day trip to pisa from florence

How to Plan the Perfect Florence to Pisa Day Trip (2024)

• March 5, 2024
• by Jenoa Matthes

Are you planning on visiting both Florence and Pisa? We recommend doing a Florence to Pisa day trip. 

Pisa is a small city just to the west of Florence, closer to the coast. Of course the highlight of the city is the famous and ever-so-photogenic Leaning Tower of Pisa. But there are also other attractions and more to see in Pisa.

We have been to Pisa on 4 separate day trips from Florence. While it is actually possible to see the main highlights in as little as half a day, we recommend aiming to spend a full day in Pisa. A full day will allow you to explore more of the city at large. 

Whichever you choose to go for, this Florence to Pisa day trip guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip.

How to get to Pisa from Florence

The best way to get from Florence to Pisa for a day trip is by train. The train journey is about an hour long and they leave constantly throughout the day.

The train departs Firenze Santa Maria Novella station — which is located very centrally in Florence. When you arrive in Pisa you will get off the train at Pisa Centrale station, located just to the south of the city.

You can buy train tickets in the station or online at Trenitalia.com .

While driving is an option, we advise pretty strongly against it. The trip takes about 90 minutes — so right out the gate it is less convenient than the train. You’ll also have the headache of finding parking on both ends of your trip.

And since you don’t need a car in either Florence or Pisa, this is just going to take time and add complications to your day.

Getting from Pisa train station to the Leaning Tower of Pisa

• Walk: The Leaning Tower of Pisa is 1.7km (1 mile) away from the Pisa train station. The walk should take around 25 minutes and brings you across the river and through Pisa.
• Taxi: Alternatively, you can grab a taxi — the drive is around 10-15 minutes and should cost about €10.
• Bus: There is also the option to take a bus. The bus trip is around 15 minutes but you will have to walk a little ways from the nearest bus stop to the tower.

Luggage Drop at the Pisa Train Station

If you have luggage with you that you don’t want to lug around all day (and we definitely don’t advise doing that!), you can check it in at the luggage storage in Pisa train station. This is a good option if Pisa is just a quick stop over and you’ll be continuing on without spending the night.

The luggage room is directly inside the train station. It is manned and all you have to do is pay and drop your bags off.

Pisa Cathedral Complex Ticket Options

Before we get to your day trip itinerary, I first want to explain the ticket options for the Pisa Cathedral Complex. There are a few to choose from and it can be tough deciding the best option.

Complete Visit + Tower: Buy this ticket if you want to visit everything. It includes access to the Tower of Pisa, Cathedral, Baptistery, Campo Santo cemetery, and all of the museums. Ticket price is €27.

Complete Visit: This ticket combo gives you access to everything except the tower. If you prefer to simply enjoy the view of the tower and do not want to climb to the top, then this is a great option. Ticket price is €10.

Tower: If you only want to climb up the tower and don’t care to see the other sites, then purchase this ticket. Cathedral access is also included in this ticket. Ticket price is €20.

Purchase tickets well in advance if you want to climb up the Leaning Tower. You must reserve a time slot and these sell out quickly during peak season (May to September).

Our recommendation: We suggest booking the Complete Visit + Tower combo, so you can visit all of the sites. Reserve your tickets online at the official website.

What to do on a Day trip from Florence to Pisa

Leaning tower of pisa.

The obvious place to start your day is also the highlight of Pisa — the Pisa Cathedral Complex. This is where the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa is located.

It also includes the Pisa Baptistry, Duomo, Campo Santo cemetery, Opera Del Duomo Museum, and Sinopie Museum. The complex is located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as Piazza del duomo.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is of course an unmissable attraction in Pisa. The most important thing to note for your visit to the tower is that if you want to climb the tower you must book your ticket in advance . Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance. 

If you show up on the day of without a ticket, it is likely you will be disappointed and will not be able to climb the tower. When you purchase your time slot, make sure to arrive in plenty of time.

There are 251 steps up and amazing views at the top. It is definitely recommended not only to see the tower from the outside, but also to climb it. 

Pisa Cathedral

The Pisa Cathedral, or Duomo, is part of the same complex as the Leaning Tower. This entire complex is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cathedral is a grand space both inside and out. It was built in the 11th century in the Romanesque style and is considered a Medieval Roman Catholic Cathedral.

It was actually the first building of the complex to be completed. The nave is flanked by black and white marble arches and there are amazing art pieces hanging on the walls.

A visit to the cathedral is included in your ticket. There are no designated times to visit so you can show up whenever you are through with your tower visit. 

Make sure to stop by the Opera del Duomo Museum to learn more about the history and significance of the cathedral.

Want to learn more about the history of Pisa? Book this 1.5 to 2-hour Guided Tour of the Pisa Cathedral , Baptistery, and Piazza dei Miracoli .

Pisa Baptistery

Though not nearly as noticeable, the Pisa baptistery actually also has a slight lean to it. The building is made from white marble and is the largest such baptistery in Italy.

It was built in the 11th century in the Romanesque and Gothic styles. The exterior is intricately decorated with busts of prophets and apostles. You can also find imagery of the Last Supper and the life of Jesus. 

You can actually climb up to the second floor of the baptistery, and from there you’ll get some of the best views of the Pisa Cathedral. 

Campo Santo Monumentale

Campo Samto Monumentale is an old cemetery. It is claimed that the soil here is holy, as it was purportedly brought here in the 12th century from Golgotha, the site outside of Jerusalem where it is believed by Christianity that Jesus was crucified. 

In the cemetery many prominent Pisans from the Middle Ages are buried. You can walk through the building where the inner walls are decorated with a number of frescoes and monuments. 

Grab lunch at a local restaurant

Once you’re done at the cathedral complex, it’s a good idea to get some lunch. Head towards the river for the most restaurant options. One of the most classic Pisan dishes to try is baccalà, or codfish.

A few other local dishes you might want to try are Cecina, which is a salty chickpea pie, or Bordatino alla Pisana which is a white beans and cornmeal dish similar to polenta. 

Here are a few Pisa restaurants we recommend:

• Osteria dei Cavalieri
• Trattoria Da Stelio
• Gusto Al 129 Pizzeria

Visit the Botanical Garden

Formed in the 16th century for teaching purposes, the Pisa Botanical Gardens are a lush, verdant space, and was the first university botanical garden. As well as the open air gardens, you can visit the Herbarium, several greenhouses, and The Botanical Museum. 

If you happen to be in Pisa on the first Sunday of the month you can visit the Botanical Gardens for free as a part of what are called Green Sundays.

Wander along the Arno River

The Arno river runs through Pisa, and the banks of the river are a great place to go for a walk. Especially if you visit Pisa in summer, this can be a nice place to get a quick break from the city heat and enjoy an aperitivo at one of the river cafes.

During your walk, make sure to stop in for a visit at the Church of Santa Maria Della Spina. The church is on the west bank of the river, on the same side as the train station, the opposite from the Leaning Tower.

This is a small Gothic style church. It has a number of statues on the exterior and the interior is fairly simple, but the setting alongside the river is picture perfect.

Visit the Palazzo Blu

Another highlight along the river is the Palazzo Blu , or the blue palace. The bright, 11th century building is now used as a museum.

While there are some pieces on permanent display here from the 14th through the 20th centuries, as well as some archeological discoveries, there is a larger amount of space that is dedicated to temporary exhibits.

It is a good idea to check what will be on show while you are in town. There have been some great names such as Warhol and Picasso on display here over the years. 

Check out the Keith Haring mural

Keith Haring completed his Pisa mural in 1989 just before his death in 1990. The name of the mural is Tuttomondo or “All World”.

The colorful mural can be seen on the southern wall of the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. This is actually the only piece by Haring which was always meant to be permanent. 

There are 30 figures painted on the wall, they all come together in a sort of puzzle-like design. The entire piece is a commentary on humanity, on peace, and on evil.

Florence to Pisa Half-Day Trip Itinerary

If you only plan on visiting Pisa for a half day, it’s definitely still worth the visit. While you might need to cut out some of the secondary attractions, you still have time to see the highlights in a half day.

Here is our recommended Pisa half-day itinerary:

• Arrive in Pisa by 9:00am
• Walk to the Pisa Cathedral Complex
• Visit the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, Cathedral, Campo Santo, and museums
• Walk back to the to the train station
• Depart between 1:00pm-2:00pm

Florence to Pisa Full-Day Trip Itinerary

While a half-day is doable, it’s even better if you have a full day for your trip to Pisa. This means that you can incorporate more of the things to do in Pisa in your itinerary.

Here is what we recommend for a full-day trip from Florence to Pisa. 

• Get lunch at a local restaurant
• Walk along the Arno River & see Church of Santa Maria Della Spina
• Visit the Palazzo Blue
• See the Keith Haring Mural
• See the Botanical Garden
• Wander through the city and walk along Borgo Stretto
• Depart from Pisa around 6:00-7:00pm

When is the best time for a Florence to Pisa day trip

The best time for a day trip to Pisa is during the spring and fall, ideally avoiding the peak season. March, April, May, October, and November are all good months to visit Pisa without the busy summer crowds. Plus the weather is pleasant during this time.

Of course, if you are visiting during the summer, expect long lines and crowds. Make sure to book your tickets a few months in advance, as they do sell out during this time.

Pisa Tour Options

Prefer to visit Pisa with on a guided tour? We’re sharing a few great options below.

• Florence to Pisa Day Tour | This 6-hour day trip includes a guide and tickets to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Cathedral. If you don’t want to plan the day trip yourself, this is a good option.
• Florence to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano Day Tour | This full-day guided tour takes you to Pisa, Siena, and the Tuscan town of San Gimignano from Florence. This is a good option if you are short on time and want to see multiple cities in a day.

Tips for your Florence to Pisa day trip

To make sure your trip runs smoothly, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are our six top tips for your day trip to Pisa. 

• Reserve your time slot for the Leaning Tower: You definitely need to make sure you purchase your tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa in advance. Tickets go on sale 90 days before, so as soon as you have your itinerary locked in you should buy your tickets. When you purchase them you will also choose a time slot for your visit. These are in 30 minute blocks and you cannot miss it or you won’t be permitted entry. 
• Plan for extra time to explore some other sites around Pisa: While the highlight of the city is clearly the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you should allow yourself extra time to do more than just the one thing. As you can see from this itinerary there is a good bit else to see in the city, so make sure to allocate time for all of it. 
• Wear comfortable shoes: Don’t be tempted to go for Italian high fashion — at least not when it comes to footwear. From climbing the tower to walking along the river banks, there will be a lot of ground to cover and your day can very quickly become very unpleasant if you’re not properly prepared with your footwear. 
• Dress modestly: It’s important to dress modestly to make sure you won’t be denied entry anywhere. When you go into churches and cathedrals not only in Pisa but throughout Italy you need to be fairly covered up. Both men and women should cover their shoulders, knees, and midriff. That means no tank tops, shorts, short skirts or dresses, or crop tops. 
• Plan to walk a lot: This is why you need comfortable shoes! The best way to see Pisa is to wander around. So make sure you are ready to walk a lot.

Pisa Day Trip FAQ

Is it worth going to pisa from florence.

Yes, the train journey to Pisa from Florence is short and straightforward so there is no reason not to do a day trip from Florence to Pisa. And of course, as you can see here, there is a lot to do in Pisa beyond the highlight that is the famous Leaning Tower.

What is the easiest way to get from Florence to Pisa?

The easiest way to get to Pisa from Florence is by train. The train journey is very convenient and easy and only takes an hour.

Is a day trip to Pisa enough?

Yes, a day in Pisa is plenty of time to see the highlights of the city. If you have your ticket for the Leaning Tower of Pisa booked then you can spend some time around the rest of the cathedral complex before exploring the city at large. This can all be done comfortably on a good day in Pisa. 

Is 2 hours in Pisa enough?

No, two hours in Pisa would not be enough time. At the very least you should allow yourself 4 hours — this would be enough time to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Cathedral Complex without rushing.

More Information for your Trip to Italy

• Is Pisa Worth Visiting?
• Pisa to Cinque Terre Day Trip
• Florence to Cinque Terre Day Trip
• 2-Day Florence Itinerary
• Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?

ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE Italy Travel Insurance  – Should you get travel insurance for Italy? YES! We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out  Safety Wing  to find the best plan for you. Italy Rental Cars  – Is it safe to rent a car in Italy? Yes! We’ve rented a car in Italy too many times to count, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through  Discover Cars  (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling. Italy Phone Plans –  If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used  Airalo  during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed. Italy Hotels –  Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through  Booking  for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.

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Copyright © 2024 | THE TRAVEL FOLK

The Ultimate Pisa Day Trip from Florence

Last Updated on March 6, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Going on a Pisa day trip from Florence is often one of the top things to do once you’ve explored the highlights of the Tuscan capital.

Home to one of the most famous and unique monuments in the world – the UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa – the city is an exciting destination in the divine Tuscan region. Looking beyond the famous tower, you’ll learn that Pisa is so much more.

From deep medieval history and quaint cobblestones to delicious Tuscan food, this itinerary will encourage you to get out of Florence for the day to explore.

Table of Contents

Getting from Florence to Pisa

By organised tour.

While a trip is pretty effortless at just under 100 km away, you may want the most relaxed day possible. Thankfully, there are plenty of organised tours to Pisa from Florence that take the logistics and guesswork out of planning and leave you to enjoy the picturesque, rolling Tuscan scenery and delectable local food.

With a guide, you have the opportunity to learn much more in-depth about the city and region that may be more difficult to learn independently.

If you’re searching for a tour exploring other parts of Tuscany; this full-day tour from Florence not only includes time spent in Pisa but also in other areas of the Tuscan region.

Your day will be spent in the UNESCO-listed medieval hill town of San Gimignano, the idyllic brick-painted city of Siena, along with time at a local winery in the Chianti region.

For those looking to spend a whole day in Pisa, this full-day tour is the perfect option. The price includes transportation to and from Florence, admission into several sites with a guided tour of the Leaning Tower, and free time exploring the city.

If you’re short on time and want to see Pisa, you can also take this half-day tour that is only 3.5 hours total. And for those who want their own dedicated guide, there is also this private half-day tour .

Due to the efficiency of the Italian train system and the proximity of Pisa to Florence, train transportation for a day trip (or even a half-day trip) from Florence to Pisa is a great option.  

From Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence, direct trains run regularly (about every 20 minutes) to Pisa Centrale train station . The station is located centrally in the city of Florence , which adds to the convenience of traveling by train. You can view train schedules here .

On the other hand, Pisa Centrale Station is located about 1.5 km outside the city center, on the other side of the Arno River. So make sure to keep this in mind when you’re planning a train journey to Pisa. The journey time depends on the train line, typically taking between an hour and an hour and 20 minutes.

Another option for transportation is to take a bus from Florence to Pisa. The best option for bus transportation is to travel with FlixBus as it’s the only company offering direct bus transportation between the cities.

The journey is around an hour to an hour and a half, making the cost and travel time the same for both bus and train transportation. You can view bus schedules here .

The downside to bus transport is that bus stations are typically outside of city centers, with Florence’s bus station (Villa Costanza) being around 8 km outside of the city and Pisa’s bus station being 2 km outside of the city.

Although transportation from the station to the city is convenient and quick, it still makes it a bit more inconvenient, especially if you only have one day in Pisa to explore.

If you’re traveling by car for your Florence to Pisa day trip, it’s just a short 1 ½ hour drive from Florence. The drive itself is a special journey, passing through small Tuscan towns and rolling dreamy hills before arriving at your final destination.

This also gives you the option to have a few stops and detours along the way to make an extended day trip and Pisa itinerary. 

With all of that being said, it is important to keep in mind that these are both busy Italian cities, so I recommend leaving and arriving at times that aren’t rush hours as traffic can be dense.

As for parking, it can be tricky to find a parking spot but ​​there are a few car parks a few minutes away from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, with a few of those being free to park in.

There are also a few car parks outside of the city center with shuttles into the historic city to save you the stress of finding a parking spot.

If you need to rent a car for your trip to Italy, you can browse Rentalcars.com which compares prices across a number of companies.

Pisa Day Trip Itinerary

Pisa is quite small, giving it more of the feel of a larger town rather than a city, making it easy and enjoyable to visit Pisa in one day.

Unlike a lot of busy touristy cities in Italy, Pisa tends to be less congested, so wandering around the medieval streets and experiencing all of the historical and cultural sites the city boasts, feels more like a breath of fresh air. 

Historic Center of Pisa

Like any other Italian city, Pisa is separated into both old and new. The new area with more modern architecture is where the majority of local Pisans live, and though still interesting to visit, it’s not part of this Pisa itinerary.

The area that you’ll be most intrigued to visit is the “centro storico” or historic center of Pisa, located North of the River Arno. This area is just like any other Italian town or small city, with exquisite piazzas, medieval churches, and magical corners tucked away off of the city’s alleyways.

Wandering through the historic center is one of the best things to do in Pisa and it almost feels like something out of a classic Italian movie, taking in sights of locals going about their day, the warm Italian sun determined to melt your luscious gelato, and old buildings lining narrow streets on every corner.

If you want to learn more about the history of Pisa and have travelled to the city independently, you can book a guided walking tour here that includes the option to buy Leaning Tower tickets.

Piazza dei Cavalieri 

Within the historic center of Pisa, the biggest and one of the most important squares is the Piazza dei Cavalieri or “the Knights’ Square”.

Since 1406, this round and traditional Tuscan square in quintessential Renaissance style has been the political heart of the city and to this day holds strong importance for the city and its people.

The Palazzo dell’Orologio or “Clock Palace”, located in the square is a key part of history with it once being the seat of the government in medieval Pisa and is an integral and interesting part of Pisan history to witness during your visit.

Borgo Stretto

Every city has its main shopping street, and Pisa is no different, with the Borgo Stretto or “Narrow Street” spanning the center of the city. Borgo Stretto is quite literally its name, a narrow street full of all sorts of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

The street is mostly pedestrian and still mostly has small artisan shops and independent restaurants, unlike many other places all with the same high street shops.

It’s a delight peeking into the windows of the shops on the Borgo Stretto, whether it’s an old book store, a stylish boutique, or a local artisan selling handmade leather goods.

