped square that was once an amphitheatre, now lined with restaurants and lively cafes.

Strolling Through Via Fillungo and Visiting Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Via Fillungo is the main street within Lucca’s historic walls, offering a medieval street scene filled with old palaces, cafes, and shops. Walking along this street provides a visual journey through centuries of architecture.

Further along, the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro enchants visitors with its historic origins and vibrant atmosphere. This oval-shaped square was once an amphitheatre in the 1st century AD and now hosts a lively market and restaurants, with stories and legends adding to its charm.

Visiting San Michele in Foro: Artistic and Architectural Marvel

The San Michele in Foro basilica is a key highlight in Lucca’s Roman center. Founded around the year 1000, it features a marble facade topped with a large statue of Archangel Michael battling a dragon. The basilica houses priceless artworks and is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the city.

Local legend mentions a green sparkle on the statue, sparking curiosity about a possible hidden emerald. Visitors appreciate the artistic details and historical significance of this religious site.

Independent Exploration and Return to Florence

After the guided tour, there is ample free time for self-guided exploration or last-minute shopping in Lucca. The 45-minute drive back to Florence concludes the day, with drop-off at the original meeting point. This flexible period allows visitors to soak in the atmosphere and capture final photos before leaving.

The overall experience leaves many with lasting memories of Pisa’s architecture and Lucca’s serenity, thanks to the expert guides and well-organized itinerary.

Final Thoughts on the Private Pisa and Lucca Tour from Florence

This private tour offers a balanced day exploring iconic sights and hidden corners of Pisa and Lucca. It’s a great choice for those who prefer guided flexibility and personalized attention. The climb of the Leaning Tower and the horse carriage ride stand out as memorable highlights, praised repeatedly by guests.

Guide quality is a clear strength, with many reviews mentioning knowledgeable, friendly guides who enrich the experience with stories and helpful tips. The option to walk or cycle in Lucca adds a layer of customization for different preferences.

The main limitation is the price point and half-day duration, which suits travelers with limited time but might feel rushed if indulging in every detail. This tour is a reliable, well-reviewed way to see two of Tuscany’s most charming cities with ease and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally accessible, especially with the walking or biking options in Lucca. The climbing of the Leaning Tower is fun but involves stairs, so consider children’s stamina and comfort.

Are tickets for the Leaning Tower included?
The tour provides free admission, but pre-booking for the tower climb is highly recommended to secure a specific time slot and avoid waiting.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at a prearranged meeting point in Florence, with pickup offered and mobile tickets available.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How long is the drive between Pisa and Lucca?
The drive takes about 30 minutes, providing a comfortable transition between the two cities.

Are food and drinks included?
No, this tour does not include meals or drinks, giving guests the flexibility to explore local eateries on their own.

What is the maximum group size?
As a private experience, only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention.

Who is the guide?
The guides are described as knowledgeable and personable, with reviewers highlighting Alex, Stefano, Sara, Roberto, and Alessandro for their engaging storytelling.

Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
While mainly walking or biking in Lucca, the tour is designed for typical travelers. Those with mobility concerns should review specific activity details or contact the provider for accommodations.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through the provided source link, with most bookings made 90 days in advance on average.