Lucca tour & Pisa tower + Wine Tasting by van from La Spezia

If you’re cruising along Italy’s Ligurian coast and eager to see the countryside’s authentic beauty, a guided tour from La Spezia to Lucca and Pisa could be just what you need. This 8-hour journey offers a chance to step outside the bustle of port cities and into the heart of Tuscany, with a blend of history, stunning scenery, and, of course, a tasting of some of Italy’s finest wines.

What sets this tour apart? We particularly appreciate its small-group atmosphere, the professional guide’s local insights, and the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Tuscan light lunch at a charming winery. However, as with any day trip, timing is tight—so if you’re looking for a leisurely exploration, be prepared for a packed schedule.

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a taste of Tuscany’s cultural richness without the long drive, those who love local wines, and anyone wanting a well-organized, authentic day out with plenty of photo stops and insider tips.

Good To Know

• Authentic small-group experience with a professional driver-guide
• Visit Lucca’s historic city walls and hidden spots in just a couple of hours
• See Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower with a photo stop and brief visit
• Enjoy a local wine tasting at a traditional Tuscan winery, including a light lunch
• Convenient pickup and drop-off directly from La Spezia port
• Cost-effective at $191.45, considering transportation, guided insights, and wine tasting included

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

This tour offers a practical way to explore Tuscany’s gems, especially if you’re on a cruise and limited on time. It’s designed with efficiency in mind but doesn’t skimp on the authentic touches that make Tuscany special.

Pickup and Transportation

Your day begins with a prompt pickup at either the La Spezia Cruise Terminal or the port. The guide mentions you’ll be greeted by a driver holding a sign that says “Autoservizi DBTuscany,” which simplifies the process after disembarking. Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, you’ll enjoy the scenic drive through rolling hills, with the driver providing commentary that makes the countryside come alive.

Travel time to Lucca is about a short drive, and the small group size (limited to 15 participants) means you won’t be lost in a crowd—perfect for asking questions and soaking up the atmosphere.

Exploring Lucca

Once in Lucca, you’re given around two hours to explore. According to reviewers, this city is a real treasure that maintains its artisan charm and authentic Tuscan vibe.

Our guides highlight the city walls dating back to the 1500s, which are a defining feature—and a walk along them offers panoramic views over the rooftops. Kaitlin’s review mentions how friendly and knowledgeable the guide, Raffael, was, making the experience more engaging. She noted that she could have spent even more time there, which hints at Lucca’s compact, walkable charm and abundance of little shops and artisan workshops.

While the guide will show you some of Lucca’s hidden alleys, historical churches, and famous landmarks, the real joy is in wandering at your own pace, soaking in the lively atmosphere and snapping photos of its well-preserved medieval architecture.

Scenic Drive & Wine Tasting

After Lucca, you’ll hop back into the van for about 30 minutes to reach a local Tuscan winery. Here, the tour really hits its stride: an authentic wine tasting experience paired with a light lunch offers a genuine taste of Tuscany. The winery tour allows you to peek inside the cellar, learn about local wine-making traditions, and sample some of Tuscany’s best wines.

According to Carolyn’s review, Tommaso, the guide, provided an “amazing” experience, sharing his expertise and making the tasting engaging. The inclusion of a small group makes the tasting feel more personal, and you get enough time to savor the wines and chat with fellow travelers.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pisa’s Famous Leaning Tower

Next, the group heads towards Pisa for an approximate hour-long stop. You’ll get a chance to take photos of the Leaning Tower, and possibly explore some nearby sights, depending on the timing. The brief visit is perfect for capturing that iconic shot, and the guide will probably share some fun facts and stories about this world-famous structure.

Past travelers, including Carolyn, appreciated the seamless transition from Lucca to Pisa, saying, “we toured Lucca, a beautiful vineyard, and then Pisa,” all in one day. This indicates the tour balances sightseeing with enough time to enjoy each spot.

Return and Drop-off

After a full day of sights and tastes, the van will return you to La Spezia, with drop-off options at the port or cruise terminal. The 8-hour duration means you’ll be busy but fulfilled, leaving with plenty of memorable moments.

The Value of This Experience

At $191.45 per person, this tour offers solid value considering transportation, guided insights, wine tasting, and a light lunch are all included. The small-group setup ensures a more personalized experience, and the professional driver-guide’s local knowledge adds depth to the visit.

While the pace is brisk, reviews suggest that the quality of guides like Raffael and Tommaso makes the day extra enjoyable. Kaitlin’s comment about how friendly and knowledgeable their guide was, coupled with Carolyn’s praise for Tommaso, demonstrate that the guiding team can elevate the experience well beyond just ticking boxes.

This tour is especially good for travelers who want a taste of Tuscany without the hassle of organizing transport or worrying about timings. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate authentic regional experiences like wine tasting and exploring historical towns.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a well-organized, authentic day trip that combines history, scenery, and food and wine in a manageable schedule, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal for cruise passengers eager to maximize their time ashore and for anyone who loves discovering the local flavors and hidden corners of Tuscany.

Those with a penchant for local wines and small-group intimacy will especially enjoy the warm, knowledgeable guides and the chance to ask questions about Tuscan life and wine-making.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the guide will pick you up directly at the La Spezia port or cruise terminal, making logistics straightforward.

How long do we spend in Lucca?
You will have around two hours to explore the city’s walls, streets, and landmarks. It’s enough to get a good feel for Lucca’s charm.

What is included in the wine tasting?
The tour includes a wine tasting in a traditional Tuscan winery, paired with a light lunch and a tour inside the cellar.

Are there any other stops besides Lucca, Pisa, and the winery?
The main stops are Lucca, the winery, and Pisa. The route is designed for efficiency, so no additional sightseeing stops are planned.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but given the walking involved in Lucca and Pisa, it’s best to check specific mobility needs with the provider.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel planning.

In The Sum Up

This tour offers an appealing balance of history, scenic drives, and regional tastes. It’s a practical choice for cruise passengers or day-trippers who want to experience Lucca’s charm, see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and enjoy a tasting of Tuscany’s finest wines—all without the stress of planning every detail.

The small group size and knowledgeable guides mean you’ll get more than just a schedule—you’ll gain insights and stories that bring the sights to life. The inclusion of wine tasting and a light lunch adds wonderful authenticity and makes the day feel like a true Tuscan experience.

If you value efficiency without sacrificing authenticity, this tour is a fantastic way to learn about the Tuscan countryside, even if only for a day. It’s best suited for travelers eager to combine sightseeing with regional flavors and who appreciate a personalized, relaxed atmosphere.

Whether you’re a history lover, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable day outside the busy port, this tour provides a well-rounded, engaging, and genuinely enjoyable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: