La Spezia: Lucca & Leaning Tower of Pisa Shore Excursion

Two Medieval Cities in One Port Day: Lucca's Towers & Pisa's Piazza

You board a shuttle at La Spezia cruise port and spend the day in two cities without arranging transport or tickets yourself. In Lucca, an escort guides you past the Torre Guinigi, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, and San Frediano Church, then leaves you free to explore. In Pisa, you have the run of the Piazza dei Miracoli (the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Monumental Cemetery) with optional tower entry and ice cream. The shuttle returns you to the ship on time, which is what makes both cities possible in a single port stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Guinigi Towerpass by
2. Piazza dell'Anfiteatropass by
3. Piazza dei Miracoli2m
4. Leaning Tower of Pisa40m
5. Monumental Cemetery of Pisapass by
6. Pisa Baptisterypass by
7. Pisa Cathedral20m

Visit Lucca and Pisa landmarks

• Meet staff at La Spezia Cruise Port
• Travel to Lucca by shuttle bus
• Walk tour of Lucca landmarks
• See Torre Guinigi tower
• Visit San Frediano Church
• Explore Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
• Free time in Lucca city center
• Travel to Pisa
• Visit Piazza dei Miracoli
• See Pisa Cathedral
• Visit Pisa Baptistery
• Optional climb Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Free time at Piazza dei Miracoli
• Return to La Spezia Cruise Port

The experience

The shuttle pulls away from the La Spezia cruise terminal, and you're already moving toward the medieval heart of Tuscany. Your escort meets you at the terminal entrance (look for the staff in the red t-shirt), and from there it's a short drive to Lucca, where the day splits between guided stops and time to wander. The Torre Guinigi rises 45 metres above the city center, a stone tower from the 14th century with actual oak trees growing from its top, and 241 steps inside if you want to climb them. Your escort walks you through the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, which sits on the footprint of a Roman amphitheater, and San Frediano Church, built in the 6th century. After that, the city is yours. The free map helps, and the streets are tight enough that you won't get lost.

Then comes Pisa and the Piazza dei Miracoli, where four monuments sit in one white-marble square: the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Monumental Cemetery, and the Leaning Tower itself. The tower is 57 metres high and genuinely tilted: the ground beneath it shifted during construction in the 12th century and never corrected. If you've selected the tower entrance, you climb the spiral staircase inside. If not, you sit in the grass with a view and an ice cream (included if you chose that option). The Baptistery is the largest in Italy, 54 metres tall with a dome that took two centuries to finish. The Cathedral is Romanesque, with five naves and a scale that makes you understand why Pisa was once a maritime power. You have free time to move between them, photograph, rest.

The return to the ship is timed to your vessel's departure. That's the one thing the operator guarantees. You need to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the shuttle leaves the terminal. If you're late, there's no refund and no second bus. The escort is English-speaking, the vehicle is air-conditioned, and the route can shift depending on when your ship actually arrives (cruise schedules slip). Call ahead to confirm the exact departure time once you know your boarding time.

What’s included

• Shuttle transport from La Spezia cruise port to Lucca and Pisa.
• English-speaking escort.
• walking tour in Lucca city center (if selected).
• Leaning Tower entrance (if selected).
• ice cream in Pisa (if selected).
• free map of Lucca and Pisa.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• guaranteed return to ship on time.

Options for this experience

3 options

Guide in English or Spanish09:30

Guide in English or Spanish09:30

Guide in English or Spanish09:30

You pick the guide language when booking. 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 timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 09:30

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Child (2 to 7 years) · Infant (under 2): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Upon debarkation, passengers must takes one of the free shuttle bus from the pier till the terminal (ride takes 5 minutes) Staff will wait for you at the terminal exit with wearing a GREEN T-Shirt”

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Sightseeing Experience

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docked at La Spezia and want to see both Lucca and Pisa without renting a car or navigating trains: the fixed schedule and guaranteed return time are what make two cities possible in a single port day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 7 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What time do we leave La Spezia cruise port?

Departure times depend on when your ship arrives and is scheduled to depart. You'll confirm the exact time with the operator once you have your boarding details. You must be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure.

Is the Leaning Tower entrance included?

Tower entry is optional and selected when you book. If you choose it, entry is included. Children under 8 are not permitted inside the tower.

How much free time do we have in each city?

The itinerary includes guided stops in Lucca (Torre Guinigi, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, San Frediano Church) followed by free time in the city center. In Pisa, you have free time in the Piazza dei Miracoli to visit the monuments at your own pace.

What happens if my ship is delayed or arrives late?

If your ship's arrival or departure time changes, contact the operator to confirm the new tour schedule. The tour will be rescheduled for the new timing. Do not assume it's cancelled.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. Ice cream in Pisa city center is included if you select that option when booking.

Do we need to climb the Torre Guinigi?

No. The escort leads a walking tour past it, but climbing is optional. The tower has 241 steps and is not required to enjoy the tour.

What's the meeting point?

The meeting point is just outside the cruise terminal at La Spezia. Look for staff wearing a red t-shirt. Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is listed as suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, the Torre Guinigi climb is optional, and you can explore Lucca and Pisa at your own pace during free time.