From La Spezia: Pisa, Lucca & Lunch at a Tuscan Winery

Exploring Tuscany from La Spezia with a private day trip that hits Pisa, Lucca, and a family-run winery sounds like a perfect way to add depth to your cruise or travel itinerary. This experience, offered by Dreaming Tuscany Tours, combines iconic sights with genuine regional flavor. You’ll have the opportunity to see the famous Leaning Tower, stroll medieval streets, and sample some of Italy’s best wines—all in a single, well-organized day.

What I really appreciate about this tour is the personalized attention you receive, thanks to the private group setup and an English-speaking driver-guide who makes the whole journey smooth and informative. Plus, I love that it includes a generous wine tasting and a hearty three-course lunch at a Tuscan winery, giving travelers a taste of local life beyond just sightseeing. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that entry tickets to Pisa monuments are optional and not included, so if you’re eager to go inside the Tower or cathedral, you’ll need to budget extra for tickets.

Another point I find charming is the flexibility the tour offers—whether you want to take photos, explore on foot, or just relax with a coffee in Lucca’s lovely squares, the guide’s professionalism and the small group size make for a relaxed experience. Having the comfort of private transportation in a luxury vehicle also means you can enjoy the countryside scenery without any worries about logistics or timing.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Personalized Experience: Private group with an English-speaking driver-guide offers flexibility and tailored comments.
• Iconic Sights: Visit Pisa’s UNESCO-listed Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery.
• Charming Medieval Town: Explore Lucca’s Renaissance walls, medieval streets, and landmarks like Guinigi Tower.
• Authentic Tasting: Enjoy a 3-course Tuscan lunch paired with wine and olive oil at a family-run winery.
• Convenient Logistics: cruise port pickup and drop-off ensure no transport stress.
• Flexible Time: Ample free time in Lucca for walking, shopping, or relaxing in piazzas.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Entering Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli

This is the visit most travelers will cherish—standing beneath the Leaning Tower, marveling at its tilt, and soaking up the atmosphere of Pisa’s UNESCO World Heritage site. Your driver will likely give some background, but I recommend giving yourself a few moments to walk around and take photos. Keep in mind that entry tickets to the monuments are optional and paid separately, so if you want to climb the tower or visit the cathedral interior, plan for additional costs.

Many reviews highlight how this is a quick, but impactful stop—“Our guide was Nikoletta, who was professional and knowledgeable,” says one traveler, adding that her insights made the visit richer. The Piazza is bustling but manageable in the allotted time, making it an efficient way to tick off one of Italy’s most recognizable sights.

Strolling Through Lucca’s Medieval Charm

Next, you’ll head to Lucca, a city often overshadowed by Florence or Pisa but bursting with character. Its Renaissance walls are some of the best-preserved in Italy, and walking or biking along the ramparts provides sweeping views of the city rooftops and distant hills.

Here, you’ll have free time—a real perk of this private tour. You can explore iconic sights like the Guinigi Tower, with its rooftop garden, or relax in Piazza San Martino with a coffee. According to reviews, guides like Nikoletta allow for customized visits, so you might choose to wander or shop in quaint boutiques. The city’s medieval streets are perfect for photography, and you’ll love the quiet charm that makes Lucca feel like stepping back in time.

Tasting Tuscany in the Countryside

This tour’s highlight for many is the lunch at a family-run Chianti winery. After the sightseeing, you’re welcomed with a three-course meal featuring seasonal local dishes. The hosts lead a wine and olive oil tasting—a genuine chance to learn about and enjoy the region’s culinary treasures.

While the lunch isn’t included in the tour price and is paid directly at the winery, guests often find the experience well worth it. The wines are paired thoughtfully with the meal, and the hosts’ knowledge adds depth to the tasting. One reviewer mentions having an “amazing lunch at the winery in Monte Carlo,” emphasizing how a good meal and wine make the day even more memorable.

Practicalities of the Private Transport and Timing

The convenience of private luxury transportation cannot be overstated. It’s a major selling point, especially for cruise travelers, because pickup and drop-off are included directly at La Spezia’s cruise port. The drive through Tuscany’s rolling hills offers lovely scenery, and your driver/guide can share tidbits about the region’s history or recommend spots for photos.

Timing-wise, the tour lasts about 7 hours, which is enough to comfortably cover Pisa, Lucca, and the winery visit without feeling rushed. You’ll want to check availability for starting times, but most travelers find it fits well into a day. The private setup means your schedule is flexible—you can choose to spend more time at one spot or relax at the winery.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Real Value of the Tour

When you add up the sights, the local lunch, wine tasting, private transport, and personalized service, this tour offers strong value for a day trip. It’s particularly suitable for cruise passengers who want a seamless, self-contained experience without stressing over train schedules or group sizes. The quality of guides like Nikoletta, who allows customization and shares her expertise, elevates the experience.

However, keep in mind that entry tickets for Pisa’s monuments are optional and not included, and the lunch cost is paid separately at the winery. Still, these extras are typical for such day trips, and the overall experience remains cost-effective considering the convenience and depth of what’s included.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager to combine classic landmarks like Pisa’s Tower with the peaceful charm of Lucca, this tour hits just the right notes. It’s perfect for those seeking a flexible, authentic taste of Tuscany with the comfort of private transport. Food and wine lovers will appreciate the winery experience, while history and architecture buffs will enjoy seeing Pisa and Lucca at a relaxed pace.

This tour works best for travelers who value personalized service, local flavor, and a well-organized day without the hassle of self-driving. It’s especially ideal for cruise passengers, as the port pickup and drop-off are seamlessly included.

The Sum Up

This private day trip from La Spezia offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tuscany’s highlights, infused with authentic regional flavors. From the iconic Leaning Tower in Pisa to Lucca’s medieval streets, each stop provides a memorable experience. The highlight for many is the lunch and wine tasting at a family-run winery, giving you a taste of true Tuscan hospitality.

The combination of luxury transportation, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to customize your visit makes this tour a great value for those wanting a relaxed, authentic day away from the cruise ship crowds. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy cultural sights paired with good food and wine in a small-group setting.

If you’re looking for an easy, well-organized way to see some of Tuscany’s most beloved spots and indulge in local flavors, this tour checks all the boxes. Just remember to plan for some extra expenses if you want inside tickets at Pisa or a more elaborate lunch, and bring your camera along—you’ll want to remember the views and the charm of this special day.

FAQ

Are the pickup and drop-off at La Spezia cruise port included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, making it very convenient for cruise travelers.

Is the tour suitable for families or small groups?
Absolutely. It’s a private experience, perfect for small groups or families wanting personalized attention.

Do I need to pay for Pisa monument tickets separately?
Yes, tickets to enter Pisa’s monuments are optional and paid separately, so plan accordingly if you want inside visits.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, camera, and cash for personal expenses. The tour is active with walking, so dress appropriately.

Is lunch at the winery included in the tour price?
No, the 3-course lunch and wine tasting are paid directly at the winery.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The guide allows some flexibility, especially in Lucca, so you can choose to spend more time exploring or relaxing.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 7 hours, giving enough time for sightseeing, lunch, and some leisure in Lucca.

This private excursion from La Spezia makes it easy to enjoy a slice of Tuscany’s most beloved towns, combined with the region’s renowned wine and cuisine. It’s a practical, authentic, and memorable way to spend a day in Italy’s heartland.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby