LS4 - Lucca and Pisa

Embark on a private La Spezia shore excursion and explore two of Tuscany’s most charming cities—Pisa and Lucca. These cities are perfect for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and fun, all while avoiding the long drive to Florence. With Pisa just one hour away from La Spezia, and Lucca only 30 minutes further, this excursion offers the perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation, ideal for families and anyone keen to explore Tuscany’s medieval treasures.
The day begins with a scenic drive from La Spezia Port, offering lovely views of the Tuscan countryside as you head toward Pisa and Lucca. The drive times are reasonable, with La Spezia to Pisa taking about 1 hour, and Pisa to Lucca just 30 minutes. This makes for an efficient and enjoyable way to experience two of Tuscany’s best-loved cities in a single day.

Pisa: The Iconic Leaning Tower and More
Your first stop is Pisa, home to one of the world’s most famous landmarks. The Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) is where you’ll find the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral, Baptistery, and the Cemetery, all of which are incredible monuments that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the most iconic attraction in the city. You’ll have the chance to climb the tower and take in the views from the top. The climb takes just 15 minutes and offers fantastic photo opportunities. If you’d like, we can provide you with a link and time suggestion to pre-book your tickets for the climb (additional fee applies).

Note: The climb is optional and must be pre-booked. Children under 8 are not permitted to climb.

If time allows, you can also visit the Baptistery and Campo Santo, a beautiful medieval cemetery. The Baptistery is known for its extraordinary acoustics, with demonstrations occurring every hour and half hour. If you would like to enter either of these sites, tickets should be pre-booked. The Pisa Cathedral is another architectural masterpiece, although it typically does not open until 10 AM. While we do not recommend entering the cathedral due to time constraints, please let us know in advance if this is important to you.

After visiting Pisa, you will head to Lucca, one of Tuscany's most charming and well-preserved medieval towns.

Lucca: A Hidden Gem of Tuscany
Lucca is an elegant city known for its ancient, fortified walls, which have been transformed into a unique urban greenspace. Whether you are traveling with family or simply enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere, Lucca is an excellent choice. The city's rich history and stunning architecture provide the perfect environment to explore on foot or by bike. The ancient walls of Lucca are among the best-preserved in Italy. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll or even rent bikes to ride along the ramparts, surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views of the city. If you are visiting with children, this is a great place to let them run around. For a bit of exercise and an amazing view, climb the Guinigi Tower, one of the tallest towers in Lucca. The tower is famous for its rooftop garden, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. There are no age restrictions for climbing this tower, unlike the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Underneath the city walls lies a surprising hidden world. The brick-vaulted interiors are vast and peaceful, with space for art exhibitions, including the Lucca Biennale, the world’s largest festival of paper art held every two years.

In addition to the city’s walls and towers, Lucca also boasts beautiful churches, squares, and historic sites. Highlights include:

San Frediano Church: Admire the impressive Romanesque facade with a monumental golden mosaic.

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro: Explore this charming square, built on the site of a former Roman amphitheater. The circular layout of the square is unique and picturesque.

San Michele in Foro: This beautiful 13th-century church features an intricately carved facade and is in the heart of the old town.

Piazza Napoleone: A lovely open square, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere.

San Martino Cathedral: This stunning cathedral is home to Ilaria del Carretto’s funerary monument, considered one of the most beautiful in Italy, and Volto Santo, a revered wooden crucifix dating back to the 8^th-century.
After a fulfilling day of history, culture, and scenic beauty, you will enjoy a relaxed drive back to La Spezia Port, where you’ll be dropped off directly at your ship, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your day in Pisa and Lucca.

This private shore excursion from La Spezia Port offers the perfect blend of medieval charm, Tuscan history, and relaxing exploration. Whether you are marvelling at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, strolling the ancient walls of Lucca, or enjoying the views from a tower, this day trip gives you a comprehensive experience of Tuscany's cultural treasures—all without spending too much time on the road. Book your La Spezia shore excursion today for a truly unforgettable adventure in Tuscany!