From La Spezia: Pisa, with optional Leaning Tower and Jewel of the Cinque Terre

A Practical Look at the La Spezia: Pisa & Cinque Terre Tour

This tour offers a convenient way to see some of Italy’s most loved sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. Starting from La Spezia, you’ll visit Pisa’s famous Piazza dei Miracoli—home to the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery—and then head to one of the most picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, Manarola. What’s appealing here? First, the balanced mix of cultural and scenic sights—you get to stand beneath the Leaning Tower and then stroll through a UNESCO World Heritage fishing village. Second, the option to climb the Leaning Tower with priority access, which is a rare chance to see Pisa from above and stand at the top of its iconic tilt.

One possible drawback? The schedule can feel rushed, especially if you opt for everything—like the tower climb and guided tour—which leaves only a few hours in each spot. Also, reviews suggest that last-minute changes and some disorganization might happen, so flexibility and patience are good companions. Still, for a day-trip with a focus on iconic sights, this tour offers a practical, fairly affordable way to tick Pisa and Cinque Terre off your list.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Flexible options: You can choose to include a fast-track ticket to the Leaning Tower or just explore Pisa on your own.
• Expert guides: Guides like Giada, praised for doing a great job under sometimes chaotic circumstances, really make a difference.
• Timing is tight: The itinerary is packed—about 3 hours in Pisa and 2 hours in Manarola—so don’t expect long, leisurely visits.
• Transport quality: The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable, with free WiFi, making the journey between stops pleasant.
• Last-minute itinerary changes: Some travelers experienced unexpected switches, like being rerouted to Florence, which can be frustrating.
• Authentic experiences: The visit to Manarola offers genuine time to enjoy the village’s charm—bathing, photographing, or simply wandering.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Starting Point at La Spezia

Meet your tour staff at Largo Michele Fiorillo outside the cruise terminal—wearing bright green shirts—and gather your map and briefing. Be there at least 15 minutes early. The tour begins promptly at 9:30 am, with most departures scheduled around that time. This early start is crucial because the day is tightly scheduled, especially if you want to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

First Stop: Piazza dei Miracoli

Upon arrival in Pisa, you’ll have roughly three hours in the piazza—Italy’s most recognizable square. Here, you can lounge on the grass, snap countless photos of the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. If you pick the option with priority access to the Tower, you’ll climb the nearly 60-meter monument for stunning views of Pisa’s rooftops and beyond. The climb takes about 40 minutes, so plan accordingly.

Some travelers, like Tina, highlighted how much they enjoyed being able to see the tower firsthand, adding that “seeing the Leaning tower of Pisa and Cinque Terre after by train was amazing.” Others, like Margaret, found the organization a bit lacking, citing it felt “disorganized,” especially when dividing groups for different activities. Keep this in mind—expect a busy, energetic environment with a lot of moving parts.

The Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto

Depending on your tour options, you’ll enter Pisa’s cathedral and baptistery, which are free but require tickets. The Monumental Cemetery (Camposanto) is also part of the piazza, and you’ll see its legendary reputation—some say bodies buried there supposedly rot in 24 hours! The Battistero di San Giovanni, Italy’s largest baptistery, is also worth admiring from outside, with its impressive height and intricate architecture.

Head to Manarola: The Jewel of Cinque Terre

About an hour and a half after Pisa, you’ll arrive in Manarola. This tiny fishing village is renowned for its colorful houses, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back vibe. You’ll have around two hours here—enough time to take photos, dip your toes in the sea, or explore the narrow lanes. Many reviews, including Christopher’s, praise this stop as “a dream come true,” highlighting the glorious scenery and authentic charm.

Return to La Spezia

The bus waits at a designated parking spot, and after enjoying Manarola, you’ll head back for your ship. The tour ensures you’re back on time, which is crucial if you’re cruising or have other plans. The return journey offers a chance to relax, reflect, and share photos from a memorable day.

What Makes This Tour Worth Considering

Convenience and Comfort

The use of a modern, air-conditioned coach with free WiFi makes the long travel segments more enjoyable. For those who dislike public transport or navigating trains alone, this is a stress-free way to cover ground efficiently.

Guided Insight

Having a local tour leader—like the friendly and knowledgeable Giada—can really enhance your experience. They share helpful tips and interesting tidbits that bring the sights to life, plus keep the group organized. Even critics note guides like her “did a great job,” suggesting their presence adds value.

Options for Special Access

The opportunity to climb the Leaning Tower is a highlight for many, as it’s a bucket-list moment and provides a unique perspective over Pisa. This added feature makes the tour feel more personalized.

Authentic Small-Town Charm

In Manarola, the time is enough to soak up the local atmosphere, whether through photos, tasting local treats, or simply wandering the narrow streets. It’s a genuine glimpse of coastal life that’s often missed in larger group tours.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking

Schedule Tightness

The tour is packed—expect about 3 hours in Pisa and 2 hours in Manarola. If you love to linger over sights or take lots of photos, it might feel rushed. Choosing the guided option with the tower climb means less free time, so plan accordingly.

Last-Minute Changes

Reviewers have mentioned last-minute itinerary switches, like being rerouted to Florence or being assigned guides with varying degrees of experience. It’s wise to go in with flexible expectations, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or arriving via cruise.

Price vs. Value

At around $78 per person, including optional tower access and WiFi, this is a reasonable price for a full-day guided experience. It simplifies logistics and offers a good balance of guided insight and free time, although you should be aware of the time limitations.

Suitability

This tour is best for those who want a structured day to see Pisa’s highlights and experience the Cinque Terre without the hassle of independent planning. It’s not ideal for travelers seeking long, leisurely explorations or extensive culture.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who appreciates efficient sightseeing with expert guidance, this tour will suit you well. It offers a broad overview of Pisa’s most famous landmarks and the postcard-perfect village of Manarola. The options for priority access to the Leaning Tower** make it especially appealing for those eager to experience the tower from the top.

However, if you prefer unstructured days or want to explore at a more relaxed pace, you might find this tour too rushed or too dependent on the schedule. It’s also a good fit for cruise passengers who need a reliable, time-conscious way to see key sights without risking missing the boat.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 are not permitted to enter the Leaning Tower for safety reasons, so consider that if traveling with young kids.

How long is the bus ride between Pisa and Manarola?
It’s approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making for a comfortable journey in a climate-controlled coach with WiFi.

Can I just visit Pisa without going to Cinque Terre?
Yes, there’s an option to only explore Pisa, but booking the full tour includes a visit to Manarola as well.

What if I arrive late or need to cancel?
Arriving late means missing the tour—no refunds are given for late arrivals. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start.

Are tickets included for the Leaning Tower?
No, tower tickets are optional and need to be purchased separately if you want to climb—priority access is available if you select that option.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and some cash or cards for optional purchases or snacks.

Will I have free time in Pisa?
Yes, around three hours give you enough time to visit the main sights and take photos. You can relax on the green meadows or explore on your own.

In the end, this tour offers a solid way to see Pisa’s highlights and experience a classic Cinque Terre village—all in one day. It’s practical, with a good mix of guided insights and free time, making it suited for those who want a straightforward, worry-free excursion. Expect some last-minute surprises, but also enjoy the authentic charm and memorable views that make this trip worthwhile.