Pisa & Florence Shore Excursion: Leaning Tower & Duomo

Two Tuscan cities in one port day, with the Leaning Tower climbed before noon

A 9-hour small-group shore excursion from Carrara port to Pisa and Florence, led by an English-speaking driver who provides commentary from the vehicle. You'll see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo, stroll Knights' Square, visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ponte Vecchio, and stop for gelato on the return to the ship. Leaning Tower entry requires advance ticket purchase and must happen by 9 a.m. Lunch at a local trattoria is at your own cost. The driver will suggest options.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Knights' Square45m · entry included
2. Leaning Tower of Pisa45m
3. Pisa Cathedralpass by
4. Piazzale Michelangelo10m
5. Florence Santa Croce Basilica45m
6. Florence Duomo45m
7. Ponte Vecchiopass by
8. Piazza di Santa Maria Novella10m

Explore Pisa and Florence highlights

• Drive from Carrara port to Pisa
• Stroll around Knights' Square
• Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Pass by Pisa Cathedral
• Drive to Florence
• Enjoy view at Piazzale Michelangelo
• Visit Florence Santa Croce Basilica and leather market
• Walk around Piazza della Repubblica
• See Florence Duomo
• Pass by Ponte Vecchio
• Stroll around the market
• Lunch at local Trattoria with wine
• Stop for gelato at Piazza di Santa Maria Novella
• Return to Carrara port

The experience

You're picked up at Carrara port and driven inland through the Tuscan countryside to Pisa, where the morning centers on the Leaning Tower and the Cathedral. Climbing the tower is optional but requires tickets bought ahead of time, and the window closes at 9 a.m., so if you want to ascend, that happens first. You'll have time to walk Knights' Square and the Cathedral grounds before heading to Florence.

Florence fills the afternoon. The driver takes you to Piazzale Michelangelo for a view across the city, then you walk through Santa Croce Basilica, where Michelangelo, Galileo and Rossini are buried. From there you move through the leather market and Piazza della Repubblica, see the Florence Duomo, and cross the Ponte Vecchio. The pace is set by the group and the driver's suggestions. There's time to browse, shop or simply stand in the squares. On the return journey, you stop for gelato before heading back to the ship.

The vehicle is air-conditioned with free WiFi, and the driver speaks English and Italian, offering commentary on what you pass. Drivers are not licensed museum guides and cannot enter churches or monuments, so your experience inside those sites is self-guided. Lunch is not included. The driver will point you toward a local trattoria if you want to eat together, or you can find your own spot.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transportation from Carrara port.
• English-speaking driver with vehicle commentary.
• WiFi on board.
• all taxes and fees.
• infant and child seats on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Italian

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

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Tuscany Taste Tour di Maurizio Mancini

Is this one for you?Book this if your ship docks at Carrara and you want to see both Pisa and Florence in one outing: the small group travels together on a set schedule, so you'll cover the Leaning Tower and Florence's main sights without splitting up or timing your own movements.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can I climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa on this excursion?

Yes, but you must buy tickets in advance and climb by 9 a.m., which is why it happens first in Pisa. The climb is optional. If you skip it, you'll have time to walk around the tower and the Cathedral instead.

What's included in the 9-hour tour from Carrara?

Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver, WiFi on board, and all taxes and fees are included. Lunch and gratuities are not. The driver will suggest a trattoria where you can eat at your own cost.

Does the driver enter the churches and museums with us?

No. Drivers are not licensed guides and cannot enter churches, museums or monuments by agreement with the local labour union. They provide commentary from the vehicle and can suggest what to see, but your time inside Santa Croce Basilica, the Florence Duomo and other sites is self-guided.

How much free time do we have in Florence?

The itinerary includes stops at Piazzale Michelangelo, Santa Croce Basilica, the leather market, Piazza della Repubblica, the Florence Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, with time to walk and explore at each. The exact duration at each stop depends on the group's pace.

What happens if I don't want to climb the Leaning Tower?

Climbing is optional. If you skip it, you'll have more time to walk around Knights' Square, the Cathedral and the Piazza dei Cavalieri instead.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Infant and child seats are available on request at no extra charge, and infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it involves a fair amount of walking through the two cities.