From Florence: Pisa & Lucca Day Tour with Buccellato Tasting

Choosing a day trip from Florence to explore Pisa and Lucca offers a fantastic way to see two of Tuscany’s most charming towns without the hassle of planning transportation and tickets yourself. This guided tour, offered by Ciaoflorence Tours & Travel, combines sightseeing, delicious local treats, and insightful guides—making it a well-rounded day out.

What really stands out is the inclusion of entrance tickets to Pisa’s Cathedral and the option to visit the Leaning Tower, plus the opportunity to sample Buccellato, a traditional Lucchese cake. You get a good mix of guided tours, sightseeing, and free time—perfect if you enjoy flexible exploration but want some structure.

A few things to keep in mind: the tour involves a fair amount of walking, especially in Lucca, with cobbled streets and the distinctive city walls. Also, the tours are mostly conducted in English and Spanish, although Italian, French, and Portuguese options are available during the high season with minimum booking requirements. This tour is great for culture enthusiasts, first-time visitors, or those short on time but craving authentic Tuscany.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covers Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower and cathedral, plus Lucca’s historic walls and charming streets.
• Guided tours with optional access to the Leaning Tower deepen your experience.
• Authentic tastings of Buccellato provide a taste of local culinary traditions.
• Transport in air-conditioned coaches ensures comfort throughout the day.
• Ample free time in both towns allows spontaneous exploration or relaxing without feeling rushed.
• Value for money is notable considering the inclusion of entrance fees, guide services, and tasting.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at Piazzale Montelungo, next to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station. Staff in bright fuchsia jackets make it easy to spot your guides. The bus is air-conditioned, which is a real plus after those hot summer days, and the entire journey is comfortably managed, with some reviews praising the smooth coordination from start to finish.

The day is structured with two main driving stretches—about 1.5 hours to Pisa, then around 45 minutes to Lucca. Returning to Florence wraps up the day after roughly 75 minutes on the coach. This pacing makes sure you see plenty without feeling rushed, although some reviewers note that the walking involved in town exploration can be tiring, especially in Lucca with its cobblestones and city walls.

Pisa: The Iconic Piazza dei Miracoli

First stop: Pisa. This is the star of the trip, thanks to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tour includes a guided visit and entrance tickets to the cathedral, but not to the baptistery or cemetery, which are extra if you wish to explore further. Many travelers find that having a guide explains the history and architecture in ways you might miss on your own.

A highlight for many is the opportunity to see the Tower close-up, with some tours offering the chance to climb the Leaning Tower if the optional ticket is selected. The queues can be long, but with pre-booked tickets, you skip the line—a real time-saver.

One reviewer shared that “the cathedrals were great,” but also mentioned the frustration of being told to return to a ticket office 300 yards away, highlighting that logistical details can sometimes be tricky. Still, most agree that the architecture and the atmosphere of Piazza dei Miracoli make up for these minor inconveniences.

Lucca: The Walled Gem

Next, the tour moves to Lucca, famous for its well-preserved city walls. The guided tour takes you through the charming old town center, where cobblestone streets wind past medieval buildings, quaint shops, and lovely piazzas. The guide also offers the chance to walk along the city walls, which provide panoramic views across the rooftops of Lucca.

Many reviewers highlight Roberta, the guide, as being particularly friendly and knowledgeable, with one noting her humor and friendly approach made the experience memorable. You’ll see sights like Anfiteatro Square, Guingi Tower, and San Martino Cathedral—all worth exploring at your own pace during free time.

Travelers often rave about how beautiful and less crowded Lucca feels compared to Pisa, and that the walk along the city walls offers incredible photo opportunities. But be aware that some mention the amount of walking involved, especially since the town’s streets and walls cover a fair distance, which might be tiring for some.

Buccellato and Local Tastes

No trip to Lucca would be complete without tasting Buccellato, a traditional Lucchese cake flavored with aniseed and often served with coffee. The tasting segment lasts around 15 minutes, giving you the chance to savor this sweet treat. Reviewers appreciate that it’s a genuine local specialty and a nice way to cap off the visit.

Some mention that the Buccellato is “just okay,” especially if you’re not a fan of aniseed, but overall, it’s a charming touch that adds a flavor of local culture.

Timing and Flexibility

The schedule is quite packed, with about 1.5 hours in Pisa, an hour of free time in Lucca, and the rest of the day on the bus. Because of this, some travelers wish they had more time in each town—particularly in Lucca, where wandering the walls and narrow streets can easily take longer.

However, the inclusion of optional guided tours and free exploration time balances this well. The tour’s structure is designed to give you a taste of both towns without feeling overwhelmed, which is crucial when covering two destinations in one day.

Cost and Overall Value

At approximately $62.59 per person, this tour offers a lot—guided visits, entry tickets to Pisa’s cathedral, a tasting, comfortable transportation, and expert guides. Reviews consistently highlight good value for money, especially when considering the convenience of pre-arranged tickets and organized transfers.

Of course, the tour does not include access to the Tower of Pisa itself unless you add the optional ticket, which some might find worth the extra if climbing the Tower is on your list.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits those who want a well-organized, informative day exploring Tuscany’s highlights without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting to see Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower and Lucca’s charming streets, especially if you appreciate guided commentary and local tastings.

However, be prepared for some walking and standing, especially in cobbled streets and within the city walls. If mobility is an issue, or if you’re seeking a very leisurely pace, this might be less ideal.

Finally, if you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or foodie, you’ll appreciate the blend of cultural sights, expert guides, and authentic culinary experiences packed into this day trip.

The Sum Up

This guided Pisa and Lucca day tour offers a balanced, engaging experience that highlights Tuscany’s most famous attractions in a manageable timeframe. With knowledgeable guides, skip-the-line tickets, and a tasty Buccellato tasting, it provides real value—especially for those short on time but eager to see the best of the region.

The tour’s blend of guided explanations and free time allows for a personalized visit, whether you want to soak in the views from Lucca’s walls or snap photos of Pisa’s Leaning Tower. The transportation is comfortable, and the small-group feel keeps the experience intimate and flexible.

While the pace might be a bit brisk for some, the overall organization and inclusions—plus the authentic experiences—make this a great pick for culture seekers, first-timers, and anyone wanting a taste of Tuscany’s charm without a complicated plan.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves a fair amount of walking, especially in Lucca with its cobblestone streets and wall walks. It’s probably not ideal for those with mobility concerns.

Does the tour include entrance tickets to the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
Access to the Tower itself is optional and requires an additional ticket, which can be purchased separately. The ticket to the Pisa Cathedral is included.

How much time do I get in each town?
You’ll have about 1 hour of free time in Pisa and roughly an hour in Lucca. The rest of the time is spent traveling or on guided tours.

Are the guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, live guides speak Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English. During high season, Italian, French, and Portuguese options are also available with minimum bookings.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential, especially for walking on cobblestones. A sun hat is recommended in warmer months.

Can I climb the Leaning Tower?
You can only climb the Tower if you purchase the optional ticket. The standard tour includes viewing from the outside and inside the cathedral.

What is the tour price?
The tour costs around $62.59 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the guided visits and entrance fees included.

Is the tour a good value?
Yes, many reviews mention that it offers good value for the price, especially given the guided insights, skip-the-line access, and tastings included.

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated day through Tuscany’s historic towns, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive yet manageable experience of Pisa and Lucca.