Off of the Borgo Stretto, make a point to wander down the small alleys as most of the time you’ll find yourself in small Tuscan piazzas in the middle of everyday Pisan life. 

Botanic Gardens

If you’re a traveler keen to find nature while traveling in a city, the Botanical Gardens of Pisa are located within the historic center and just a few minutes walk from the Knights’ Square.

Founded in 1543 by physician and botanist Luca Ghini, the Botanical Gardens are a lovely oasis with plants to discover from pretty much every part of the world, all in the center of medieval Pisa.

There is an admission fee, but every first Sunday of the month is “Green Sunday” with free entry if you’re lucky to visit on one of those dates.

Piazza dei Miracoli

The most easily identifiable landmark in the city of Pisa is the Piazza dei Miracoli or “Square of Miracles”.

With the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo di Pisa, the Baptistery, and Campo Santo all in one spot, the Square of Miracles is pretty much an outdoor museum in itself, making it no surprise that the square itself became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

All three components of the square are supposed to make up the stages of human life and it’s truly a remarkable and unique complex of monuments and sacred sites in the center of Pisa. 

For admission tickets aside from the Cathedral with free admission, you can purchase individual or combination tickets for any of the sites within the Square of Miracles. To save time when you arrive, you can also purchase tickets in advance here for the Leaning Tower or a combination ticket here .

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Undoubtedly the most visited and famous part of Pisa, the Tower of Pisa is more than just an independent tower, it’s the bell tower adjoined by the neighboring Cathedral of Pisa.

As the tallest bell tower in all of Europe, the particular and famous leaning design of the tower was actually a mistake and design flaw by mystery architects in 1173.

At 8 stories high, the Tower of Pisa is worth more than just visiting to take a famous picture of it from the outside. The tickets to enter and climb the Tower of Pisa are pricey, though the view from the top offers outstanding views of the city (and don’t worry, you’re completely safe inside, even if it is a bit lopsided!).

Opening hours for admission to the inside of the tower vary depending on the time of the year that you visit, so make sure to check opening hours in advance.

Pisa Cathedral & Campo Santo

Next to the Tower of Pisa at the Square of Miracles is one of the most astonishing churches in Tuscany, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and no visit to Pisa is complete without seeing this incredible building.

In 1063, architect Buscheto designed the grand cathedral in a new combination of styles from Eastern architecture, Byzantine features, and Lombard decoration. From the marble exterior of the cathedral and the bronze doors guarding the front of the cathedral to the gold ceiling of the interior, I highly suggest visiting inside the Cathedral during your time in Pisa.

Visits inside are free, but you must reserve an admission time in advance. With tickets to either the Tower, Campo Santo, or Baptistery, you can visit the Cathedral at any opening time, which is open every day. You can also book a guided tour .

On the back end of the Cathedral, you’ll also find the “Campo Santo”, or the cemetery of Pisa, the youngest of all the monuments of the Square of Miracles.

Historical legends claim that the cemetery was built with holy soil from Jerusalem, and because of this, over time the cemetery has become a holy ground in its own right.

Whether the legend is true or not, it’s a beautiful spot in Pisa to visit; from the well-maintained green area to the stunning frescoes lining the inside walls of the cemetery.

The Baptistery

Also located in the Square of Miracles is the Baptistery of Pisa, the tallest baptistery in the world at 55 meters high. Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, ths incredible building took almost a century to build, resulting in a unique combination of architectural styles, both Romanesque and Gothic style architecture.

If you’re particularly interested in history, the Renaissance mastermind Galileo Galilei was baptised here in 1564, so it’s the perfect place to take a walk through Tuscan Renaissance history.

Make sure to stop by the Baptistery to round up your visit to Pisa’s most monumental and historic square, the Square of Miracles. 

Arno Riverfront 

After spending time wandering through the Historic Center and Square of Miracles in Pisa, a great way to round out your one day in Pisa itinerary is to head to the Arno Riverfront.

While the Arno River holds the most popularity from Florence with its famous painted riverfront views with the classic Ponte Vecchio Bridge, the Arno River actually terminates at the Pisa Marina before flowing into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Spending time walking along the Arno River is the perfect way to spend time taking in the scenery along this famous Italian river without the masses stuffing in to take photos along the river in Florence.

Walking alongside the banks of the Arno River is a wonderful way to get away from the crowds of the center while admiring the Tuscan beauty of Pisa reflected on the calm river water.

A great spot to enjoy a cocktail and classic Tuscan small sandwich snacks, or, “schiacciata”, is at Dal Mozza Gourmet, located on the northern end of the Arno River.

Have More Time?

If you have more time to spend in Pisa and would like to explore further than the stops mentioned on this itinerary, I suggest heading to one of the various museums that the city of Pisa has to offer.

Located in a medieval monastery beside the Arno River, The ​​National Museum of San Matteo is easily the most popular, with displays of historic ecclesiastical works from Pisa and surrounding areas.

If you’re particularly interested in Renaissance art and classic frescoes from the period, The Sinopie Museum is another solid option, where you have the opportunity to observe the early, original graphic sketch copies of frescoes from back to the Middle ages. 

Both museums have the option to purchase combination tickets with any of the monuments at the Miracles Square, giving a great opportunity to save money on a day trip to Pisa.

Beyond the city of Pisa, if you’re searching to spend more time in the western part of the Tuscany region, the quaint, sleepy Tuscan town of Lucca is just about 45 minutes away by train or 25 minutes away by car.

The home of world-famous opera composer Puccini, some of the best Tuscan leather goods, and a gentle, laid-back attitude, Lucca is an incredibly pleasant town that stands in time. This well-preserved Renaissance Tuscan city undoubtedly deserves a spot on your Tuscany itinerary.

Where to Stay in Florence

Hotel Bellavista – This mid-range hotel makes for a great base for both exploring Florence and for heading out on a day trip. They have a range of different rooms available, an option to include breakfast in the nightly rate and a great, central location.

25hours Hotel – This luxury hotel is perfect for those looking for something a bit more opulent and sophisticated while they’re in the Tuscan capital. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from, breakfast is included in the nightly rate and there is a fitness centre, restaurant and bar on site.

Ostello Bello Firenze – This highly-rated hostel is great for budget and solo travelers to Florence. They have a wonderful location for exploring the city (along with ease of going on day trips) and offer both dorms and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Florence

Planning a day trip to Pisa is one of the top things to do when visiting Tuscany. There is so much to see and do in this historic Italian city that you’re sure to wish you had a bit more time!

Are you planning a day trip to Pisa? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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A Perfect Capri Day Trip from Sorrento, Naples and Positano

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

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The Perfect Day Trip to Pisa from Florence

Pisa is home to one of the iconic symbols of Italy, and it’s easy and worthwhile to make a day trip from Florence.

This post contains several options:

• How to visit Pisa in just a couple of hours.
• How to spend an entire day in Pisa.
• How to combine a trip from Florence to Pisa with other great spots.

You can use the table of contents below to jump to the section you think interests you the most!

Guided Tours: Day Trip to Pisa From Florence

While it’s easy to take the train yourself on a day trip to Pisa from Florence, there are several great tour options, too.  

These are ideal if:

• You’d rather have someone else deal with the logistics.
• You don’t enjoy public transportation.
• You also want a guide with knowledge along the way.

Here are the top day trip options from Florence to Pisa, each with excellent reviews:

➡️ Book: Florence to Pisa Tour

➡️ Book: Leaning Tower: Skip the Line

Renting a Car: Day Trip to Pisa From Florence

Renting a car and driving in Italy is a good idea, even if you use it for day trips. It allows you the freedom to stop in other small towns you see along the way.

I usually use Discover Cars in Europe, because they include all the big international brands, plus some local rental companies.

➡️ Click to Search Discover Cars

And, yes, you drive on the right side of the road, in case you were wondering.

The drive from Florence to Pisa will only take one hour, and it’s hassle-free once you leave the city of Florence.

There’s a public parking lot just west of the Piazza del Duomo, or Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Leaning Tower of Pisa is located (Torre de Pisa).

Train: Day Trip to Pisa From Florence

If you’re up for enjoying some quality Italian public transportation (and who wouldn’t be, with such a great train system!) you’ll find the  Trenitalia  line very easy to use.

I’ve been using Trainline to book trains in Europe. It’s simple to search the schedules, and you avoid having to use the kiosks in the train stations. They send you a QR code to your text and email, which you have scanned at the station to board.

➡️ Click to Book Train Tickets in Italy

It’ll take about an hour and 20 minutes to get to Pisa from Florence.

Florence Train Station: Firenze S. Maria Novella

The train station you’ll use in Florence is the main one:  Santa Maria Novella .

It’s pretty large, with trains stopping and going to and from all corners of Italy.

When you walk, you’ll see the “Bigliateria” area, or ticket area. They have windows with humans to help you out, or you can use one of the self-serve kiosks. They’re easy to use. 

PRO TIP : Don’t book a ticket to Pisa Centrale. Make sure you choose Pisa S. Rossore .

PRO TIP : Choose a train that gets you there in under 90 minutes. Some options will stop too many times and it’ll take more than 2 hours.

The cost of a one-way trip to Pisa from Florence will be about 9 or 10 Euros

The train station makes it easy to watch for your train number and find your track. Just remember: it might not say “Pisa” on the ‘destination’ column on the board, since it lists the train’s final destination (which will likely be beyond Pisa). So look for the train number to find your track.

You’ll likely have to scan the barcode on the ticket (or in your email) to get through to the boarding area.

The trains depart every 30 to 40 minutes to Pisa. 

Pisa S Rossore

Pisa Centrale may seem like the obvious choice for a trip to Pisa, but getting off the train there will add an extra 30-minute walk to the tower.

The Rossore station will drop you off a few blocks away from the main sites. It’s far from a glamorous station, but it’s right next to a university. You’ll be safe and surrounded by crowds of college students.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Walk from the Pisa S Rossore Tration Station toward the Piazza dei Miracoli, or Piazza del Duomo.

As soon as you enter, you’ll realize: The tower LEANS! It leans far more than I was expecting.

Italy has several other towers that lean (I can think of a couple in the Venice area), but Torre de Pisa LEANS!

It’s striking compared to the cathedral and other surrounding buildings.

Construction: Torre di Pisa / Leaning Tower of Pisa

It took around 200 years to build the Tower:

• Began in 1173
• Completed in 1372
• Originally: Bell tower for the cathedral

Soft ground caused the foundation to settle unevenly during the tower’s construction. By the time the ancient builders reached the third floor, the tilt was noticeable!

Despite attempts to compensate for the lean in later construction stages, the tower continued to lean further over time.

It’s been a challenge, but also remains the biggest attraction in Pisa. You’ll see a crowd posing for photos “holding” the tower upright.

Attempts to Fix the Lean

Efforts to stabilize and straighten the tower began in the late 20th century over concerns about its structural integrity.

• 1990: the tower was closed to the public for safety reasons. 

Engineers worked on various strategies to correct the lean without completely straightening it, as the tilt had become part of the Torre di Pisa’s identity and attraction.

• 1993: Restoration efforts to reduce the lean began.

These included soil extraction and counterweights, to reduce the tilt enough to ensure its stability.

From inside the tower, you can see some of the structural engineering in place.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa Reopens

After nearly a decade of restoration work, the Leaning Tower of Pisa was reopened to the public in 2001.

• Cost: 20 Euros
• Timed entries, every 15 minutes
• 50 people allowed up every 15 minutes

Climbing the Torre di Pisa

If you choose to climb to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you’ll never go a single step forgetting it’s truly leaning! You’ll be tilted the entire way up.

Key Info : There are 293 steps to the top of the Torre di Pisa!

It’s amazing to see the way the centuries-old stone steps are smoothly carved out. They’ve been worn down by the feet, sandals, and shoes, of millions of people. It was my favorite part of the climb.

The view from the top is sweeping and panoramic. The circular bell tower is surrounded by bells, which ring at the top of each hour.

Measuring the Tilt

The current lean of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is almost 4 degrees off the vertical axis. One of the tools engineers use is on-site. You can try it for yourself.

To maintain the safety of the structure and track any alterations in its tilt, regular monitoring and measurements are conducted. Initially, measurements were taken every three months, but as the stabilization efforts have proven successful, the frequency has decreased. 

