Florence: Leaning Tower of Pisa & San Gimignano Private Day Trip

Driving Through Tuscany to Two Places Most Visitors Miss

You're driven from your Florence hotel through Tuscan countryside to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, where you can visit the 12th-century basilica and climb the tower if you've reserved ahead. Then on to San Gimignano, a walled medieval town with 14 surviving towers and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the whole day runs on your schedule, not a group's.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Leaning Tower of Pisa45m
2. Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta1h

Visit Pisa and San Gimignano from Florence

• Visit La Collegiata medieval church
• See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Explore San Gimignano medieval town

The experience

You leave Florence heading west, and the city noise drops away fast. The driver takes you out of the urban sprawl and into the rolling hills where the landscape starts to feel like the postcards you've seen: except you're moving through it, not looking at it. The Leaning Tower of Pisa sits at the end of that drive, built in 1174 and still tilting the way it has for centuries. Most people know it's crowded, and that's true. The reference material suggests booking a climb reservation ahead if you want to go up the 296 steps. But even from the ground, standing in front of something that's been leaning for 850 years and hasn't fallen over yet, there's a particular kind of weight to it.

After Pisa, the route turns inland toward San Gimignano, a medieval town that earned the nickname "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" because of its towers. Fourteen of them still stand. The town originally had 72, most demolished centuries ago. Walking through the narrow streets, you're surrounded by stone structures built by rival families in the 1300s, each one a statement of power that's now just part of the skyline. The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta sits at the heart of it, a 12th-century church with medieval artworks still inside. The region around San Gimignano produces Vernaccia, a white wine specific to this area, and saffron of unusually high quality. Both things you'll see mentioned if you stop to eat or browse the local shops.

The whole day is structured around hotel pickup and drop-off from Florence, which means no navigating rental cars, no GPS arguments, no hunting for parking in medieval towns. You're in a private vehicle, which changes the rhythm: no waiting for a group to finish photos, no bus schedule dictating when you move. The driver handles the route, and you handle the looking. It's a full day, so bring water and comfortable shoes. The villages involve walking, and the Pisa site can be hot in summer. If you're traveling with infants or small children, specialized seats and stroller space are available on request. Just note it when you book.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Florence.
• private vehicle transport through Tuscany.
• visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa (built 1174) and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
• time to explore San Gimignano and its 14 medieval towers.
• specialized infant seats and stroller space available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to8h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Tuscany Top Drivers

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Leaning Tower and a genuine medieval town in one day without arranging a rental car or timing yourself around a group schedule: the private vehicle and hotel pickup mean you're moving on your own pace, not waiting for others to finish.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can you climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa on this tour?

Yes, but the tower is always crowded. The tour description recommends making a climb reservation in advance rather than trying to buy tickets on arrival.

What is San Gimignano known for?

The town is famous for its 14 remaining medieval towers (it originally had 72) built by rival families in the Middle Ages. The region also produces Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine, and high-quality saffron.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Florence are included in the tour.

Can I bring a baby or small child?

Yes. Specialized infant seats and stroller space are available on request. Note your needs in the Special Requirements box when you book.

What is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta?

It's a 12th-century church in San Gimignano built in 1200. It contains medieval artworks and is a key stop on the tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is listed as suitable for all physical fitness levels, though both Pisa and San Gimignano involve walking through historic sites and medieval streets.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation?

No. The tour includes private vehicle transport from your Florence hotel, so you don't need to rent a car or use public transport.