La Spezia Shore Excursion to Lucca and Leaning Tower of Pisa

Exploring La Spezia’s Shore Excursion to Lucca and Pisa: A Practical Review

Travelers hopping off a cruise in La Spezia often look for tours that pack a punch—giving a taste of Italy’s charm without overextending the day. This particular tour promises to whisk you away to Lucca and Pisa in just one day, offering a blend of guided sightseeing and free time. While it has its strengths, such as knowledgeable guides and stunning landmarks, it’s not without a few hiccups.

What we love about this experience is the ease of transportation — a comfortable air-conditioned bus with WiFi makes the journey smooth. The guides are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, especially when navigating busy spots or explaining the history behind landmarks. Plus, the tour’s inclusion of free time allows flexibility to explore at your pace, which many travelers appreciate.

That said, a few reviewers mention last-minute rearrangements and walking challenges, which highlight the importance of being prepared. If you’re someone who values punctuality, clear communication, and a relaxed pace, this trip could be a good fit. It’s best suited for cruise passengers who want a well-organized, informative day trip with potential for cultural insights and iconic photo stops.

Good To Know

• Comfortable Transportation: Air-conditioned bus with WiFi ensures a pleasant ride between sights.
• Guided and Free Time: Expert escort leads key landmarks; optional walking tours and free exploration add flexibility.
• Iconic Landmarks: Visits to Lucca’s Torre Guinigi and Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli make for memorable sightseeing.
• Timing and Punctuality: The tour guarantees return to the ship on time but requires punctuality and awareness of schedule changes.
• Value for Price: At $58.67 per person, the tour offers good value, especially considering included highlights and guided insights.
• Mixed Reviews: Some experienced last-minute changes or walking issues, so be prepared for unpredictable moments.

A Detailed Look at the La Spezia Shore Excursion to Lucca and Pisa

Transportation and Overall Logistics

This tour is designed to be a hassle-free, day-long journey. Starting promptly at 9:30 am from the La Spezia cruise terminal, the bus, marked by staff in green T-shirts, takes you on a roughly 8-hour adventure. The journey is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle, complemented with WiFi, which makes the trip more comfortable and keeps you connected as you ride through Italy’s scenic landscapes.

A notable point is that no pickup service is included, so arriving on time at the designated meeting point—just outside the cruise terminal—is essential. The tour’s maximum capacity is 60 travelers, meaning it’s reasonably sized for group sharing but still intimate enough to receive personal attention from guides.

Lucca: Charm and Heritage

Arriving in Lucca, you’re greeted with the chance to either explore independently or join a guided walk (if you selected that option). The guided walk takes you through the most important landmarks:

• Torre Guinigi: Standing at 45 meters, this Romanesque-Gothic tower is a highlight. Its unique feature is the small garden at the top, offering panoramic views over Lucca’s rooftops. Visitors from reviews mention the tower’s impressive architecture and the chance to enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside.

• Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: This elliptical square, built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, is a picturesque spot with cafes and shops, ideal for soaking up the medieval ambiance.

• San Frediano Church: Known for its stunning façade and historical significance, this church provides a glimpse into Lucca’s religious art and architecture.

• Leaning Tower of Lucca: Slightly smaller than Pisa’s, this tower still offers an awe-inspiring view and is a classic photo opportunity. Reviewers emphasize that it’s a “typical example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture” and that it’s free to admire from outside.

• Historical Market Square: Once a Roman amphitheater, it’s now a lively area that reflects Lucca’s evolution from ancient to medieval times.

The free time here is usually about 3 hours, giving plenty of space to wander, shop for local crafts, or simply relax with a gelato in hand. Some reviewers noted that the walking tour helps deepen understanding, but if you prefer to explore at your own pace, that’s a valid option too.

Pisa: The Iconic Leaning Tower and Beyond

After Lucca, the bus heads over to Pisa, specifically to the Piazza dei Miracoli—a UNESCO World Heritage site and the star attraction of this tour. This sprawling square is home to Italy’s most instantly recognizable landmark: the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

• Piazza dei Miracoli: The expansive green lawns frame the cathedral, baptistery, and the famous tower. Tourists often find this area mesmerizing; it’s impossible not to snap a shot of the tilt or admire the detailed marble facades.