The tower’s lean is typically assessed annually to ensure its stability.

Other Sites on a Day Trip to Pisa From Florence

You’ll find the Piazza dei Miracoli/Piazza del Duomo has several impressive and historic structures, in addition to the Tower.

Piazza dei Miracoli translates to: Square of Miracles. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cattedrale di Pisa

The Cattedrale di Pisa, also known as the Pisa Cathedral or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is adjacent to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1063 and continued for several centuries.

Inside, you’ll see its impressive columns, as well as beautiful artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and frescoes.

The ceiling is amazing, and last rebuilt after a fire in 1595.

The Baptistery

The Baptistery of St. John is the huge, circular structure located near the cathedral.

Construction of the baptistery began in the 12th Century, and lasted into the 14th century. 

The acoustics inside the baptistery are renowned for their exceptional quality. Visitors often experience the captivating sound reverberations when someone sings or speaks, creating a unique auditory experience.

Inside, the baptistery features intricately carved pulpits, statues, and a beautiful baptismal font. The pulpit, created by Nicola Pisano, is a remarkable example of medieval sculpture.

The baptistery was traditionally used for baptisms and religious ceremonies, and its design reflects the importance of these rituals in medieval Pisa.

The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

The museum exhibits a collection of sculptures, artifacts, and artworks that were once part of the cathedral, baptistery, and other buildings on the square. It offers insights into the history and artistry of the monuments in Piazza dei Miracoli.

The streets leading away from the piazza are full of cafes and restaurants to have lunch in before moving on.

Add On to a Day Trip to Pisa From Florence

I travel efficiently and quickly, compared to a lot of people. So if you have a lot of time to explore the museums and other sites of Pisa, great! 

On my last visit, I was trying to squeeze as many things into the day as possible.

The train system in Italy makes it possible to add on a few stops to a day trip to Pisa.

• 30 minutes on the train from Pisa
• North of Pisa

Lucca is known for its Renaissance-era city walls, which encircle the historic center.

The old town is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, stores, cafes, and piazzas

As you walk through, aim for  Piazza dell’Anfiteatro , a former Roman amphitheater. It’s now a lively square surrounded by cafes, shops, and historic buildings.

You’ll also pass by the Cathedral of St. Martin (Duomo di San Martino) and can climb the Torre Guinigi for panoramic views of the city.

People love Lucca’s local shops, featuring Italian-made crafts and foods.

You can also rent a bike and ride the paths on top of the city walls.

• 20 minutes on the train from Pisa
• South of Pisa, on the coast

Livorno is a port city on the western coast of Tuscany. Visitors can check out the Old Fortress (Fortezza Vecchia) and the New Fortress (Fortezza Nuova), which each showcase Livorno’s maritime history.

• Venetian Quarter:  Known as the Venezia Nuova, this area features picturesque canals, charming bridges, and elegant buildings dating back to the Renaissance period.
• Central Market:  The Mercato Centrale is a bustling market where visitors can sample local produce, fresh seafood, and traditional Tuscan specialties.
• Terrazza Mascagni:  This seafront promenade offers views of the sea, and is famous for its checkerboard marble tiles.

Livorno is home to the Italian Naval Academy, and the port area, built by the Medici family, is a lively hub with waterfront cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Florence isn’t known for its seafood, so if you’re hoping for an Italian seafood fest, Livorno’s your place!

If you’re driving, you can see how close all of these beautiful cities and towns are to Florence:

Pisa to Florence

It’s an easy trip back to Florence after a day trip to Pisa!

You can get back from Pisa S. Rossore station in as little as an hour and 10 minutes.

It’s easy to find the route on Trenitalia. The train will probably make around four stops along the way.

Pisa to Florence trains leave about twice an hour. Make sure to choose a direct option, since there’s no need to change trains along the way!

FAQs on a Day Trip to Pisa

Let’s tackle a few frequently-asked-questions about a day trip to Pisa from Florence. Most of these are answered above.

Can you climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Yes, it’s 293 steps, and you’ll feel the “lean” the entire way! The cost is 20 Euros, and the ticket includes entry into the adjacent cathedral.

Is there a high-speed train from Florence to Pisa?

Not exactly. The cities are geographically close, and most of the high-speed trains will run between metro areas that are a bit farther apart (think: Florence to Rome).

How far is Pisa from Florence?

Despite the stops, you’ll be able to get to Pisa from Florence in just about 80-90 minutes by train. Check Trenitalia’s app, or Google Maps.

Wrap: Is a Day Trip to Pisa Worth It?

To be totally honest here, many people will argue: if you’re trying to see as much of Tuscany as possible in a short amount of time, Pisa itself does not warrant an entire day.

Still, you can make the visit, enjoy the architecture, the history, and a climb to the top of the Leaning Tower, and move on with other adventures in Florence and Tuscany.

The train ride from Florence is relatively short, making it convenient for a day trip. 

If you’re looking for other day trips from Florence, check out San Gimignano and Cinque Terre. From Rome , the hilltop towns of Orvieto and Assisi are both beautiful and popular with visitors to Italy!

How to Plan a Half-Day Trip from Florence to Pisa, Italy

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Want to plan a quick half-day trip from Florence to Pisa, Italy? Here’s everything you need to know.

When I learned you could get from Florence to Pisa in about an hour, I knew I had to squeeze it into my 3-day itinerary, no matter how tight.

After all, it’s not everyday that you see a piece of architecture that defies gravity. I wanted to get my token tourist picture holding that sucker up.

I make it a point to see everything unique and wonderful within driving distance of my destination, so if there’s a UNESCO World Heritage site or World Wonder within reach, I do my best to get there.

I had planned to set aside a full day and was pleasantly surprised to find I could manage a trip to Pisa and back in just a few hours, making it back to Florence by lunchtime to gorge on some of their delicious food.

If you’re thinking of taking a Florence to Pisa day trip , it is absolutely worth your time!

The complex consists of more than just the Leaning Tower of Pisa, so you have plenty of photo opportunities, and there’s not much else in the city to attract visitors so this is the perfect way to knock the site off your list.

