From La Spezia: Pisa Shore Excursion

If you’re cruising along Italy’s coast and want to experience Pisa without the crowds, this private shore excursion from La Spezia offers a relaxed and personalized way to enjoy the city’s highlights. With a flexible itinerary and local driver, you can customize your visit, spending quality time at top sights and authentic spots alike.

What really sets this tour apart are the personalized experience, the convenience of private transport, and the chance to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. Plus, the scenic drive along the Arno River and the opportunity to see lesser-known sights like San Michele degli Scalzi add unique flavor. However, keep in mind that entry to museums and monuments is not included, so this is more about outside sightseeing and local ambiance.

Ideal for travelers who love a tailored, comfortable day with authentic touches, this excursion suits those with a keen interest in architecture, art, and local culture, all within a manageable time frame.

Key Points

• Private, flexible itinerary allows for a personalized Pisa experience.
• Comfortable transport with an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking driver.
• Iconic photo opportunities at the Leaning Tower and other famous Pisa sights.
• Authentic local experiences like enjoying pastries at a charming bakery or shopping on Corso Italia.
• Outside-only visits to monuments, making it a relaxed option for those not wanting museum queues.
• Lesser-known sights like San Michele degli Scalzi add a special touch to your visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Pisa in Style and Comfort

This private shore excursion from La Spezia is designed for travelers who want to enjoy Pisa at their own pace without the chaos of crowds. The journey begins with a comfortable 60-minute drive from the cruise terminal, meaning you arrive refreshed and ready to explore. Your personal driver, who speaks both English and Italian, will be your guide for the day, dropping you off just steps from the iconic Leaning Tower, allowing you to maximize your sightseeing time.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is, of course, the main event. You get about 45 minutes in the Piazza dei Miracoli for photos, soaking in the beauty of the tower, the cathedral, the baptistery, and the cemetery. While climbing the tower requires a separate ticket, you’ll still enjoy the outside views and the chance to marvel at its tilt from different angles. Reviewers mention the vantage points are “great for photos” and “a must-see even if you don’t go up.”

Beyond the main square, the tour takes you along scenic streets where you can enjoy authentic local flavors. Many visitors love stopping at Pasticceria Salza in Borgo Stretto — “exquisite pastries and a cozy atmosphere make this a highlight,” one reviewer notes. Others prefer strolling down Corso Italia for a laid-back shopping experience, browsing small boutiques and local shops. This flexibility means you can indulge your interests, whether that’s food, shopping, or simply soaking in Pisa’s street life.

A highlight for many is the Keith Haring mural “Tuttomondo”, one of the artist’s final works. It’s a striking, colorful piece that offers a modern contrast to Pisa’s historic architecture and a powerful symbol of peace. Many reviewers highlight this as a must-see, with one noting, “It’s just as vibrant and meaningful as the Leaning Tower is iconic.”

Your driver will also take you along a scenic route along the Arno River, providing beautiful views and photo opportunities en route. A short stop at San Michele degli Scalzi, Pisa’s second leaning tower, adds a charming and less crowded spot for photos and curiosity. These lesser-known stops are often appreciated by travelers who want a more nuanced experience beyond the usual tourist spots.

What the Tour Includes and Excludes

The tour offers a flexible itinerary that you can tailor to your interests. Your English-speaking driver provides commentary during the drive, sharing insights about Pisa’s history and architecture, though he cannot accompany you on foot inside landmarks. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, and bottled water is included for the journey.

Since entry to museums and monuments isn’t part of the package, you’ll be primarily viewing from the outside. This makes the tour ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace or are visiting during busy times when entrances may be crowded or restricted. It’s worth noting that climbing the Leaning Tower requires a separate ticket, so plan accordingly if that’s on your list.

The cost of this experience balances well with the personalized service, scenic route, and insider recommendations. Given the small group size (private), the convenience, and the insider tips on local shops and eateries, many find it offers good value for a half-day adventure.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start point: The tour begins at the La Spezia cruise terminal, where you’ll catch the shuttle to the private driver waiting just outside the port. This short transfer keeps you away from the busy ship area and sets the tone for a smooth day.

Pisa: Once in Pisa, your driver will drop you off near Piazza dei Miracoli. Here, you’ll have roughly 45 minutes to take photos, absorb the atmosphere, and admire the outside architecture. The iconic Leaning Tower is the perfect backdrop for memorable shots, and the stunning cathedral and baptistery form a harmonious scene.

Local exploration: After the main square, you’re free to explore at your own pace. Many reviewers recommend stopping at a local bakery like Pasticceria Salza for a sweet treat or browsing Corso Italia for some relaxed shopping. If art interests you, the Keith Haring mural “Tuttomondo” is a must-see, providing a modern artistic touch and a message of unity.

Scenic drive: The route back includes a drive along the Arno River, giving you picturesque views and photo opportunities. If you’re curious about lesser-known attractions, the driver will make a quick stop at San Michele degli Scalzi for photos of its leaning bell tower — an underrated gem that often surprises visitors.

Return: After a relaxed exploration, your driver will return you to La Spezia, arriving well before your ship departs, ensuring peace of mind about timing.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers who want a personalized, stress-free day in Pisa. The private driver means you can customize your stop durations and focus on what interests you most. The flexibility means if you want more time at the leaning tower or prefer to skip certain stops, you can.

Many reviewers mention how helpful the driver is in providing local tips — from the best pastry shops to hidden photo spots. The scenic drive itself is an experience, with views along the Arno providing perfect backgrounds for photos.

Packing light, comfortable shoes is a must since you’ll be walking around the piazza and streets. The tour operates on a 6-hour window, so plan your ship’s schedule accordingly. Since the tour is wheelchair accessible, travelers with mobility needs can enjoy the day comfortably, though walking and outside exploration are involved.

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The Sum Up

This private Pisa shore excursion from La Spezia offers a relaxed, personalized way to see one of Italy’s most iconic cities. It pairs the must-see sights like the Leaning Tower with authentic local experiences and scenic drives, making it ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity.

The flexibility of the itinerary and the private driver make it a standout choice for those who want to avoid large tour groups and craft their own Pisa adventure. Although museum entries are not included, the outside visits and local flavor provide a rich taste of the city’s charm.

For travelers who appreciate photo opportunities, scenic views, and a comfortable pace, this tour strikes a fine balance between sightseeing and leisure. It’s especially suited for those who want a customized, hassle-free day with a touch of personal service.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and involves mainly outside sightseeing with some walking.

Can I climb the Leaning Tower?
Climbing requires a separate ticket, which is not included in this tour. You’ll enjoy viewing it from outside.

How long do I get at Pisa?
You’ll have approximately 45 minutes in Piazza dei Miracoli for photos and outside sightseeing.

What is included in the tour price?
Private transportation, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, and a flexible itinerary.

Are meals included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, but you can enjoy pastries or shopping at your leisure.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended for walking and capturing memories.

Is this tour customizable?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible, allowing you to spend more time at your favorite spots or explore additional sights.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, booking in advance ensures availability, with options to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

This tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing, local flavor, and comfort, making it a solid choice for those looking to experience Pisa in a relaxed yet authentic way.

You can check availability for your dates here: