La Spezia: Guided Tour of Florence & Pisa with Bus Transfer

Taking a day trip to Florence and Pisa from La Spezia promises an exciting glimpse of Italy’s most celebrated cities. While we haven’t personally done this tour, plenty of travelers have and shared their experiences, making it easy to picture yourself wandering through Renaissance art and marveling at the Leaning Tower. This guided tour combines convenience, cultural highlights, and impressive scenery — perfect for those with limited time or cruise passengers eager to maximize their Italian stop.

What we love about this experience is the comfortable bus transfer, the knowledgeable guides, and the chance to see iconic sights without the hassle of planning. Plus, the included free time in Florence and Pisa means you can explore at your own pace. The only potential drawback? The tour is fairly full, and some travelers felt rushed during the sightseeing portions, especially if they wanted to explore inside every monument.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate guided insights, enjoy short but rich city visits, and prefer organized transportation. If you’re after a well-rounded, hassle-free way to see Florence and Pisa in one day, it’s definitely worth considering.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioning and scenic views
• Guided commentary enhances understanding of historical sites
• Time-efficient visits with designated free periods for self-exploration
• Iconic landmarks like Michelangelo’s David and the Leaning Tower
• Flexible options for booking, including free cancellation and pay later
• Designed for cruise travelers and those with limited days in Italy

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point: La Spezia Cruise Terminal

The tour kicks off at the La Spezia Cruise Terminal, where you’ll find the designated meeting point marked “Liguria and Tuscany by bus” at the Tantitours desk. It’s a straightforward start, especially if you’re already docked in La Spezia. The process is simple: once you check-in, you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ready for the day’s adventures.

The Scenic Bus Ride to Florence

The journey to Florence lasts roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes. During this time, you can sit back and enjoy the panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. The bus is equipped with climate control, making the journey comfortable, even on warmer days. The guide provides a lively, informative intro, sharing snippets about Florence’s history and what you can expect during your free time.

One reviewer, Lindsay, praised Johnny, the guide, for his “excellent and very informative” style, adding that it made the trip more engaging. Another noted that the ride “felt rushed,” highlighting how tight schedules can sometimes limit exploration. It’s worth noting that depending on traffic, the transfer time might slightly vary, but generally, the journey is smooth and scenic.

Florence: A Taste of Renaissance Glory

Once in Florence, your guide will supervise your departure, but the rest of the exploration is self-guided. You’ll have about 2 hours to wander the city’s historic core. Key landmarks such as Piazza della Signoria, home to sculptures and lively street performers, and the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, with its stunning dome, are within walking distance.

Michelangelo’s David, housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia, is a must-see, but note that entry tickets are not included in the tour, so you might choose to buy tickets beforehand or just admire the replica outside the gallery. Many travelers, like Tae, enjoyed the free time, mentioning that their guide’s helpful tips made the experience more enjoyable.

Don’t forget to indulge in a classic Italian ice cream—a favorite for many, as it adds a sweet touch to your sightseeing. If you love shopping, Florence’s market streets offer plenty of souvenirs and local crafts to take home.

The Challenge of Short Visits

Several reviews, including one from Janette, pointed out that the limited time can feel rushed. Janette mentioned, “We left half an hour later than we were supposed to, so that left us less time at the sites,” which underscores that the schedule is quite tight. That said, the advantage is seeing the highlights without feeling overwhelmed, especially if you prefer quick, well-organized stops.

More Great Tours Nearby

Travel from Florence to Pisa

After your Florence exploration, it’s back on the bus for about 30 minutes heading south to Pisa. The ride offers another opportunity to relax and gaze out at the changing landscape of Tuscany. As with Florence, the guide shares interesting facts about Pisa’s history, architecture, and the leaning tower’s story.

Pisa: The Leaning Tower and Miracle Square

Disembarking in Pisa, you’ll take a short walk to Miracle Square (Piazza del Duomo), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll see the Baptistery, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Camposanto. Most travelers find it fascinating to stand beneath these historic structures, marveling at how the Leaning Tower was built to lean.