RELATED POST: A FOODIE’S GUIDE TO FLORENCE

How to Get From Florence to Pisa, Italy

It is easy to get to Pisa from many cities in Italy thanks to Italy’s advanced rail system, but it’s only an hour away from Florence by train and makes the perfect half-day trip while visiting Firenze.

Take the train from the Santa Maria Novella station in Florence to the Pisa Centrale station. The ride is nonstop and tickets start at 8.50€. You can book in advance through ItaliaRail to ensure availability. 

When you arrive in Pisa, you can hail a taxi at the Centrale station and have them take you directly to the Pisa complex.

The drive takes approximately 10 minutes so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend walking on a hot day or if pressed for time. Expect to pay about 10€ each way for the ride.

Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa

How do you enter and climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa? You need to buy a ticket , which you can do online or at the complex when you arrive.

It costs 18€ to enter and it helps to book ahead so you can schedule a time to climb and avoid a wait. You cannot bring any bags with you and must check them before entering, but you are allowed to bring your camera.

There are 300 marble steps to climb, well worn from visitors over the year and a little slippery so watch your step. There’s one area where you can get out and walk around the perimeter before reaching the summit.

At the very top, there are bells and you can walk (with a bit of a vertigo sensation) around the tower for views of the city.

Pisa Baptistery

The Leaning Tower isn’t the only site at the Pisa Complex.You can add on entrance to one, two or three monuments for an additional fee. This dome-topped building was the second building constructed and is designed to be acoustically perfect. Acoustic resonance demonstrations are sometimes put on for visitors as well as singing performances.

The decorations are minimal, but guests can climb to second level and walk around for a 360 degree view of the structure.

Pisa Museum

Officially referred to as The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, meaning the Museum of Cathedral Works, this venue is a former seminary located adjacent to the tower, next to where you check your bags.

It displays art and medieval sculptures from Pisa but, I have to confess, I skipped this attraction as I was a little museumed-out at this point having spent a few days in Florence.

I was captivated, however, by the fallen angel statue on display in the grass out front. It was a jarring image almost reminiscent of the ruins of Pompeii.

RELATED POST: THE BEST OPERA PERFORMANCE IN FLORENCE, ITALY

Pisa Cathedral

The facade of the cathedral on the outside is impressive, and in contrast to the Baptistery it’s quite ornate on the inside as well.

The cathedral prominently features an elaborately carved pulpit (pictured above) at its center. Carved by Giovanni Pisano, the pulpit survived a fire in 1595 and is a considered a gothic masterpiece.

This is the only monument that is free to enter in the Pisa Complex.

Pisa Camposanto Monumentale

Camposanto means holy land.

This is a cemetery that has restored frescoes, funerary monuments, and ancient Roman sarcophagi along seemingly endless marble corridors.

The site is a peaceful and contemplative place that few tourists frequent if you need a mid-day retreat from the crowds.

Know Before You Go

That’s the Pisa complex in a nutshell. It’s one of the best places to visit in Italy , IMO, and is worth a visit.

Obviously, the Leaning Tower is the main draw. You can spend time perusing the goal vendor stalls immediately outside the complex. They sell souvenirs at competitive prices and that’s also where you’ll catch a taxi back to the bus station.

If you go early, like before 10am, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get a picture holding up the tower with little to no people in your shot.

Food-wise, there’s not much in the area so if you’re making this a quick trip you’re better off waiting to get back to Florence and then stopping for lunch within walking distance of the train station upon arrival.

This is definitely a half-day trip worth making if you’re in Florence. If you catch a 7am or 8am train from Florence to Pisa, you should be back by noon and ready to continue with sightseeing in Florence.

Looking for more day trips from Florence? Check out these Tuscany road trips  or wander down Via Francigena Toscana . 

RELATED POST: 8 MUST-SEE WORKS OF ART IN FLORENCE, ITALY

 Till next time, safe travels!

Liked this post? Pin me below!

Sunday 2nd of April 2023

Great information on Pisa for my trip to Italy in a couple of weeks. :)

Jen on a Jet Plane

Tuesday 11th of April 2023

Love to hear it, enjoy your trip!

Kayla Neuss

Saturday 1st of April 2023

Great post! I hope your still crushing out the blog posts! Lots of love!

Saturday 1st of February 2020

Hi. I have been searching for an answer and hope you can help. I’ve been told that it’s a good idea to book train trips in advance. Should I book a round-trip ticket from Florence or just the trip from Florence to Pisa and then purchase a trip at the Pisa train station when I’m ready to go back?

Thursday 6th of February 2020

You can do either one! Depending on when you go the trains are frequent enough that you should be able to find room on the way back, unless we're talking a super busy height of summer day. You can also purchase tickets online on your phone while you're out and about in Pisa and getting a better idea of the time you'll be heading back. Hope this helps!

Monday 22nd of July 2019

How can I get to the ocean after my visit to Pisa?

Monday 29th of July 2019

Train is a quick and easy way to get around in Italy, you could go from Pisa to Cinque Terre.

Monday 13th of May 2019

Hi I'm planning a mini Europe tour. Poland, Germany, Switzerland n Italy if possible Austria in mid June. Arriving at Wroclaw on 16th June. Need some guidence/ planning in like budget hotels n travel plsns

Sunday 19th of May 2019

Sounds like a great trip! I have an article on finding cheap accommodations (https://jenonajetplane.com/find-cheap-accommodations-traveling/) and another on saving money in general (https://jenonajetplane.com/7-ways-travel-on-budget/). Austria, Poland and Germany shouldn't be too bad. Italy and Switzerland will be more challenging, specifically during peak season. Best of luck!

How to Plan a Day Trip to Pisa from Florence (A Detailed Guide!)

A day trip to Pisa from Florence is one of the most popular excursions for travelers to the Tuscany region of Italy. 

The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa certainly helps bring the crowds to the square, but I found the city somewhat misunderstood on my second trip there. It was my insistence on spending a full day in Pisa that helped me see the value of this place beyond the cheesy staged photos .

Yes, it’s fun to pretend like you’re holding up a leaning tower with brute strength alone. It’s also fun to brag on a Pisa that few discover without a little extra planning.

Disclosure: Please note that the post below contains affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

Is Pisa worth a day trip?

