Florence Private Day Trip to Pisa and Lucca

Take a break from Florence’s bustling streets with this private day trip to Pisa and Lucca, two of Tuscany’s most captivating cities. Priced at $1,019.58 per group for up to 7 people, this 9-hour tour offers a personalized experience led by a professional, English-speaking driver. The tour provides the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, along with luxury transportation in a Mercedes minivan, making it ideal for those seeking comfort and flexibility.

What sets this tour apart is its fully customizable nature, allowing you to request stops along the way and explore at your own pace. While the itinerary includes key highlights such as the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and the medieval walls of Lucca, it also offers opportunities for spontaneous detours — perfect for travelers who appreciate a tailored experience. The high praise in reviews highlights the knowledgeable guides and stunning views, making this tour a strong choice for exploring Tuscany’s lesser-known treasures.

Key Points

• Private, fully customizable day trip from Florence to Pisa and Lucca
• Luxury transportation in a Mercedes minivan for up to 7 passengers
• Visit Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, view the Leaning Tower, and explore Lucca’s medieval walls
• Stops at Piazza Anfiteatro, Basilica di San Frediano, and Enoteca Vanni for local sights and tastes
• Tour lasts approximately 9 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour

Departure and Transportation in Style

This tour departs daily at 9:00 am from Florence, with the ease of hotel pickup included. You’ll travel in a luxurious Mercedes minivan, offering ample room for groups up to 7 people, making it a comfortable choice for families or small groups. The private nature of the tour ensures that your itinerary remains flexible, and the driver acts as your guide and escort throughout the day.

Having most bookings made 217 days in advance, this tour is popular among travelers seeking an exclusive and hassle-free way to explore Tuscany’s famed cities with a personalized touch. The mobile ticket makes the process straightforward, allowing you to begin your day smoothly.

Exploring Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa

Your first stop is Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the Leaning Tower of Pisa dominates the square’s landscape. This square is renowned for its four religious monuments: the Cathedral, the Baptistry, the Campo Santo Cemetery, and the Leaning Tower. While admission tickets are not included, it’s easy to admire these structures from the outside, and plenty of photo opportunities await.

This stop lasts about 2 hours, giving enough time to appreciate the puzzle-like tilt of the Tower and explore the square’s other monuments at your leisure. The guide can offer insights into the history and architecture, making this experience both scenic and educational.

Discovering Lucca’s Roman Heritage and Medieval Walls

The journey continues to Lucca, a city famous for its Roman ruins, ancient relics, and medieval walls. The Piazza Anfiteatro is a highlight, constructed in the 1st century AD, featuring a unique-shaped arena that once hosted Roman events. This admission-free stop allows you to take in the historical architecture and snap memorable photos.

Next, you’ll stroll or bike along Le Mura di Lucca, the city’s famous tree-lined walls that encircle the old town. The walk or ride takes about 1 hour, and while bike rentals are an additional cost of 5 euros per bike per hour, the experience offers sweeping views of the city’s rooftops and piazzas. Looking down into Lucca’s historic neighborhoods from the top of the walls provides a sense of the city’s medieval layout.

Visiting Basilica di San Frediano and Shopping in Lucca

A highlight in Lucca is the Basilica di San Frediano, a church with 6th-century origins. Located along the lively shopping street of Via Fillungo, it houses the tomb of Saint Zita, mentioned in Dante’s Inferno. Spending about 2 hours here allows for a relaxed visit, including some window shopping in the surrounding boutiques.

This stop combines cultural exploration with an opportunity to enjoy local artisan shops. The free admission makes it accessible for all visitors, and the guide can recommend nearby spots for tasting local delicacies or browsing artisan goods.

Tasting Tuscan Specialties at Enoteca Vanni

No trip to Lucca is complete without sampling Tuscan olive oil and local wines. The Enoteca Vanni underground cellars offer a chance to experience the flavors of Italy’s renowned olive oils and wines. This 30-minute visit is free of charge and provides insight into Lucca’s culinary traditions.

While the tour doesn’t include a dedicated meal, this stop offers a taste of authentic Tuscan delicacies. It’s an ideal spot for those interested in local gastronomy and artisan wine selections, with the opportunity to purchase souvenirs.

Flexibility and Personalization Throughout the Day

The fully private nature of this tour means that you can request to stop anywhere along the route. Whether you want extra time at a specific monument, a photo stop at a scenic viewpoint, or to explore a local shop, the driver can accommodate your requests, ensuring a customized experience.

The tour’s pacing allows for leisurely exploration without feeling rushed. Since admission tickets are not included for certain sites like Pisa’s cathedral or the tower, visitors should plan to purchase tickets in advance if they wish to go inside.

Practical Details and What’s Included

This 9-hour tour includes bottled water, a driver/guide, and luxury private transport. The most travelers find the hotel pickup and drop-off convenient, especially after a day of sightseeing.

The tour is not inclusive of museum and monument entrance fees, and lunch is also not included, allowing for flexibility in dining options. Bike rentals are available for an additional cost, and service animals are allowed.

What Reviewers Highlight as the Best Aspects

While only one review is available, it’s highly positive, praising the knowledgeable guide and the stunning views. The overall 5.0 rating indicates strong satisfaction, especially with the personalized, flexible approach and the high-quality transportation.

The tour’s popularity — booked an average of 217 days in advance — speaks to its appeal among visitors seeking an intimate, well-organized experience of Tuscany’s classic cities.

Final Thoughts on the Florence Private Day Trip to Pisa and Lucca

This tour offers an excellent balance of iconic sights and relaxed exploration, all wrapped in a luxury private vehicle. The customizable stops and expert driver-guide make it suitable for those who value personalized service and comfort.

While it doesn’t include interior visits to some landmarks, the outdoor views, cultural stops, and culinary tastings contribute to a rich experience. Ideal for small groups or families, this tour delivers a convenient, flexible way to see Pisa’s famous tower and Lucca’s medieval charm in one memorable day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most travelers, and children can enjoy the outdoor sights and scenic views. Bike riding is optional and at an additional cost.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes private transportation in a Mercedes minivan, hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and a driver/guide.

Are entrance fees included?
No, admission tickets for museums and monuments are not included and should be purchased separately if you wish to enter sites like Pisa’s Cathedral or Tower.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the tour is fully customizable, allowing you to request stops or extend time at certain sites.

How long is the drive between Florence and Pisa/Lucca?
The tour lasts about 9 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and breaks. The direct driving time is approximately 1 hour to each city, but actual timing depends on stops and pacing.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, providing flexibility to choose where and when to eat.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start of the tour, with a full refund.

What are the main highlights of Pisa?
The Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistry, and Campo Santo Cemetery are the main sights in the Piazza dei Miracoli.

How does the tour explore Lucca?
It includes Piazza Anfiteatro, Lucca’s medieval walls, Basilica di San Frediano, and the Enoteca Vanni wine shop.

Is the tour recommended for those interested in Tuscan cuisine?
While not a food-focused tour, the visit to Enoteca Vanni offers a glimpse into local wines and olive oils, appealing to foodies.

This private day trip from Florence to Pisa and Lucca combines luxury, flexibility, and iconic sights into one thoughtfully curated experience, ideal for travelers seeking a personalized way to explore Tuscany at their own pace.