Florence & Pisa Day Trip from Rome: Small Group, David & Leaning Tower

Summary

Florence’s marble, Pisa’s tilt, and a day that runs on espresso

You’ll stand where white marble glows in Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, listen for echoes inside the Baptistery, see Michelangelo’s David in Florence with your local guide, and end with sweeping city views before returning to Rome—each stop packed with small moments you’ll remember longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a tiny espresso before we even leave Rome—honestly, I needed it. Our driver chats quietly with the assistant about traffic (apparently everyone in Italy has an opinion about it). The road north is long but not dull; I spot vineyards sliding past the window, and someone behind me is softly humming. When we finally step out in Pisa, the air feels different—crisp, almost salty. There’s this moment where you’re just standing there, looking at the Leaning Tower, and it really does look like it might tip over any second. I tried to get that classic “holding it up” photo but ended up laughing at my own awkward pose. Our guide grinned and said everyone does it wrong the first time.

The Piazza dei Miracoli is all white marble and sunlight—almost too bright to look at without squinting. Inside the Baptistery, a staff member sings a few notes to show off the echo. It bounces around like a secret being passed from wall to wall. I didn’t expect goosebumps from acoustics, but here we are. The cathedral smells faintly of candle wax and old stone; people move slowly inside, heads tilted back to take in everything at once. We only see the Leaning Tower from outside (no climbing today), but honestly my knees thank me for that.

By noon we’re back on the road toward Florence—there’s a lull as people nap or scroll through photos. Lunch is quick but good (I still think about that bread). Our Florence guide meets us near the Accademia Gallery; she waves her umbrella like a flag so we don’t lose her in the crowd. Seeing Michelangelo’s David up close is… well, he’s taller than you expect, and every muscle looks alive somehow. Someone whispers “he looks nervous,” which makes me smile because yeah, maybe he does.

The city smells like leather shops and espresso—plus something sweet I can’t quite place (maybe pastries?). We wander past Santa Maria del Fiore with its wild pink-and-green marble patterns; our guide points out Giotto’s Bell Tower and tells us how Brunelleschi solved his dome problem by watching eggs boil (I’m still not sure if that’s true). At Piazzale Michelangelo, just before heading back to Rome, there’s this wide-open view of Florence—the river curling through rooftops—and for a minute nobody says anything at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Pisa and Florence highlights

• Depart from Rome to Pisa
• Visit Pisa Baptistery and Cathedral
• See Leaning Tower of Pisa outside
• Depart Pisa for Florence at 12 pm
• Stop for lunch in Florence
• Meet guide for Florence walking tour
• Visit Accademia Gallery to see David
• See Florence Duomo exterior and Baptistery
• View Giotto's Bell Tower outside
• Explore Piazza della Signoria sculptures
• Walk across Ponte Vecchio bridge
• End tour at Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Rome to Florence & Pisa?

The full day tour typically lasts around 12-13 hours including travel time between cities.

Does this tour include entry to see Michelangelo's David?

Yes, admission to the Accademia Gallery in Florence to see David is included.

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

No, this tour includes an exterior visit only; climbing the tower is not part of this itinerary.

Is lunch included during the Florence & Pisa day trip?

A lunch stop is included; food costs may be extra depending on your choice.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided from hotels or apartments in Rome.

What sights do you visit in Florence?

You’ll visit Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (outside), Baptistery of San Giovanni (outside), Giotto's Bell Tower (outside), Accademia Gallery for David, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Is there a professional guide during the tour?

A professional local guide leads your walking tour in Florence; an assistant accompanies you throughout.

Are entrance tickets included for all attractions?

Your tickets cover entry to Pisa's Baptistery and Cathedral plus Accademia Gallery in Florence; other monuments are viewed externally.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable pickup and drop-off right at your hotel or apartment in Rome, air-conditioned minivan transfers between cities with a helpful assistant onboard throughout. Entry fees are covered for Pisa’s Baptistery and Cathedral as well as Florence’s Accademia Gallery so you can see Michelangelo's David up close. A professional guide leads your two-hour walking tour through Florence before returning you home that evening.