The highlight is of course the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which you’ll get to photograph up close. The tour doesn’t include entry tickets, but many visitors enjoy the chance to snap pictures in front of it and appreciate the architecture from the outside. The walk from the bus to the tower takes about 15 minutes, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

One reviewer appreciated that the tour allowed for “good fun vibes,” making the visit to Pisa relaxed and enjoyable. Another noted that “everything felt rushed,” which is typical with tight schedules, but overall, the experience hits the main points effectively.

Return Journey to La Spezia

After around an hour in Pisa, the bus departs for the return trip back to La Spezia, which takes approximately an hour. The comfortable coach, combined with scenic views, makes the journey back a good chance to relax and reflect on the day.

This tour offers a solid way to see two iconic Italian cities in one day, especially if your time is limited. The price point is justified by the convenience of transportation, guided insights, and the opportunity to explore independently. Since entry tickets are not included, budget-conscious travelers can choose to purchase tickets for specific attractions, such as Michelangelo’s David or the Leaning Tower, if they wish to go inside.

What makes this experience stand out is the balance between guided commentary and free exploration. The guides, like Johnny, are praised for their helpfulness and enthusiasm, making the experience more engaging. The scenic bus rides are a definite plus for travelers who prefer to avoid city traffic or parking worries.

However, keep in mind the short timeframes at each location. If you prefer to spend hours exploring museums or going inside landmarks, this tour might feel rushed. For many, it’s more about ticking off the pictures and snapshots of these famous sites rather than delving deeply into their histories.

Who Would Love This Tour?

• Cruise passengers wanting a reliable way to see Florence and Pisa without the stress of logistics
• First-time visitors eager to get a broad overview of these cities
• Travelers with limited days in Italy, prioritizing the must-see sights
• Those who prefer guided tours for context and local insights

Who Might Want More?

• Those seeking in-depth art or architecture visits might find the free time too brief
• Visitors wanting to go inside every monument or museum should consider tickets purchased separately
• If you’re keen on avoiding rushed schedules, you might prefer a longer, more relaxed experience

This guided tour from La Spezia strikes a good balance of efficiency and sightseeing for those who want to catch the highlights of Florence and Pisa in one day. The transportation is comfortable and scenic, and the guides bring the sites to life with their commentary. The free time allows some flexibility to explore or relax, but be prepared for a schedule that pushes you to see the main attractions quickly.

For cruise travelers or busy travelers with limited time, this tour offers great value for its convenience and the chance to check off two of Italy’s most famous landmarks. While it doesn’t include inside visits, the outside views and the photo opportunities alone make it worthwhile.

In summary, if you’re after a well-organized, budget-friendly way to see Florence and Pisa with knowledgeable guidance and scenic transportation, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember, a quick visit means prioritizing the main sights over in-depth exploration.

Is transportation provided from La Spezia?
Yes, the tour includes a bus transfer from the La Spezia Cruise Terminal to Florence and Pisa, all in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach.

How long is the bus ride?
The trip from La Spezia to Florence takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, with a return trip of roughly an hour from Pisa.

Are entry tickets to attractions included?
No, tickets to inside attractions like Michelangelo’s David or the Leaning Tower are not included, so you can choose whether to purchase them separately.

How much free time do I get in Florence and Pisa?
You’ll have approximately 2 hours in Florence and about 30 minutes in Pisa for sightseeing and photos.

Can I visit inside the landmarks?
The tour allows outside viewing and photos but does not cover access to inside attractions unless tickets are bought separately.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It is mainly suited for travelers who can walk short distances and handle a full day’s schedule; it’s not recommended for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended. Remember to carry any tickets you purchase in advance.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this guided tour offers a practical and entertaining way to experience Florence and Pisa from La Spezia. It’s perfect for travelers who want an organized, scenic, and insightful day without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, the sights and stories you’ll encounter make it a worthwhile addition to your Italian itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: