From Florence: 2-Day Tour of Pisa, Cinque Terre, & Tuscany

Travelers looking to maximize their time in Italy often seek tours that combine iconic sights with authentic experiences, without the headaches of planning every detail. The 2-Day Tour of Pisa, Cinque Terre, and Tuscany from Florence aims to do just that — offering a comprehensive, guided snapshot of some of Italy’s most loved regions and landmarks. Priced at around $254 per person, this adventure promises a mix of sightseeing, wine tasting, and scenic exploration.

From what we’ve seen in reviews and detailed itineraries, this trip seems ideal for those wanting a structured yet flexible taste of Tuscany’s rolling hills, colorful seaside villages, and city icons. Travelers love the knowledgeable guides, the stunning views, and the opportunity to indulge in Italy’s celebrated wines and foods. However, a word of caution — the days are packed, especially with visits to busy sites like Pisa and Cinque Terre, which can be crowded, making some moments feel a bit rushed. This tour suits those eager to see multiple highlights in a short time, especially if they enjoy small group adventures with expert guidance.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive 2-day itinerary that covers Pisa, Cinque Terre, and Tuscany highlights
• Expert English-speaking guides enhance the experience with insights and local knowledge
• Flexible free time at key spots like Pisa’s main square and San Gimignano for personal exploration
• Vineyard visits and tastings with up to nine wines, plus olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Stunning scenery including Tuscan hills, seaside villages, and the iconic Leaning Tower
• Long but rewarding days with early starts and late returns, so packing light is advised

You can check if your dates are available here:

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This two-day adventure is designed for travelers who want a curated experience without the stress of independent planning. Starting in Florence, you’ll visit some of Italy’s most Instagram-worthy landmarks, along with the less crowded, charming streets of San Gimignano, paired with wine tastings in stunning vineyard settings.

Day 1: Pisa & Cinque Terre

The day kicks off bright and early at 7:30 am in Florence, where you’ll meet your guide in front of the main train station’s pharmacy. From there, it’s a full day’s itinerary that balances guided visits with free time.

Your first stop is Pisa, famous for the Leaning Tower. Here, you’ll have about an hour and a half to explore the square, take classic photos with the tower, and admire the Baptistery and Duomo. Reviewers note that Pisa can be crowded, which can make sightseeing a little hectic, but having a tour guide helps navigate the throngs. One reviewer mentioned that the guide did their best to manage large crowds, so patience is key.

After Pisa, the journey continues to the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful villages and rugged coastline. You’ll visit Riomaggiore first, with some time to stroll and perhaps grab a quick lunch. Your guide provides an orientation, but you’ll have ample free time to explore and snap photos.

Next, Manarola offers a picturesque harbor scene, perfect for capturing those postcard moments, while Vernazza is ideal for relaxing on the beach or taking a swim (weather permitting). Reviewers have appreciated the chance to visit multiple villages in one day, even if the crowds can be intense, especially during high season.

Day 2: Tuscany & San Gimignano

The second day begins at a more leisurely 9:40 am in Florence, with a focus on Tuscany’s countryside and wine culture. You’ll visit two wineries, tasting up to nine different wines, along with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The winery guides do a good job explaining the production process, and many reviews highlight the quality of the tastings.

Along With wine, you’ll explore San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval skyline and narrow streets. Here, you’ll have free time to wander, shop, and enjoy authentic gelato from a world-champion gelateria. Reviewers rave about the charming atmosphere and the time spent soaking in the towns’ history and beauty.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to Florence around 5 pm, ending a busy but rewarding two days.

Transportation & Logistics

This tour involves quite a bit of travel — two full days with train and bus journeys. The first day’s train rides are unassigned seats, which means you might encounter crowds, particularly in peak season. The guide manages logistics to make the most of your time, but patience is helpful. The second day’s Tuscany exploration is by bus or van, providing more comfort amid the rolling hills and vineyard scenery.

Start times are early, around 7:30 am for day one and 9:40 am for day two, giving you full days of exploration. The tour ends back in Florence around 7:30 pm on day one and 5 pm on day two, so be prepared for long days with minimal downtime.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Group Size & Guides

Participants praise the knowledgeable guides, with some reviews mentioning guides like Maria and Ned by name. Their insights about local wines, history, and regional culture add depth to the experience, making the tour feel personalized despite the group size.

Cost & Value

At just over $250, this tour offers a lot: guided visits to iconic sites, multiple tastings, free time for exploration, and transportation. While it’s not inexpensive, the value lies in the convenience of having everything arranged for you, especially the train tickets and winery visits.

Authentic Experiences & Review Highlights

One reviewer called the winery visits “excellent,” appreciating how guides explained wine and food pairings, and the olive oil tasting added a nice regional touch. Another noted that the guides did their best to navigate crowded sites, making the experience smoother.

Participants also loved the scenery — from Tuscan hills to sea views in Cinque Terre — describing the landscapes as breathtaking. The opportunity to swim in the Mediterranean, although not recommended in winter, is a bonus in warmer months.

However, some found the crowds challenging, especially in Pisa and the Cinque Terre. Spending more time in fewer villages might be preferable for those seeking a less rushed experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers with a sense of adventure who are comfortable with early mornings and long days. If you enjoy guided experiences, good food and wine, and scenic landscapes, you’ll likely find this a fantastic value.

It’s perfect for those who want a taste of Italy’s most famous sights, combined with local flavors and a bit of leisure time. Keep in mind, it’s not ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a relaxed pace — the days are packed.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Florence-based tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Tuscany’s rolling hills, iconic Pisa, colorful Cinque Terre villages, and delightful wine tastings. The guides’ insights and the scenic stops make it a memorable trip, especially for first-timers or travelers with limited time.

While the crowds can be intense and days long, the convenience of pre-arranged transport, guided commentary, and included tastings make this a practical, engaging option. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of sightseeing, authentic experiences, and scenic beauty, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Overall, it’s a great choice for those eager to see a lot in a short time, especially if they enjoy structured group settings with expert guides. Just pack comfortable shoes, a sense of humor, and your camera — you’ll want to remember this trip for years.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
It’s not specifically designed for children under 18, and some sites may not be ideal for young kids, especially the crowded areas in Pisa and Cinque Terre. It’s best suited for adult travelers or older teens comfortable with long days.

Are meals included in the tour?
The tour doesn’t specify included meals, but it does mention free time in Cinque Terre villages where you can grab lunch. Expect to purchase your own food during the free periods.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring water shoes if you plan to swim in the Mediterranean and comfortable walking shoes for exploring towns and vineyards.

How crowded are the sites, and will I get enough time?
Pisa and Cinque Terre can be crowded, especially in high season. The itinerary offers some free time, but you might find yourself sharing space with large crowds. The guides do their best to manage this.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The tour details don’t specify group size, but reviews imply a manageable size, guided by an English-speaking leader. Expect a small to medium group.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
Availability varies, so it’s best to check the current schedule. You can reserve now and pay later, providing some flexibility.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Spring and early fall are ideal for avoiding the hottest weather and the largest crowds. Summer can be busy, especially in Cinque Terre.

Are the train tickets included?
Yes, all train tickets for the first day are included, making logistics easier and more straightforward.

In essence, if you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and wine-filled journey that hits Italy’s classic highlights, this tour offers a convenient and enjoyable way to do so. It’s perfect for travelers eager to tick off major sights while enjoying the taste of authentic Italian culture along the way.

You can check if your dates are available here: