Pisa, Lucca and wine experience Private Shore Excursion from La Spezia port

Traveling cruise ship passengers often face the challenge of visiting multiple Tuscan gems in a single day—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This private shore excursion from La Spezia offers an excellent balance of sightseeing, cultural charm, and relaxing wine tasting, all delivered with the convenience of door-to-door transport. It’s designed for travelers who want to skip the hassle of public transport and enjoy a flexible, personalized day with included visits to Pisa and Lucca, plus a countryside winery tour.

What makes this experience stand out is how seamlessly it combines sightseeing with leisure — you get out of the port area, visit iconic spots, then unwind at a Tuscan winery with tastings of local wines and olive oil. The all-day private transport means you have plenty of time to explore at your own pace, which is a big plus. One potential consideration is that the tour doesn’t include meals or wine tastings, so you’ll want to plan accordingly or budget for extra expenses. This is best suited for those wanting an intimate, flexible introduction to Tuscany’s highlights, especially if you’re keen on a mix of sightseeing and wine in one day.

Key Points

• Comfort and Convenience: Private transportation from La Spezia saves valuable time and effort.
• Flexible Itinerary: While the suggested stops are Pisa, Lucca, and a winery, timings and stops can be customized.
• Authentic Tuscan Experience: Enjoy beautiful views, historic sites, and a guided walk through two charming cities.
• Wine and Olive Oil Tasting: An opportunity to sample local produce in a scenic setting, with insights into the region’s viticulture.
• Skip the Lines: Priority access to scenic sites (though tickets are not included), making your visit smoother.
• Ideal for Cruise Passengers: Perfectly timed for those wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed day ashore.

A Detailed Look at the Tour

Seamless Pickup and Transportation

The tour kicks off with a pickup outside La Spezia cruise terminal around 8:30 am, aligning with your ship’s schedule. Your transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, which comfortably accommodates your private group. This setup eliminates the unpredictability of public transport or train schedules, giving you the flexibility to pace your day.

Pisa: The Iconic Leaning Tower

Your first stop is Pisa, home to the world-famous Leaning Tower. The guide will leave you right beside the Miracle Square, so you can marvel at the cathedral, baptistery, and the tower itself. While entrance tickets are not included, you’ll have plenty of time to admire the architecture, take photos, and feel the buzz of this historic site. The guided aspect isn’t overly prescriptive; instead, you get free time to soak in the atmosphere, which many reviewers appreciate.

One guest shared that Pisa felt rushed on other tours, but with this private setup, you can linger as long as you wish, making the visit more personal. Expect around an hour here, unless you choose to extend your visit independently.

Lucca: Medieval Charm and Hidden Gems

Next, you head into Lucca, a city often overlooked but packed with charm. The drive takes about 20 minutes through scenic Tuscany countryside, offering lovely views of both Pisa and Lucca valleys. Once in Lucca, highlights include San Michele in Foro, the Torre delle Ore, and the bustling shopping street, Via Finlungo. The guide will walk with you through the historic streets to give insights into the city’s past, but you’ll also have ample free time to explore at your own pace.

A real highlight, according to reviews, is the Anfiteatro Square, a perfect place to soak up the lively atmosphere or enjoy a coffee. Reviewers like Cathie_L raved about Lucca being an “incredible hidden gem,” emphasizing its captivating vibe and picturesque streets. The tour’s flexibility means you can spend more time shopping or simply wandering the medieval walls that still encircle the city.

Tuscany Countryside and Wine Tasting

After exploring Lucca, your journey continues into the rolling hills of Tuscany for the wine and olive oil experience. The winery visit lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes. You’ll be led inside the wine cellar, learn about the vineyards, and explore the historic estate. While wine tasting and olive oil are not included in the price, the experience itself—learning about the grape varieties, production process, and regional traditions—is quite engaging.

Many reviews mention that the views are stunning, with the countryside providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing tasting session. It’s a memorable way to connect with the region’s culinary heritage without a heavy price tag, especially considering private transport and guided visits are included.

Practical Aspects and Overall Value

This tour’s price tag of $464.26 per person may seem steep at first glance, but it covers most logistics and private transportation, which is often the biggest hassle for visitors. The convenience of door-to-door service and the ability to customize your schedule make it a good value, especially for those who want to maximize sightseeing without the stress.

Notably, the tour has received a perfect 5-star rating from all reviews, with travelers praising the knowledgeable driver (Masimo), the well-paced itinerary, and the personalized approach. Guests appreciated the freedom to explore key sites, as well as the quality of the countryside experience.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Tickets for Pisa’s sites are not included, so plan to budget for those if you want to enter the cathedral or baptistery.
• The wine and olive oil tastings are also extra, but the value lies in the guided journey through scenic Tuscany.
• The tour is private, so it’s ideal for families or small groups seeking intimacy and flexibility.
• Since timing is adaptable, communicate your ship’s schedule in advance to ensure smooth coordination.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is ideal for cruise passengers who want a well-organized, stress-free day exploring some of Tuscany’s most iconic towns and enjoying a leisurely countryside winery visit. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a bit of history, scenic views, and local tastings in a private, flexible setting.

Travelers who enjoy personalized experiences and dislike crowded group tours will find this private option more satisfying. It also suits visitors with limited time ashore who wish to maximize their sightseeing without rushing through public transport or large tour groups.

Final thoughts

The Pisa, Lucca, and wine experience from La Spezia offers a balanced blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and culture. The private transport and flexible schedule make it easier to enjoy these gorgeous Tuscan towns at your own pace. While the tour doesn’t include entrance tickets or tastings, it provides a solid framework for experiencing Tuscany’s highlights without the logistical headaches.

The scenic drives and charming towns, combined with the opportunity to savor local wines and olive oils, make this a memorable day out. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a scenic escape, this tour is a smart choice for a stress-free, authentic taste of Tuscany.

FAQ

Is transportation provided from La Spezia cruise port?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off directly outside La Spezia cruise terminal in a private, air-conditioned minivan.

Can I customize the itinerary?
While the suggested stops are Pisa, Lucca, and a winery, times and stops can be adjusted based on your preferences and ship schedule.

Are entrance tickets to Pisa and the winery included?
No, tickets to Pisa’s sites and wine tastings are not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if desired.

How long is the drive between Pisa and Lucca?
The drive takes around 20 minutes, offering scenic views of the Tuscan countryside.

How much time is allocated for each city?
Expect about an hour in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and Miracle Square, and roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes in Lucca, including walking and exploring.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended. You might also want to carry cash for entrance tickets or extra tastings.

Will I have free time at each stop?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible, allowing you to explore at your own pace within the allocated time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The tour’s pace is suitable for families.

What is the cost of this tour?
It’s priced at approximately $464.26 per person, offering private transportation and guided visits.

How do reviews reflect the experience?
Reviewers highlight the stunning views, engaging driver, and well-curated experience, with one calling it a perfect blend of history, shopping, and wine tasting.

This private tour from La Spezia delivers a fantastic way to explore Tuscany’s highlights without the stress of planning or navigating public transport. It’s a smart choice for those seeking a relaxed, authentic, and memorable day in some of Italy’s most picturesque towns.