Pisa: Leaning Tower, Cathedral & Baptistery Small Group Tour

Summary

Walk Pisa’s marble square, climb the Leaning Tower, hear stories inside echoing halls

You’ll walk across Pisa’s famous Piazza dei Miracoli with a local guide, step inside the echoing Baptistery, explore hidden corners of the Cathedral, and climb the Leaning Tower if you want (timed entry included). Expect stories you won’t find online—and small details that stay with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how bright the marble looked under the sun—almost too white, like it should be cold to touch. We met our guide right by the flag (easy enough, even though I got distracted by a street musician nearby). She started off with a story about Pisa’s old rivalry with Florence—her accent made it sound dramatic. There were kids running around chasing pigeons and I could smell roasted chestnuts somewhere behind us. The whole Piazza dei Miracoli felt bigger than any photo I’d seen.

Inside the Baptistery, our guide paused so we could listen to the echo—she sang one note and it hung in the air for what felt like forever. It was one of those little moments that sticks. I tried to take a picture but honestly, it didn’t capture how strange and soft everything sounded in there. We wandered through the Cathedral after that—columns everywhere and gold light slanting through high windows. At one point she pointed out a tiny detail in a mosaic that most people miss (I would’ve walked right by).

I almost skipped climbing the Leaning Tower because of my knees but ended up going for it—timed entry meant no waiting around in a crowd. The steps are worn smooth and tilt just enough to make you laugh nervously every few turns. From up top, Pisa looked flat and green, roofs stretching out past the city walls. Coming down took longer than expected—I stopped halfway just to catch my breath (and maybe not admit I was dizzy). We finished at the Monumental Cemetery; it was quieter there, cool stone underfoot, faded frescoes on the walls.

There’s something about seeing all these places with someone who knows every odd fact or legend—you start noticing things you’d never read in a guidebook. I still think about that echo in the Baptistery sometimes when things get too loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour of Pisa's main monuments

• Meet at the meeting point
• Introduction to Square of Miracles
• Visit Cathedral interior and photos
• Visit Baptistery interior and photos
• Learn history of Leaning Tower
• Climb Leaning Tower (optional)
• Visit Monumental Cemetery

Top questions

Is this Pisa tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, most areas are accessible but climbing the Leaning Tower is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Are tickets for all monuments included?

Yes, entry to Cathedral, Baptistery, Monumental Cemetery, OPA Museum and Sinopie Museum are included; Leaning Tower ticket is optional.

How many people are in each group?

The tour runs in small groups of up to 15 people.

Can children climb the Leaning Tower?

No, children under 8 years old are not allowed inside the Tower.

What if there is a religious ceremony?

If access to Baptistery or Cathedral is restricted due to ceremonies, alternative visits or explanations from outside will be provided.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; only monument entries and guided tour are covered.

Where do we meet for this Pisa walking tour?

You meet at Piazza dei Miracoli—look for the DISCOVERYPISA flag at the meeting point.

How long does it take to climb up and down the Leaning Tower?

The climb takes about 30 minutes including time for bag drop-off and collection.

What’s included

Your day includes skip-the-line tickets for Pisa’s Cathedral and Baptistery (with guided explanations), access to both OPA Museum and Sinopie Museum as well as Monumental Cemetery entry on your own time. If you choose to climb it, pre-booked timed entry for the Leaning Tower is arranged after your guided visit. You’ll have headsets so you can always hear your licensed local guide clearly—even if you trail behind taking photos or just need a quiet moment on your own.