Pisa and Florence Shore Excursion: Private Mercedes Van

See Pisa's Leaning Tower and Florence's center in one morning without arranging transport

A private shore excursion from Livorno port to Pisa and Florence in a Mercedes-Benz Business Van with an English-speaking driver who knows the region. The eight-hour itinerary includes a van tour through Pisa's historic center, time at the Leaning Tower for photos and exploration, and a pass through Florence's highlights. The driver times the return to your ship's departure. Customization is available. Ask about countryside, wineries or other sites in either city. Pickup at the port is included, and the van carries bottled water and WiFi.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Pisa highlights and Leaning Tower

• Meet driver at meeting point
• Drive through Pisa historic center
• Receive map and explanations
• Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa area
• Free time for photos and shopping
• Return to van with driver

The experience

Eight hours is the window, and it's built to fit a ship schedule. Your driver meets you at the port and drives a climate-controlled Mercedes-Benz Business Van: the kind that moves smoothly through narrow streets without the bulk of a coach. The van carries a maximum of eight passengers, so the group stays small and the driver can navigate tight spaces and adjust stops on the fly if conditions allow.

Pisa comes first. The driver takes you through the historic center, explaining the layout and pointing out what matters. The streets are tight enough that stopping isn't always possible, but the driver reads the situation and pulls over when it's safe. You get free time to walk, and a map of the area so you know what you're looking at. Then the van heads to the Leaning Tower, which sits slightly outside the center. You'll have time there for photos, a coffee, shopping, whatever you want, and the driver stays available if you have questions. The route itself is part of the tour: you see how people actually live in these cities, not just the postcard angles.

Florence gets the same treatment: a van pass through the highlights with the driver pointing out the key sites, then time on your own. The driver has been doing this since 2016 and speaks English fluently. Before you board, you'll get the driver's phone number so you can reach them if anything changes. The return is timed to get you back to the ship before it leaves.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a Mercedes-Benz Business Van.
• bottled water on board.
• WiFi during the drive.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking driver with regional knowledge.
• pickup at Livorno port.
• map of Pisa and Florence provided.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by QUEEN DRIVER TOUR

Is this one for you?The eight-hour window fits a port call perfectly (you leave the ship, see both cities and return before it sails), but it rules out lingering in museums or taking a long lunch. If you want to step inside the cathedral or spend two hours in one place, a ship-timed excursion won't give you that. Choose this one if you want to cover both cities, see the Leaning Tower and get back to the ship without arranging your own transport.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can I customize the itinerary to include a winery or countryside instead of one of the cities?

Yes. The tour is flexible. You can ask to swap in a winery visit, countryside drive or other sites in the Pisa and Florence area when you confirm your booking. Discuss what you want with the operator and they'll work it into the eight-hour window.

What's the Leaning Tower of Pisa actually like to see in person?

The Leaning Tower is a marble bell tower that tilts noticeably. It's smaller and more delicate than photos suggest, and it sits in a grassy square called the Piazza dei Miracoli alongside the cathedral and baptistry. You'll have time to walk around it, take photos from different angles and explore the square at your own pace.

How much free time do I get in each city?

The itinerary includes free time in both Pisa and Florence, though the exact amount depends on traffic and how long the van tour takes. The driver will explain the schedule when you meet and let you know how much time you have to explore on your own.

Will the van driver stay with us the whole time, or do we explore alone?

The driver stays with the van and is available if you need help, but you explore the cities on your own during the free time. The driver gives you a map and detailed explanations before you go, so you know what to look for and where to go.

What happens if the ship leaves earlier than expected or we're running late?

Punctuality and ship safety are the operator's priority. The return is timed to get you back well before departure. The driver has your phone number and you have theirs, so you can stay in touch if anything changes on either end.