La Spezia: Florence, Pisa w/Leaning Tower & Accademia Option

Exploring Tuscany’s Gems: La Spezia to Florence & Pisa Tour Review

Planning a day trip from La Spezia that covers both Florence and Pisa sounds ambitious, but this tour makes it surprisingly doable. While it’s an unguided experience with optional guided components, it offers a great way to see two iconic Italian cities without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we love about this tour is its affordability — at just $61.49 per person, it packs in plenty of value, from transportation and Wi-Fi to skip-the-line tickets. The flexibility to explore at your own pace or opt for a guided walk helps tailor the experience to different travelers’ preferences. Plus, it’s designed to be efficient, with a timely return guaranteed so you aren’t stuck rushing back to your cruise or hotel.

However, a possible consideration is the limited free time—although 3.5 hours in Florence and 1.5 hours in Pisa may sound generous, many reviewers mention feeling a little rushed, especially if you want to linger or explore more deeply. This tour works best for those looking for a taste rather than an in-depth exploration, and for travelers who appreciate convenience and value.

This experience suits first-timers or those short on time who still want a broad glimpse of Tuscany’s most celebrated highlights, with options to customize to your interests. If you’re seeking an easy, budget-friendly way to see Florence and Pisa without navigating public transport or booking tickets separately, this tour could be just right.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Affordable price point offering good value for transportation, tickets, and optional guided tours
• Flexible exploring options—self-guided or guided walking tour of Florence
• Priority access and skip-the-line tickets for Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Florence’s Accademia Gallery
• Guaranteed timely return crucial for cruise travelers or tight schedules
• Comfortable transport with Wi-Fi to stay connected during the long day
• Mixed reviews on free time highlight the need for efficient planning if visiting museums or shopping

The Full Experience: A Detailed Look at the Tour

Easy and Organized Meeting Point

The tour begins just outside La Spezia’s cruise terminal, with a clearly identifiable guide sporting a green T-shirt—no hassle in finding the group. This initial simplicity is a plus, especially if you’re arriving on a cruise tender or train. The bus itself is described as new and comfortable, with air conditioning to keep you cool during the roughly 9-hour journey, which is crucial for a summer trip.

Transportation and Comfort

Traveling in a modern coach with Wi-Fi ensures you stay connected, and the friendly, professional driver navigates the busy roads smoothly. Many reviews praise the cleanliness and comfort of the bus, making the long ride a bit more bearable. The bus ride is also a chance to catch up on some sleep or get excited for the day ahead.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Florence: Art, Culture, and Free Time

Once in Florence, the tour provides 3.5 hours of free time to explore the city’s treasures. You’re handed a map and Wi-Fi code, which makes wandering less stressful. You could walk to the Piazza del Duomo, admire the Medici Palace, or browse the San Lorenzo Market for local foods and crafts.

One reviewer mentioned that the guide’s instructions about meeting points were very clear, which helps avoid confusion in the bustling city. Several appreciated the chance to meander through charming alleys between Renaissance palaces, or indulge in typical Tuscan snacks.

For those wanting a more structured experience, there’s an optional guided walking tour covering Florence’s main landmarks. This is especially helpful if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the city’s layout. The guide can bring history alive, and with multilingual commentary, non-Italian speakers can enjoy the highlights.

Pisa and the Leaning Tower

Next stop is Pisa, with about 1.5 hours of free time. The highlight is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which you can photograph at the perfect angle—the famous tilt makes for a fun photo op. Multiple reviews mention how easy it is to pose at the tower, capturing that iconic shot.

You’ll also see the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning medieval architecture. A few travelers noted that the buses can’t get closer to the monuments, so be prepared for a bit of walking, especially in hot weather.

Optional Access to Pisa’s Tower & Florence’s Accademia

For an extra fee, you can climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa—an experience that many consider a bucket-list activity. Skip-the-line tickets save you precious time, though some reviewers suggest that even with reserved tickets, time can be tight if you want to linger at the top.

The Accademia Gallery ticket is also available, opening the door to Michelangelo’s David and other Renaissance masterpieces. Several travelers mention that this makes the trip more memorable, providing insight into Florence’s artistic achievements. One reviewer noted that the museum houses unfinished sculptures, which reveal the artist’s process—a fascinating peek behind the scenes.

The Balance of Time and Flexibility

The tour’s schedule is designed for maximum coverage but not for deep dives. Many reviews lament that free time can be limited, especially if museum visits are added. You might find yourself rushing through the museums or skipping some sights to make it back on time.

The challenge is balancing sightseeing with the need to return promptly, especially when the bus emphasizes guaranteed punctuality. For travelers who prefer to take their time and explore thoroughly, this tour offers a solid overview but perhaps not the depth.

The Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know

Pros:

• Excellent value for the price, including transportation, Wi-Fi, maps, and optional tickets
• Convenient logistics with pick-up outside the cruise terminal and guaranteed return
• Flexibility to explore independently or join guided tours of Florence
• Comfortable transport and helpful staff make the long day manageable
• The skip-the-line tickets save precious time at major sights
• Authentic insights from guides when opting for the walking tour, plus some reviews praising specific guides like Francesco, Giorgio, and Mattia for their knowledge and humor

Cons:

• Limited free time can feel rushed, especially if you want to explore museums or shop
• Some reviews suggest that it’s a busy schedule—not ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed experience
• The buses cannot get close to all attractions, meaning extra walking in Pisa and Florence
• No hotel pickup, so you’ll need to coordinate your arrival at the meeting point
• The itinerary order may change, which can cause some confusion if not confirmed beforehand

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect for first-time visitors who want a cost-effective way to see Florence and Pisa’s highlights without booking multiple tickets or navigating public transport. It’s also great for cruise passengers with tight schedules, thanks to the guaranteed timely return and easy logistics.

If you’re comfortable with short bursts of sightseeing and are okay with a busy day, you’ll enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace or with guidance. However, if you’re after deep dives into museums or prefer a more leisurely approach, this might feel a bit rushed.

Those looking for a value-packed adventure that combines convenience, iconic sights, and optional extras like Tower climbs or museum visits will find this tour a good fit. It’s especially suited to travelers who appreciate organized transport and a balanced overview of two major Tuscan cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins just outside the cruise terminal, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since there will be walking at each site, and you might want to carry a water bottle or snacks.

Can I visit the museums with my ticket?
Yes, if you select the optional tickets, you can visit the Accademia Gallery in Florence and climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, depending on your schedule.

How much free time will I have?
Approximately 3.5 hours in Florence and 1.5 hours in Pisa, which may be enough for some sightseeing and light shopping but can feel rushed if you want to see everything.

What language is the commentary available in?
The bus commentary is multilingual, and guides speak English and Spanish.

Will I have Wi-Fi on the bus?
Yes, Wi-Fi is provided on board, helping you stay connected or share your photos instantly.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility challenges?
While it’s primarily walking, the order of visits may change, and some walking is unavoidable, especially around Pisa’s monuments. Check with the provider if specific mobility needs are a concern.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re seeking an affordable, hassle-free way to see Florence and Pisa, especially during a cruise stop, this tour covers all the essentials. It offers a good balance of guided and independent exploring, with the flexibility to choose optional tickets for the Tower and Museum.

Travelers who value timely logistics, comfort, and value for money will appreciate its straightforward approach. However, if you prefer more relaxed, unstructured days or deep museum visits, consider whether the limited free time aligns with your travel style.

In sum, this tour packs a punch for those eager to see iconic sights without the fuss of planning or hefty costs, making it a solid choice for a quick, memorable taste of Tuscany’s treasures.

You can check if your dates are available here: