La Spezia is a fantastic port for exploring some of Italy’s most iconic sights. Its proximity to Pisa, Florence, and even local highlights makes it a perfect jumping-off point for day trips. We particularly like excursions that combine convenience with authentic experiences, such as the From La Spezia: Shore Excursion by Bus to Pisa, which offers a straightforward way to see the Leaning Tower and explore the city’s charming streets. For those who want to cover more ground, the Pisa, Florence and Uffizi Museum or Accademia Private Shore Excursion promises a comprehensive, hassle-free visit to two Renaissance powerhouses. And if you prefer seeing Florence at your own pace, the Florence Hop-on Hop-off tour provides flexibility with scenic bus routes that highlight the city’s most famous sights. Lastly, for a personalized experience, the Pisa Shore Excursion offers the chance to see Pisa with a private driver, including the chance to climb the Leaning Tower.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these top shore excursions, helping you decide which best fits your interests and travel style.
1. From La Spezia: Shore Excursion by Bus to Pisa
At number 1 on our list, this bus trip from La Spezia to Pisa is ideal for travelers who want a straightforward, well-organized experience. For just $59 per person, you get about 6 hours of free time to explore Pisa’s famous Miracle Square and the Leaning Tower, with the convenience of a guaranteed return to your cruise ship.
The tour is run by a qualified agency with multi-language guides who deliver insightful commentary along the route. It includes a 1-hour bus ride from La Spezia, followed by around 2 hours of free time in Pisa—ample opportunity to walk around, shop, or snap photos. You’ll also enjoy a quick Liguria photo stop before heading back. One of the key benefits here is the guaranteed return, so you won’t risk missing your ship. The tour’s reviews are strong, with a 4.6/5 rating from over 120 travelers, praising its efficiency and friendly guides.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a reliable, value-packed way to see Pisa’s highlights without fuss. It’s especially good for travelers on a budget who still want quality and flexibility.
2. Pisa, Florence and Uffizi Museum or Accademia Private Shore Excursion from La Spezia
Ranked at the top with a perfect 5.0/5 rating, this full-day private tour is for travelers who want to see Pisa and Florence with maximum comfort and minimal stress. For around $570, you’ll enjoy a 9-hour, fully customizable experience, starting with a visit to Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower—admission isn’t included, but you can choose to climb it if you like—then head to Florence for a 4-hour exploration of the Renaissance city.
What makes this tour stand out is the private minivan and the personal driver, who manages logistics and provides insightful commentary. You’ll be able to tailor your visit, perhaps focusing more on art, history, or shopping. Reviewers applaud the professionalism of guides like Stefano, Massimo, and Luigi, who make the experience informative and friendly. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your cruise port, which simplifies logistics.
Bottom line: This is ideal for travelers wanting a premium, flexible day trip with a private guide. It’s a splurge, but the convenience and personalized touches make it worthwhile for history buffs and art lovers.
3. From La Spezia: Florence Hop-on Hop-off Shore Excursion
For travelers who prefer exploring at their own pace, the Florence Hop-on Hop-off tour offers a flexible way to see Florence’s highlights without the need for a guide. Although it’s rated only 3.6/5 from 18 reviews, many appreciate the scenic, open-bus experience and the convenience of multiple stops.
This 9-hour tour (check availability for exact times) features a bus route around Florence, with stops at key sites like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. You can hop off to visit museums, shops, or cafes, then hop back on and continue your tour. A nice bonus is the downloadable sightseeing app, which provides multilingual walking tours and historical insights, making your exploration richer.
While this option is more casual and less personalized, it’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want to maximize sightseeing on their own schedule without the cost of a private guide. Keep in mind it doesn’t include admission fees to attractions, so plan accordingly.
Bottom line: Great for independent explorers comfortable navigating the city and who want a flexible, budget-conscious way to see Florence’s highlights.
4. From La Spezia: Pisa Shore Excursion
Finally, if your main goal is seeing Pisa with a more personalized touch, this private 4–5 hour tour is highly rated, earning a 4.6/5. It provides a customizable experience with your own driver, focusing on top sights like the Leaning Tower, the Keith Haring mural “Tuttomondo”, and shopping along Corso Italia.
What makes this tour distinctive is its flexibility: you can pick what you want to see, whether it’s a quick photo of the Tower, visiting local cafes, or browsing shops. The itinerary typically includes a photo stop, a city walk, and some leisure time to enjoy a pastry or regional snack. Reviews mention how smooth the pickup and drop-off are, with plenty of praise for the private driver’s friendliness and knowledge.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a more intimate, relaxed experience of Pisa, particularly if they enjoy exploring at their own pace. The key advantage is the personalized itinerary and the chance to include specific interests.
Bottom line: An excellent choice if you prefer a flexible, private visit that emphasizes comfort and customization over a large-group experience.
How to Choose Your Shore Excursion
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. If you want an affordable, reliable way to see Pisa’s highlights, the bus tour (From La Spezia: Shore Excursion by Bus to Pisa) offers excellent value. For those eager to explore Florence deeply and enjoy a private experience, the Pisa, Florence, and Uffizi tour (pisa-florence-and-uffizi-museum-or-accademia-private-shore-excursion) is ideal despite the higher price tag.
The Florence hop-on hop-off (from-la-spezia-florence-hop-on-hop-off-shore-excursion) suits travelers on a tighter schedule or budget, offering a more relaxed way to see Florence. Meanwhile, if you want a personalized and flexible Pisa experience, the private Pisa Shore Excursion (from-la-spezia-pisa-shore-excursion) delivers a tailored visit.
Final Thoughts
La Spezia offers a fantastic array of shore excursions suited for different tastes and budgets. Whether you prefer a quick, guided bus trip to Pisa, a luxury private tour combining Pisa and Florence, or a self-guided exploration of Florence’s streets, there’s an option for you. If you’re a history enthusiast, the private tours stand out, while travelers seeking efficiency and affordability will appreciate the bus-based options.
Booking early is always wise—especially for popular private tours and the Uffizi Museum—to ensure you get your preferred date. No matter which tour you pick, each provides a memorable way to experience Italy’s rich culture and stunning architecture, making your cruise port stop truly special.