Livorno Shore Excursion to Lucca & Pisa optional Leaning Tower Ticket

A close-up look at Italy’s historic gems — Lucca and Pisa — on a well-priced shore excursion from Livorno. This 7-hour day trip offers a comfortable way to see two of Tuscany’s most iconic towns, especially suited for cruise passengers with limited time. The tour features an air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, giving you a smooth ride between stops, and the option to upgrade for guided walks and Tower tickets.

What we love about this experience is its flexibility and value: you get a taste of both towns without the hassle of arranging transport yourself. The stops at Lucca’s medieval walls and Pisa’s famous piazza are brief but well-structured, making it perfect for those wanting a snapshot of Italy’s highlights. The main drawback? The limited time in Pisa means you might not see everything — especially if you want to explore the cathedral or climb the Tower.

This tour is ideal for cruise travelers who want a straightforward, economical way to enjoy Tuscany’s top sights. If you prefer deep dives into history or less rushed visits, it might feel a bit fleeting. But for those seeking convenience, great photos, and authentic Italian charm, it hits the sweet spot.

Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi keeps you relaxed and connected.
Flexible options: Upgrades include guided tours and Tower tickets for a richer experience.
Time-efficient: Designed for cruise schedules, with precise pick-up and drop-off.
Authentic highlights: Explore Lucca’s medieval walls, Roman amphitheater, and Pisa’s iconic piazza.
Value for money: At just under $40, considering the transportation and entry options, it’s a practical choice.
Authentic experience: Free time and optional guided walks allow for personal exploration and local insights.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at 10:30 am, you meet your friendly, green-shirted guide at Livorno’s cruise shuttle stop on Via Cogorano. The 1-hour drive in an air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi is a good chance to settle in and get a first glimpse of Tuscany’s rolling landscape. While some reviews mention slight delays or confusion at the meeting point, most travelers find the process straightforward — especially if you arrive 15 minutes early.

Stop 1: Lucca (about 3 hours)

Once in Lucca, the town’s charm begins immediately. We loved the way the tour provides ample free time to explore at your own pace. Key sights include Porta Sant’Anna, a well-preserved medieval gate, and the Lucca Cathedral (Duomo di Lucca), a Romanesque beauty built in the 6th century.

A highlight for many is Torre Guinigi, a 45-meter medieval tower topped with a surprising roof garden of holm oaks, offering fantastic views of the town. Reviewers mention that Lucca’s Anfiteatro square, built on the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater, is a lovely spot for photos and a quick snack.

Some guests, like Nancy, wished there was more historical commentary during the free time, but the optional guided walk with an escort ensures those who want background can still get it. An important tip: most visitors agree that Lucca’s walled town and its narrow cobblestone streets are best enjoyed on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Stop 2: Pisa (about 1 hour 45 minutes)

Next is Pisa, where the Piazza dei Miracoli steals the show. You’ll get a generous amount of free time to marvel at the Leaning Tower, the Duomo, and the Pisa Baptistery — Italy’s largest baptistery, built from 1152 to 1363, impresses many travelers with its size and architecture.

If you’ve upgraded to include a timed ticket for the Leaning Tower, you’ll be able to climb the nearly 60-meter structure, leaning at almost four degrees — a feat that leaves many visitors excited. But be aware, the tower entry is subject to a strict 15-minute window, and children under 8 cannot climb, which some guests noted as a bit restrictive.

Those who choose not to climb can still soak up the atmosphere, relax on the grass, or take photos. Reviewers like Ian who had a tight schedule appreciated the perfect balance of sightseeing and free time. However, some mentioned that the limited time in Pisa makes it difficult to explore the cathedral and baptistery thoroughly, especially if you want to avoid rushing.

Additional Notes on the Tour

• The itinerary might be subject to change, so contacting local staff for updates is recommended.
• The group sizes are capped at 60 travelers, making it fairly intimate and manageable.
• The tour does not include hotel pickup or transportation from Livorno to the city center, so you’ll need to arrange these separately.
• The return to Livorno is scheduled to ensure you make your cruise departure time, which most reviews confirm was reliable.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The cost of around $39.18 per person is quite reasonable, especially considering the comfort of the coach and the optional extras. The package includes Wi-Fi onboard, maps of Lucca and Pisa, and bus stop assistance in multiple languages.

Upgrades to guided walks and Tower tickets add depth but come at an extra cost. Notably, the tour does not cover hotel transfers or tickets into Pisa’s cathedral or baptistery unless you choose the optional Tower ticket.

The Experience from Other Travelers’ Perspectives

While many reviewers praised the knowledgeable guides (with names like Irene, Fredricko, and Eva mentioned), a few expressed frustrations about meeting point confusion and delays. Despite these hiccups, most agree that the value for money is excellent, and the stunning scenery and authentic town visits make it worth considering.

Several reviewers highlighted the delicious local food and tapas in Lucca, making the brief free time there especially delightful for food lovers. Others appreciated the comfortable transportation, noting that the coach was a good way to cover the distance without fatigue.

One common suggestion was to arrange tickets for Pisa attractions in advance and to allocate more time in Pisa if possible. A few mentioned that the short visit to Pisa feels rushed, but for many, it’s enough to get a true taste of this world-famous city.

This Livorno shore excursion to Lucca and Pisa provides a solid, cost-effective way to see Tuscany’s treasures on a tight schedule. Its strengths lie in reliable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and flexible options for deeper exploration. It’s perfect for cruise travelers wanting a well-organized day with enough free time for personal discoveries.

The optional guided walks and Tower tickets allow those hungry for a richer experience to add some local insights and iconic photo ops. But do keep in mind the limited time — if you’re eager to explore every nook of these historic towns, you might find it a bit rushed.

This tour offers great value, authentic sights, and the convenience needed for a hassle-free day in Tuscany.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll meet at the Livorno cruise shuttle stop on Via Cogorano.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 10:30 am, with instructions to arrive 15 minutes early.

Can I climb the Leaning Tower?
Yes, if you’ve booked the Tower ticket upgrade, you’ll have a timed slot to ascend Pisa’s famous leaning structure.

How long is the drive from Livorno?
The journey from Livorno to Lucca is about one hour in an air-conditioned coach.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transport, Wi-Fi, maps, assistance in multiple languages, and optional guided walking tours and Tower tickets.

Is there enough time to see everything?
Most guests feel the schedule is tight but manageable. You’ll get some free time at each stop, but exploration options are somewhat limited.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The Tower entry is not permitted for kids under 8.

What if my ship arrives late or the schedule changes?
Most reviews note the tour is punctual, but if your schedule shifts, contact the local staff to confirm new arrangements.

How many people will be on the tour?
The group can include up to 60 travelers, providing a comfortable size for sightseeing.

To sum it up, this Livorno to Lucca and Pisa tour strikes a good balance between affordability, comfort, and authentic experiences. It’s a smart choice for cruisers eager to tick off two must-see Tuscan towns without overextending their schedule. With optional upgrades, you can tailor the day to suit your interests — whether that’s just snapping photos of the Leaning Tower or wandering Lucca’s medieval streets and tasting local delicacies. Just remember, the key to enjoying this trip is arriving early, staying flexible, and making the most of your limited time in these historic spots.