Pisa, Lucca, and Lunch at a Tuscan Winery from La Spezia

Discovering Tuscany: Pisa, Lucca, and a Winery from La Spezia

This tour offers a balanced taste of Tuscany’s most charming spots, all within a manageable 8-9 hours. Designed for active travelers and families who prefer not to spend hours in the car, it combines cultural highlights with authentic culinary experiences. The highlight? A visit to Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower, three hours exploring the beautifully preserved walls of Lucca, and a delightful, homemade lunch paired with local wines at a family-run winery.

What sets this experience apart is the convenient private transportation—no fuss about parking—plus knowledgeable guides who add local insights along the way. You get to see some of the best spots without the hustle of big group tours, and the small-group atmosphere makes it quite intimate.

One thing to keep in mind is that lunch is optional and paid separately, so if you’re tight on budget or prefer to explore independently at mealtime, this is worth noting. Also, the short time at Pisa means you’ll only have a quick outside glimpse of the monuments unless you plan to enter the sites yourself, which involves coordinating with your guide.

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, manageable Tuscan experience—ideal for those who love a blend of sightseeing, charming towns, and good wine. If you’re eager to see more of Tuscany but prefer a relaxed, curated day, this tour hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Comfortable private transport with an English-speaking driver ensures a smooth ride.
• Short but sweet stops allow you to enjoy Pisa and Lucca without feeling rushed.
• Authentic wine tasting and homemade lunch at a family-owned winery adds a genuine taste of Tuscany.
• Flexible options for visiting Pisa’s monuments, with a focus on exterior views.
• Lucca’s walls and historic streets provide scenic, accessible exploration for all ages.
• Highly rated guides enhance the experience with friendly, informative commentary.

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

The Convenience of Private Transportation and Pickup

Starting from La Spezia’s cruise terminal, the tour offers pickup directly at your cruise dock, saving time and energy. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, especially as you travel through the rolling Tuscan landscapes. With a dedicated driver and guide, the journey feels personalized rather than a crowded bus ride.

The drive itself is part of the charm—relaxing and scenic, giving you a taste of the Tuscan countryside. As the reviews highlight, the driver often shares contextual insights, making the ride as informative as the stops.

Pisa: A Brief but Iconic Stop

Arriving in Pisa after about an hour’s drive, the dedicated drop-off point at the Campo dei Miracoli is a real advantage. Unlike other tours that require long walks from parking lots, this tour gets you right in front of the monuments, making the short stay more efficient.

You’ll have approximately 30 minutes here, just enough to snap photos of the Leaning Tower, the cathedral, baptistery, and cemetery. These exterior views are free of charge, giving you plenty of photo opportunities.

If you’re interested in climbing the Leaning Tower or exploring the monuments indoors, you’ll need to coordinate with your guide for timing. This flexibility is nice because it means you can prioritize what matters most to you—whether snapping photos or going inside.

One reviewer noted that even in a short time, they appreciated the opportunity to see Pisa’s famous site without the usual hassle of large crowds or long waits. This quick visit suits travelers who want the “must-see” without sacrificing too much time.

Exploring Lucca: A Highlight for Many

After Pisa, you transfer to Lucca, a town that often feels like a well-kept secret among travelers. The three hours here give plenty of opportunity to explore at your own pace.

We loved the way Lucca’s massive city walls are transformed into peaceful pedestrian paths, perfect for biking or strolling. Renting bikes and circling the walls is a popular choice, and with many scenic spots under the shade of old trees, it’s an easy, enjoyable activity for families and active adults alike.

The town itself is full of architectural gems—Piazza dell’Amphiteatro, built on the remains of a Roman stadium, provides a lovely backdrop for people-watching. The historic Palazzo Pfanner offers a glimpse into Tuscany’s aristocratic past, complemented by its elegant gardens.

Reviewers praise Lucca as “very elegant,” with “great restaurants and gelato,” making it a wonderful place to soak in local charm. The relaxed atmosphere allows you to soak in Tuscany’s laid-back vibe without feeling hurried.

Lunch and Wine Tasting at a Family-Run Winery

A highlight for many is the visit to Azienda Agricola Enzo Carmignani, a small, family-run winery in the Montecarlo di Lucca wine region. After a scenic 25-minute drive through the countryside, you arrive at a welcoming environment where you’ll be shown around the winery.

The lunch is a generous, homemade affair—local cured meats, cheeses, seasonal pasta or rice dishes, fresh fruit, and dessert. The wine tasting features 6-8 local wines, expertly paired with each course. Reviewers describe the wine as “amazing,” and the olive oil as “delicious,” emphasizing the authentic, high-quality experience.

While lunch isn’t included in the base price (each adult pays around €55), many find it well worth the extra cost, especially for the chance to enjoy genuine Tuscan hospitality and flavors in a relaxed setting. The opportunity to meet the family, see the wine-making process, and taste local products adds a behind-the-scenes feel that larger tours can’t offer.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those who want a balanced day—not too rushed but with enough time to savor each destination. It appeals to families, active travelers, and anyone who prefers small-group, personalized tours over large bus excursions.

It’s also perfect if you’re keen on wine and food, as the winery visit offers a real taste of local life. The flexible itinerary allows you to focus on what matters most—whether that’s taking photos, exploring on foot, or relaxing in the scenic countryside.

However, travelers who want more time inside Pisa’s monuments or plan to visit other Tuscan towns might prefer a more extensive tour or self-guided exploration.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For a well-rounded taste of Tuscany’s iconic sights and authentic flavors, this tour offers excellent value. The combination of convenient private transport, short, manageable stops, and the chance to enjoy local wine and cuisine makes it a compelling choice.

The guides’ friendliness and knowledge elevate the experience, making even the brief stops memorable. The picturesque setting of Lucca, with its walls and charming streets, makes for a relaxing and visually appealing exploration.

While the short time at Pisa might limit the inside experience of its monuments, the outside views and photo opportunities are more than enough for most travelers. Plus, the flexibility to customize your visit—especially at Pisa—is a big plus.

This tour is best suited for those looking for an efficient, authentic, and scenic day trip from La Spezia—perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a taste of Tuscany without overextending themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup directly at the La Spezia cruise terminal, making your start seamless.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts around 8 to 9 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and lunch.

Do I need to pay for lunch separately?
Yes, lunch at the winery is paid directly to the winery, approximately €55 per adult, with discounts for youths and children.

Can I climb the Leaning Tower?
If you wish to enter or climb the Leaning Tower, you’ll need to coordinate the timing with your guide, as entry is not included in the free exterior visit.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. The tour is family-friendly, and children under 5 are free at the winery. The walking and biking options in Lucca are also manageable for young kids.

What language do guides speak?
The driver and guide speak English, providing commentary during the drive but not on foot.

How much time is spent at each stop?
Expect about 30 minutes at Pisa, three hours in Lucca, and around four hours at the winery including lunch.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of authentic Tuscan scenery, charming towns, and a family-run winery experience creates a well-rounded day that feels intimate and flavorful.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the private, air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout the day.

Can I modify the itinerary?
While the schedule is quite fixed, you’ll have some flexibility with Pisa’s monument visits and timing at each stop, especially if coordinating with your guide.

This tour from La Spezia offers a charming slice of Tuscany, balancing sightseeing, cultural charm, and culinary delights—perfect for those seeking an authentic, hassle-free day in the region.