• Leaning Tower of Pisa: As one reviewer put it, this is “the iconic bell tower in the Piazza del Duomo”. Climbing the tower is optional and not included in the basic ticket, but if you choose to go up, be prepared for a 40-minute wait and some steep, winding stairs. Children under 8 are not permitted to climb, so keep that in mind if traveling with little ones.

• Baptistery and Cathedral: Standing nearby, these structures are notable for their impressive size and architecture. The largest baptistery in Italy, measuring 54 meters high, features a curious truncated cone dome that adds to its charm.

• Cimitero Monumentale: A brief stop here offers a chance to see where legends say bodies rot in just 24 hours—a quirky, if slightly morbid, tidbit that visitors find amusing.

Reviewers appreciated the timed visits, which ensure you see the main sights without feeling rushed, but some mentioned that the tour’s pace can be quite brisk, especially with the walking involved.

The Experience: What Travelers Can Expect

The reviews reveal a mixed bag of experiences—some travelers enjoyed the expert guides, friendly and knowledgeable, while others had issues with last-minute schedule changes. One reviewer described a guide who took a wrong turn, causing a walk in scorching heat for 40 minutes. This points to the importance of being aware and prepared for unexpected delays.

However, many found the free time to be the real highlight, allowing personal exploration. For example, one traveler said, “The tour was late because they accommodated a last-minute booking, which affected my plans,” emphasizing the importance of punctuality, especially with a tight schedule.

The Value of the Tour

At $58.67, this tour offers decent value considering transportation, guiding, and access to major landmarks. The included WiFi and air-conditioned bus are added bonuses, making the day comfortable. The guided portions deepen your understanding of each spot, especially in Lucca, where the guide helps interpret the history behind towers and squares.

Yet, the lack of a dedicated entrance fee for some attractions means you’ll need to pay separately if you want to climb the Tower or visit the Baptistery. This can add to your day’s expense, so budgeting for that is wise.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is ideal for cruise travelers who want a well-organized, no-fuss day trip with highlights in two iconic Italian cities. It’s suited for those comfortable with walking, as some reviews cite long walks and hot weather. If you’re looking for a comprehensive experience with guided insights and free time to explore, this tour ticks those boxes.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend more time inside attractions, you may find the schedule a bit rushed. The last-minute schedule shifts mentioned by some travelers suggest that clear communication is key, so be sure to confirm your departure details.

The Sum Up

This La Spezia shore excursion to Lucca and Pisa offers a solid way to see two of Italy’s most loved cities on a single day without the hassle of planning individual transport. The combination of professional guides, stunning landmarks, and free time makes it a practical choice for cruise passengers wanting to maximize their port time.

While the experience gets somewhat mixed reviews—mainly due to last-minute schedule changes and walking challenges—the opportunity to stand beneath the Leaning Tower or walk along Lucca’s historic walls remains a highlight. The value for money is reasonable, especially considering the guided insights and included amenities like WiFi and air conditioning.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, guided overview of Lucca and Pisa, and don’t mind some unpredictability, this tour could be a good fit. Just be sure to arrive early, stay flexible, and set your expectations realistically.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour provides an air-conditioned bus with WiFi, starting from the La Spezia cruise terminal.

What is the starting time?
The tour departs at 9:30 am. Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early to locate staff in green T-shirts.

Are entrance tickets to attractions included?
No, entrance tickets for things like the Leaning Tower are not included. You’ll need to purchase them separately if you plan to climb.

How much free time do I get in Lucca and Pisa?
You can expect about 3 hours in Lucca for free exploration or guided walking, and around 2 hours in Pisa for sightseeing and photos.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 are not allowed to climb the Leaning Tower, but the tour can still be enjoyed by families with older kids who are comfortable walking and waiting.

What happens if my cruise schedule changes?
The tour states it will adjust to different port or schedule changes, so contact the local staff to confirm details if your timing shifts.

This comprehensive review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from this cruise shore excursion, helping you decide if it’s the right match for your Italy adventure.