Private Pisa and Lucca Wine Tour from Florence

An In-Depth Look at the Private Pisa and Lucca Wine Tour

This private full-day tour from Florence offers a seamless way to explore Pisa and Lucca, two of Tuscany’s most celebrated cities. Priced at $711.44 per person, the tour provides personalized attention with a private guide for your group and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. It lasts approximately 8 hours and features a stop at a local Chianti winery to sample some of Italy’s finest wines. With a high rating of 5.0 based on 23 reviews, this experience is highly recommended, especially for those who appreciate a mix of cultural sightseeing and wine tasting.

This tour is designed for those who want to see historic landmarks, enjoy free time for exploration, and indulge in regional wines, all in a single day. While it offers plenty of flexibility, it’s important to note that tickets for climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa are not included, so advance booking is necessary if you wish to ascend.

Key Points

• Private tour for your group, ensuring personalized attention from the guide.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Florence, making logistics simple.
• Visit Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, Pisa Baptistery, and Pisa Duomo.
• Explore Lucca’s historic center, including Piazza Anfiteatro and Duomo di San Martino.
• Enjoy wine and olive oil tasting at a Fattoria San Michele A Torri, with snacks included.
• Flexible free time in Pisa and Lucca for personal exploration.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in central Florence—specifically from hotels in the “A” zone—or directly in front of Hotel Boccaccio-Tino Caffè near Santa Maria Novella train station at 9:00 am. You are advised to arrive 10 minutes early. The group travels comfortably in a minivan equipped with Wi-Fi, making the journey both relaxing and connected. The driver also serves as your guide, providing facts and answering questions about the region.

Visiting Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower

In Pisa, you gain free time to walk around Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can admire the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pisa Baptistery, and the Pisa Duomo, which are the main attractions. Tickets to climb the Leaning Tower are not included, so those interested should book in advance separately. Plus, you can walk through Piazza dei Cavalieri, home to the historic Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa.

The brief but thorough visit allows you to appreciate Pisa’s architectural beauty and take photos of its famous tilt. The hour allocated for this stop balances sightseeing with personal exploration, although it may feel rushed for some.

Exploring Lucca’s Historic Center and Roman Amphitheater

After Pisa, the tour moves to Lucca, a city famed for its well-preserved Renaissance walls and medieval squares. The Piazza Anfiteatro forms a central highlight, with its elliptical shape built on the site of a second-century Roman amphitheater. The Duomo di San Martino offers a look into Lucca’s religious heritage, beginning in 1063.

The one-hour stop in Lucca includes walking through the walled city and visiting its beautiful cathedral. The free time grants the chance to explore at your own pace, visit local shops, or enjoy lunch in one of the charming cafes. Reviewers praise Lucca as a favorite part of this tour due to its authentic small-town atmosphere and beautiful streets.

Wine Tasting at Fattoria San Michele A Torri

A major highlight of this tour is the visit to an organic Chianti winery—Fattoria San Michele A Torri. Here, the group samples Chianti wines, renowned for their quality, and extra virgin olive oil. The tasting is paired with snacks, offering a taste of Tuscany’s culinary traditions.

The hour and ten minutes spent at the winery include learning about winemaking from the knowledgeable staff, who provide insights into the region’s wine production methods. The visit is especially appreciated for the quality of the wines and the friendly, informative staff. Many reviews mention that the wine tasting experience exceeds expectations, with some noting the exceptional quality of the local wines.

Comfort and Personalization on a Private Tour

The private nature of this tour ensures personalized attention from the guide, who answers questions and shares stories during each stop. Group size is limited, which helps create a relaxed, personalized atmosphere. The vehicle is modern and equipped with Wi-Fi and bottled water, adding to the comfort of the journey.

Travelers appreciate the flexibility to explore in Pisa and Lucca during the designated free time, instead of a rigid, guided-only schedule. This flexibility allows each person to focus on their interests, whether it’s taking photos, shopping, or enjoying local cafes.

Pacing, Duration, and Planning Tips

The 8-hour duration is well-paced, with logical transitions between Pisa, Lucca, and the winery. The stops in Pisa and Lucca each last about 30 minutes to an hour, providing a manageable amount of sightseeing without feeling rushed. The travel time between locations is kept comfortable by the private minivan, and the Wi-Fi hotspot keeps travelers connected throughout.

Since tickets to climb the Leaning Tower are not included, travelers who wish to ascend should plan ahead and book those tickets separately. The tour does not include lunch, so bringing snacks or planning a meal in Pisa or Lucca is recommended.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience suits those interested in combining cultural sightseeing with wine tasting, especially if they prefer a private, tailored experience. It is ideal for small groups or couples seeking flexibility and personalized attention. The comprehensive stops include major landmarks and hidden gems like the Roman amphitheater site, making it perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts.

The wine tasting at Fattoria San Michele A Torri adds a flavorful layer to the day, appealing to foodies and wine lovers. However, those wanting to climb the Leaning Tower or seeking a strictly guided tour may need to arrange those aspects separately.

Final Thoughts on the Pisa and Lucca Private Wine Tour

This private tour offers a balanced itinerary of classic sightseeing and wine tasting in Tuscany, with a dedicated guide to enrich your experience. High praise from previous participants highlights the knowledgeable guides, excellent wine quality, and well-organized logistics.

While the free exploration time is a definite perk, those who want more in-depth guided visits to Pisa’s landmarks might find the schedule a bit limited. The cost reflects the private nature and personalized service, making it a worthwhile choice for those who value comfort and flexibility.

The tour presents a delightful way to see Pisa, Lucca, and taste Tuscany’s wines, perfect for small groups, couples, or anyone looking for a curated day trip with memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from central Florence are provided, making logistics simple and convenient.

Can I climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
Tickets for climbing are not included. If interested, travelers should book separately in advance.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours from start to finish, including all stops and travel time.

What is the group size?
This is a private tour, so only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention.

Is there free time in Pisa and Lucca?
Yes, the itinerary includes free time for personal exploration in both Pisa and Lucca.

What does the wine tasting involve?
Visitors sample Chianti wines and extra virgin olive oil, paired with snacks, and learn about Tuscan winemaking traditions.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included in the tour, so plan to eat before or after the stops.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time for a full refund.

How many reviews does this tour have?
It has 23 reviews, with an excellent 5.0-star average and 96% recommendation rate.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is operated by I Just Drive, a trusted provider in Tuscany.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider walking distances at each stop.