Pisa Half-Day Private Shore Excursion from the Port of La Spezia





Description
Our half-day shore excursion to Pisa from the port of La Spezia is perfect for cruise passengers wanting a short, easy touring day with reasonable driving. You'll have ample time at the Leaning Tower to take photos and even enter some of the monuments if you wish or climb the tower. Pisa is a handsome city (that it is rarely given credit for) with many points of architectural interest, and you'll discover those together with your English-speaking driver, along with some select treasures of the city, such as Keith Haring's "Tuttomondo" mural and the charming street of Borgo Stretto with its fabulous bakery, where you can relax on the terrace and enjoy a pastry and beverage. If you prefer shopping over treats, we can substitute Corso Italia, Pisa's main shopping street. This is a private service, so the itinerary is flexible.
Tour Options
Itinerary
After about a sixty-minute drive to Pisa, your driver will drop you off right at the Campo dei Miracoli, saving you twenty minutes of walking from where tour buses must park. You will have 45 minutes to visit the Campo dei Miracoli (there is no charge to enter the campus and view the monuments from the exterior). Besides the Leaning Tower, the Field of Miracles contains the cathedral, baptistery, and monumental cemetery. If you intend to enter any of the monuments or climb the Leaning Tower, we kindly request that you coordinate the timing with us so as to not create problems with the day's itinerary.
In this historic, narrow street not far from the Leaning Tower, you will find a variety of shops but most importantly Pasticceria Salza. This legendary bakery is bursting at the seams with gorgeous pastries, cakes, bonbons, and sandwiches. Inside, the sumptuous surroundings recall a bygone era. Outside, there is an ample terrace where you can enjoy your sweet treat and a refreshment all'aperto. If you prefer shopping to eating, we can substitute Corso Italia, Pisa's main shopping street, for Borgo Stretto.
The Tuttomondo mural in Pisa came about thanks to a chance meeting on the streets of New York, when a student from the University of Pisa happened to cross paths with Keith Haring. The work was created in 1989 on one exterior wall of rectory of the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. Haring used especially bright colours for this mural, the one of few conceived from the beginning as a permanent work. The theme is harmony and peace in the world, illustrated through thirty of Haring's classic figures outlined in black. Haring considered Tuttomondo one of his most important projects. He died the year after it was unveiled.
Perched at the edge of the Arno River, Santa Maria della Spina is a small unique church in the PIsan Gothic style. Built in 1230 and enlarged about a hundred years later. The name of the church comes from a relic once housed in the church; one of the thorns from the crown of thorns placed on Christ's head at the time of his crucifixion -- "spina" means "thorn" in Italian.
If you thought the Leaning Tower was the only listing belltower in Pisa, think again! The belltower of the church of San Michele degli Scalzi is also leaning noticeably, but you won't find any tourists flocking here to take silly photos. The church was built in the Romanesque style and dates back to the 12th Century,
The historic areas of Pisa are very beautiful, especially the area bordering the Arno River. After a short scenic drive (10 min) along the riverbank, we'll head back to port (60 min).
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
You must TAKE THE SHUTTLE from the ship to the area where private drivers are waiting outside the port (a short drive). Your driver will be there holding a sign with your name on it.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Car seats for infants and small children are available upon request, as well as boosters
- Wheelchairs and scooters must be collapsible
Reviews(3)
Tour guide was very friendly, knowledgeable and personable. She helped guide us and provide us with some good information regarding what to look out for, where to meet and at what time. Our pick-up and drop-off was convenient and easy, the vehicle was comfortable and cool.
We took a private tour from our cruise port with Nicoletta. She drove us to Pisa, Luca, and a nearby winery. She was a very good driver and very knowledgeable about the history and culture. We were able to customize the trip to suit the timeframe we wanted to be gone. She took us into. Pisa and dropped us off very close to the tower, unlike the tour buses that had to park far away. We spent about 30 minutes around the tower and met her back at our destination. We then went to Luca and drove around the town. We got out for some gelato and back in the van to go to our winery where she made us reservations for a wine tasting, then included a late lunch of many courses. From there, she brought us back to the cruise port all while explaining the culture insights of the area. It was an outstanding trip and would definitely recommend.
Nicoletta was like having a verbal story with us. So very knowledgeable ask a question she had an answer. A great shout out to her.
Cara Pamela, Thanks ever so much for your review! I had a blast with all of you. Thanks for being such a lively and engaged group. Hope to see you in Italy again soon. Abbracci (hugs), Nicoletta



