La Spezia Shore Excursion to Lucca and Leaning Tower of Pisa

Discover Lucca and Pisa on a Convenient Shore Excursion from La Spezia

This 8-hour shore excursion from La Spezia offers an opportunity to visit two iconic Italian cities—Lucca and Pisa—for $58.67 per person. The tour is designed for cruise passengers and includes transportation, an escort, and free time at each location. It departs at 9:30 am from the La Spezia Cruise Terminal, with WiFi on board and an air-conditioned vehicle ensuring a comfortable journey.

While the tour provides a rundown of Lucca’s city highlights and the Piazza dei Miracoli, it’s important to note that some reviews highlight issues with timing and guide navigation. Still, this option suits travelers looking for a cost-effective way to see major landmarks, especially those with flexibility and a sense of adventure.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $58.67 per person for an 8-hour guided tour.
• Visits to Lucca and Pisa, including free time at each city’s main attractions.
• Expert escort leads you through Lucca’s landmarks and ensures timely return.
• Includes WiFi and free maps to help navigate the cities independently.
• Optional access to the Leaning Tower (entrance fee not included) for climbers.
• Limited to 60 travelers, with some reviews noting last-minute adjustments affecting timing.

Starting Point and Departure Time in La Spezia

The tour begins just outside the La Spezia cruise terminal at Largo Michele Fiorillo. It starts promptly at 9:30 am, so arriving at least 15 minutes early is essential. The staff, identifiable by their red T-shirts, will be ready to assist.

Since this is a shared group experience, the group size is limited to 60 travelers, helping keep the atmosphere manageable. No pickup service is included, so travelers need to meet at the designated spot.

Exploring Lucca’s Historic Landmarks

Upon arrival in Lucca, travelers have approximately three hours to explore either independently or with a walking tour led by the escort (if this option is selected). The escort guides you through key sights such as the Torre Guinigi, notable for its 45-meter height and Romanesque-Gothic architecture. This stone-and-brick tower is one of Lucca’s most recognizable monuments.

Next, the tour includes a visit to a 6th-century Romanesque church dedicated to the three holy Levites Vincenzo, Stefano, and Lorenzo. Entry is free, and the church offers a glimpse into early medieval architecture. A walk through Lucca’s ancient square, a site that originated as a second-century Roman amphitheater, provides insight into the city’s Medieval history. The square was once called “parlascio,” derived from Latin “amphitheatre.”

While the free time allows for personal exploration, some reviews note that timing can be tight, and last-minute changes may occur, especially if additional bookings or rearrangements affect the schedule.

Visiting Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli and Its Icons

After leaving Lucca, the group travels to Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, where travelers get around two hours of free time. This famous square is home to Pisa’s most celebrated monuments, including the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery. The piazza’s open lawns provide a relaxing environment to appreciate the architectural marvels or simply enjoy the view of the monuments.

The Leaning Tower is a key highlight, with the option to climb the tower for an additional fee (entry is not included in the tour price). The climb lasts about 40 minutes, offering impressive city views. However, children under 8 years old are not permitted to enter the tower, limiting the experience for families.

The Leaning Tower: Climb or View from the Ground

For those interested in climbing the Leaning Tower, it’s a popular optional activity. The tower’s famous lean results from its unstable foundation, and standing beneath it or atop it offers a distinctive perspective. Climbing the tower requires an additional ticket and about 40 minutes, so it’s best to plan accordingly.

If choosing not to climb, visitors can simply admire the tower from the ground or relax in the meadow nearby, soaking in the atmosphere of one Italy’s most photographed landmarks.

The Historic Camposanto and Baptistery in Pisa

Beyond the main monuments, the tour includes visits to other notable sites. The Monumental Cemetery, known as Camposanto, is famous for the legend that bodies rot within 24 hours. Architecturally, it features a rectangular wall and beautiful frescoes.

Nearby, the Baptistery is the largest in Italy, standing 54 meters high with a 34-meter diameter. Built over a century (from 1152 to 1363), it features a truncated cone dome similar to the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. This site offers a unique example of Romanesque architecture and is a key part of Pisa’s religious history.

Visiting Pisa’s Cathedral and Final Return

The Pisa Cathedral, officially called the Primate Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, occupies a central spot in the Piazza del Duomo. The 20-minute visit provides a chance to view its interior art and architecture. The entry is not included in the tour fee, but the cathedral’s exterior and surroundings are accessible for free.

The tour concludes back at the original meeting point outside the cruise terminal, ensuring timely return to La Spezia for cruise departures.

Practical Details and Inclusions

This tour includes WiFi onboard, an English-speaking escort, and a free map of both Lucca and Pisa for independent exploration. The air-conditioned vehicle contributes to a comfortable journey, especially during summer months.

While pickup service is not included, the meeting point outside the cruise terminal is conveniently located near public transportation. The tour operates with a maximum of 60 travelers, and confirmation is immediate when booking.

Limitations and Considerations

Some reviews mention schedule adjustments due to last-minute bookings, which can lead to delays or reorganization of the itinerary. Guide navigation issues have also been noted, with one review describing a wrong turn causing a 40-minute walk in high temperatures.

Children under 8 are not allowed to climb the Leaning Tower, which might restrict family groups. Plus, no refund is provided if guests are late or miss the departure, so punctuality is critical.

Final Thoughts on the La Spezia Shore Excursion to Lucca and Pisa

This cost-effective tour offers a solid overview of two of Italy’s most beloved cities. Its priority is on sightseeing and free time, with some optional activities like the Leaning Tower climb. The escort-led tours and free maps help maximize your experience, but last-minute changes and navigation issues have been reported, so flexibility and patience are advisable.

Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to see Lucca’s landmarks and Pisa’s monuments without a lengthy or expensive guided tour. It suits those comfortable with walking, waiting, and adapting to schedule changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, but children under 8 cannot climb the Leaning Tower, and some walking is involved.

Does the tour include entrance tickets?
Entry to the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery is not included and must be purchased separately if desired.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, water, and a camera are recommended for exploring the landmarks and taking photos.

Can I stay longer at each site?
The tour provides free time at each location, but timing is fixed. If you wish to stay longer, you may need to arrange your own transportation back.

Is WiFi available during the trip?
Yes, WiFi is provided on board the vehicle for ease of communication and navigation.

What happens if the ship’s schedule changes?
The tour is flexible to accommodate schedule shifts; contact the local staff to confirm details if your port times change.

Are there any physical requirements?
Some walking and climbing are involved, so good mobility helps. Children must be at least 8 to climb the tower.

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

This guided shore excursion provides a practical way to visit Lucca and Pisa, balancing sightseeing with free time. While some timing issues have been noted, the overall package offers value and flexibility for cruise travelers eager to see these iconic Italian cities.