Pisa, Lucca, and Lunch at a Tuscan Winery from La Spezia

A well-balanced half-day experience from La Spezia, this Pisa, Lucca, and Lunch at a Tuscan Winery tour offers a combination of iconic sights, charming towns, and delicious local flavors. Priced at $558.31 per person, it provides a private, guided day that’s ideal for those who want to avoid long travel times or group crowds. With approximately 8 to 9 hours of exploration, the tour is perfect for active adults and families who appreciate efficiency and authentic experiences. The tour’s highlights include a quick visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, three hours in the walled city of Lucca, and a home-style lunch and wine tasting at a family-run winery. The tour earns a perfect 5-star rating based on two reviews, emphasizing friendly guides, picturesque scenery, and memorable local food and drink.

While this tour covers some of Tuscany’s most beloved spots efficiently, keep in mind that the Pisa stop is brief—just 30 minutes for photos, so it’s best suited for those wanting a quick glance rather than an in-depth tour. The inclusion of private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water helps make the day comfortable and smooth. The lunch costs extra, paid directly to the winery, but many find the delicious, homemade meal paired with local wines a highlight. This tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing, culture, and leisure, making it especially appealing to visitors seeking a personalized, relaxed experience.

Key Points

• Quick visit to Pisa’s Field of Miracles with free exterior views of the Leaning Tower and other monuments.
• Three hours in Lucca, with time to stroll, rent bikes, or explore highlights like Piazza dell’Amphiteatro.
• Tastings and lunch at a family-run winery in the Montecarlo di Lucca region, with 6-8 wine pairings.
• Private transportation ensures comfort and efficiency throughout the day.
• Tour duration is 8-9 hours, making it manageable without feeling rushed.
• The tour is best suited for active adults and families who value curated experiences with minimal driving.

The Quick Drive to Pisa and Its Exterior Wonders

The tour begins with a roughly one-hour drive from La Spezia to Pisa, where the driver drops travelers directly at the Campo dei Miracoli. This logistical advantage saves about twenty minutes of walking from parking areas typically used by tour buses. Travelers have 30 minutes to admire the exterior of the Leaning Tower, the cathedral, baptistery, and the monumental cemetery without any entrance fee. If visitors plan to enter any monuments or climb the tower, they should coordinate the timing to avoid disrupting the overall schedule. This quick stop is perfect for capturing photos and appreciating the iconic architecture without the long lines or crowds.

The drive is scenic and offers a glimpse of Tuscany’s countryside before arriving in Pisa. The quick visit allows you to get a photo of the Leaning Tower and the surroundings, making it suitable for those short on time but eager to see this world-famous landmark.

Exploring Lucca’s Enchanting Walls and Historic Streets

After Pisa, the tour continues with a twenty-five-minute drive into the walled city of Lucca. This charming town offers a delightful blend of history, architecture, and lively streets. The massive, perfectly preserved fortification wall encircles Lucca and has been transformed into a peaceful pedestrian corridor lined with big trees and green spaces. Visitors can stroll along the wall, rent bikes, or sit in the shade for a relaxing break.

Lucca’s Piazza dell’Amphiteatro is built on the site of a Roman stadium and retains visible remains, adding a layer of ancient history to its lively atmosphere. The Palazzo Pfanner offers a glimpse into historic Tuscany with its elegant architecture and formal gardens. The three-hour stop includes ample free time to shop at boutique stores, enjoy gelato, or explore the chic restaurants lining the streets. The town’s elegant charm makes it a standout in Tuscany and a favorite for a leisurely afternoon.

Wine Tasting and Lunch at a Family-Run Tuscan Winery

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Azienda Agricola Enzo Carmignani, a small family-run winery in the Montecarlo di Lucca wine region. After a scenic twenty-five-minute drive through the Tuscan countryside, visitors arrive at the winery for a brief tour of the property. The tasting experience features 6 to 8 wine pairings, showcasing local varieties alongside homemade lunch.

The lunch includes antipasto with cured meats, cheeses, and toasted Tuscan bread, followed by a seasonal pasta or rice dish. Dessert and fresh local fruit complete the meal. The cost of lunch is not included in the tour price, but many find this authentic, home-style meal and the wine tasting to be a memorable part of the day. This experience offers a taste of Tuscan hospitality and regional flavors in a relaxed, family environment.

Logistics and Comfort Features

The tour features private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey comfortable and convenient. An English-speaking driver provides commentary during transit, enriching the experience with local insights. Travelers receive bottled water throughout the day, helping stay refreshed as they explore.

The meeting point is at the La Spezia Cruise Terminal, making it easy for those arriving by cruise ship or local transportation. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including minors, and service animals are welcome. The private nature of the tour means only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience.

Timing, Pacing, and Tour Length

Spanning 8 to 9 hours, this tour balances sightseeing with leisure. The Pisa stop is brief, so it is perfect for those who want a snapshot of the Leaning Tower rather than an in-depth exploration. The Lucca visit allows for ample free time to soak in the atmosphere or take photos. The wine and lunch experience is leisurely, lasting about four hours, providing enough time to enjoy the meal and wine without feeling rushed.

This well-paced schedule caters to active adults and families who prefer a curated, manageable day without excessive driving or complex logistics.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced taste of Tuscany’s highlights with the comfort of private transport. It suits families with children, couples, and small groups seeking a personalized experience. The short Pisa visit is perfect if time is limited, and the three-hour Lucca stay offers enough flexibility for different interests.

Visitors who appreciate local wine, traditional Tuscan cuisine, and charming medieval towns will find this tour particularly rewarding. The straightforward itinerary and friendly guides create a relaxed, enjoyable day with authentic touches.

The Sum Up: Authentic Tuscany in a Compact Package

This Pisa, Lucca, and Tuscany Winery tour from La Spezia offers a well-organized, intimate experience of some of Tuscany’s most beloved sights. The quick photo stop in Pisa, the stroll through Lucca’s historic streets and walls, and the delicious lunch and wine tasting at a family-run winery combine to create a satisfying day. The private transportation and friendly guide ensure a comfortable, personalized journey.

While the limited time at Pisa means it’s not an in-depth exploration, the three hours in Lucca and the regional wine tasting more than compensate with authentic charm and flavor. This tour will appeal most to those wanting a taste of Tuscany without long bus rides or heavy schedules, especially those who value local food and wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pisa stop long enough to see the Leaning Tower?
Yes, the 30-minute stop allows ample time to take photos and view the exterior of the Leaning Tower and other monuments on the Field of Miracles.

Can I climb the Leaning Tower during this tour?
If you wish to enter the tower or monuments, it’s necessary to coordinate with the tour organizers. The standard schedule mainly provides exterior viewing.

How much does lunch at the winery cost?
The lunch costs extra—55 Euro for adults, with reduced prices for youths and children—and is paid directly at the winery.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, minors are allowed at the winery, and the overall schedule is family-friendly, with manageable walking and sightseeing times.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The private transportation, personalized itinerary, and authentic family winery experience set this tour apart. It offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, and regional flavors.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is on average booked 150 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended to secure availability.