Florence and Pisa Day Trip: Leaning Tower & Cathedral Tour

The drive from the port takes 2.5 hours, so you're in Florence by mid-morning.

A full-day shore excursion from La Spezia cruise port to Florence and Pisa, with pickup and drop-off at the terminal, a guided walk through Florence's main squares and the Cathedral, free time to explore the Central Market and Piazza dei Miracoli, and a timed return to your ship. The tour runs 9 hours total and includes an English-speaking guide for the Florence portion. You choose between a standard group option with significant walking or a semi-private minivan option with direct access to attractions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Ponte Vecchio20m
2. Piazza della Signoria20m
3. Piazza dei Miracoli45m
4. Leaning Tower of Pisa30m

Florence and Pisa full-day excursion

• Greeted at La Spezia Cruise Port
• Drive 2.5 hours to Florence
• Visit Ponte Vecchio bridge
• Admire Florence Cathedral complex
• Explore Piazza della Signoria
• Relax at Florence Central Market Square
• Drive 1.5 hours to Pisa
• Visit Piazza dei Miracoli
• See and photograph Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Return to La Spezia Cruise Port

The experience

You're picked up outside the cruise terminal and driven 2.5 hours through the Italian countryside to Florence. A guide meets you in the city and walks you through the landmarks: Ponte Vecchio, the Florence Cathedral and its complex (part of the UNESCO Historic Centre), Piazza della Signoria with its sculptures and Palazzo Vecchio, and the Central Market Square where you have free time to wander, eat, or shop at your own pace. The guide is with you for these stops only, not during the drive or your unscheduled time.

After Florence, you travel roughly 1.5 hours to Pisa and spend the afternoon at Piazza dei Miracoli, the UNESCO site where the Leaning Tower, Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and Baptistery of St. John stand together. You're free to photograph the tower, walk the lawns, or explore the buildings on your own schedule. The tour then returns you to the La Spezia cruise terminal in time for your ship's departure. The operator guarantees this timing and has 20 years managing shore excursions for cruise schedules.

Two options change how you move through the cities. The standard group tour involves walking between most stops. The semi-private option uses a minivan to drive you closer to each attraction, cutting down on foot traffic but keeping the same sites and free time. Both include the same guide services in Florence, air-conditioned transport, and 24/7 customer support if your ship's schedule shifts. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and small children sit on an adult's lap. The tour requires moderate fitness and involves substantial walking, so it's not accessible for wheelchair or scooter users.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off outside the cruise terminal.
• air-conditioned transportation for the full 9 hours.
• guided walk through Florence's Ponte Vecchio, Cathedral complex, and Piazza della Signoria.
• free time to explore the Central Market Square in Florence and Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa.
• English-speaking guide services in Florence.
• 24/7 customer support.
• guaranteed return to your ship on time.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English07:30, 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

Guide in English5 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 09:30

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 09:30

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by European Tours & Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the semi-private minivan option if walking between stops tires you out or if you're traveling with small children or a stroller. The standard group tour suits travelers who don't mind the walk and want to keep the price lower. Either way, the free time in both cities means you set the pace once the guide steps back.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How much free time do I get to explore Florence on my own?

You have free time at the Central Market Square in Florence to browse, eat, or rest before the drive to Pisa. The guide walks you through Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral, and Piazza della Signoria first, then you're on your own in the market area.

Can I go inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or just photograph it from outside?

The itinerary gives you free time at Piazza dei Miracoli to explore at your own pace: that includes the option to enter the tower, the cathedral, or the baptistery, or simply walk the lawns and photograph from outside. Entry fees to the buildings are not included.

What's the difference between the standard group tour and the semi-private option?

The standard group tour involves walking between most stops in Florence and Pisa. The semi-private option uses a minivan to drive you closer to each attraction. Both visit the same sites and include the same guide services and free time.

Will the guide be with me the whole time, or just at certain stops?

The guide walks you through the main Florence attractions (Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral, Piazza della Signoria), then you have free time in the Central Market. No guide services are provided during the port transfers or in Pisa. You explore Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower on your own.

What happens if my ship's departure time changes or runs late?

The operator guarantees a timely return to the La Spezia cruise terminal and offers 24/7 customer support. Check your email the day before for your exact pickup time, and contact them immediately if your ship's schedule shifts.