Pisa is worth a day trip on your Italian trip for more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Yes, it’s an iconic Pisa attraction that deserves a visit at least once, but Pisa holds so much more intrigue beyond the crowds of tourists plotting their next round of novelty photos . 

When I say day trip , by the way, I mean a full day in Pisa. So many of the guides I read through to prep for my own trip only allotted half a day in this vibrant city.

You’ll only scratch the surface in that amount of time and likely come back home with a “Meh, it’s fine,” attitude about it all.

What is the easiest way to get from Florence to Pisa?

The easiest way to get from Florence to Pisa is to go on a private tour to Pisa from Florence. This is the most efficient (but also most expensive) way to have some control over a day tour without having to plan the transportation there.

Here are a few options:

A guided group trip to Pisa is another easy option that’s more affordable than private tours. I just caution that you seek out smaller group tours vs. big bus tours for your Pisa day trips. 

As someone who was on one of those giant bus tours during my first trip to Pisa many years ago, I can say with experience that it was like herding cattle. Very little time was spent outside of photo ops at the tower, and I was honestly embarrassed that I was even involved in that whole scene. 

A packed itinerary doesn’t always mean a guided tour is bad. Just read through posted itineraries before making your decisions. Stops to towns like Lucca are very doable on a full-day trip from Florence to Pisa. Just don’t expect a deep dive into these places.

Here are a few highly-rated options that promise a more meaningful experience:

Our choice for a day trip to Pisa from Florence took a little more effort, but it was still relatively easy. You can plan a self-guided Pisa tour from Florence of your own using Italy’s excellent train system . 

Is there a train from Florence to Pisa?

There is a train from Florence to Pisa and it’s a scenic journey at that. You don’t need to make reservations in advance for this one because there are typically dozens of trains between Florence Santa Maria Novella station and Pisa’s central station daily.

For those who do wish to buy tickets in advance for the Florence to Pisa train vs. at the train station the day of their travel, it’s easy to do so on the Rail Europe website . 

You can choose a more premium option this way and reserve seats. That’s never a bad idea if you’re visiting Pisa in the high season. 

Note: While I may not always buy tickets in advance, I always check train times in advance. If you’re traveling over the spring or winter Catholic holidays, for example, you may encounter more limited train options. 

How far is Florence from Pisa by train? Florence is under an hour from Pisa by train if you book the high-speed option. It’s about 42 miles (69 km) between the two cities by train.

There are scenic routes that take you through Lucca, too, if you’re interested in a half-day trip to Pisa from Florence. We visited Lucca separately and recommend a full day in both of these very impressive Italian cities, but it’s an option if you’re limited on time in Tuscany.

Once you get to the Pisa Centrale railway station, you’ll have about a 20-minute walk or a speedy cab ride to the main square with the Leaning Tower. There’s also a bus that takes you from the main train station to the tower if you want to save some euros for snacks.

If it’s a nice day out and you’re able to handle it, I’d highly recommend the walk. You’ll cross a lovely bridge over the Arno River to get there and be able to get a better understanding of the layout of the city.

Fun fact: The Arno River is pretty famous in Florence, but it’s quite lovely in Pisa, too. It’s the same river, by the way, not a reflection of Italians’ lack of creativity. They are very creative.

Can you drive from Pisa to Florence?

You can drive from Pisa to Florence if you’re comfortable with that idea while abroad. The estimated driving time is about an hour and 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions. 

Yep, that means you can get to Pisa from Florence faster on a high-speed train!

One perk of driving is that you can make stops along the way like Montelupo Fiorentino just outside of Florence on the southern route or the walled city of Lucca on the northern route. The train was just so cheap and easy for us that it didn’t feel necessary on this day trip.

Note: If you’re an American, you’ll need either an International Driving Permit before you leave the United States or an official Italian translation of your American driver’s license. You’ll also need proof of insurance to legally drive in Italy.

What is there to do in Pisa?

There is so much to do in Pisa, Italy. Start with the famous Tower of Pisa. Leave time for the rest of the Piazza dei Miracoli, strolls along the Arno River, and eating your way through this delicious city before returning to Florence . 

Interested in a map of everything I’ll highlight here? Follow the link below:

GIMME MY MAP OF PISA!

Take those leaning tower photos. you know the ones..

The Piazza dei Miracoli, formerly known as the Piazza del Duomo and also known as the Square of Miracles, is where most of the tourists congregate on Florence to Pisa tours. With just one day here, you’ll likely want to start here, too.

If I’ve convinced you to spend a full day in Pisa, you’ll want to buy a combo ticket for the Piazza dei Miracoli before you even step foot onto the square. Seeing the tower from the outside is free, but you can do better than that.

The entire square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there’s a lot to see here. I know you’re here for that tower action, though.

I’d suggest getting your cheesy tower photos out of the way as soon as you arrive. Assuming you got an early start — I hope you did! — it will only get more crowded the longer you hang out. 

Watch where the tourists are congregating for the best angles. If they’re here for photos, they’ve already done the requisite research for you.

Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The combo ticket I told you about includes timed entry to climb the Leaning Tower. Unless you get vertigo, I’d highly recommend this as a very bucket listy thing to do while in Pisa. You’ll get a view of the square from the top and a look inside not all tourists get on day trips to Pisa.

What’s inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa? There are two sets of spiral staircases inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa. That’s about all. These are the stairs you’ll take to get up to the top. Yes, you will feel the lean.

Even if you’re not interested in seeing anything else in the square, reserve your tower tickets at least a few days in advance in the off-season and further out at peak travel times. These tickets do sell out, as there is a limit to how many tourists can climb the tower on any given day.

Before you get in line, check any bags in for free in the cloakroom through the middle doors of the Opera del Duomo Museum. This includes small purses. There are NO bags allowed inside the tower. 

Fun fact: If heights scare you a bit, bathroom breaks are available at paid toilets on the square. Have a euro or two handy or keep your credit card with you before turning over your bags. These cans take credit.

Is it hard to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa? It’s not hard to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It should take most healthy adults about 10 minutes to get to the top. The trickiest part for most is the dizziness.

I definitely felt disoriented at the top and found it challenging to navigate the views up there without grabbing onto things for support. Your initial climb gets you to the first level, then you stand in line for a second level that definitely made Brian’s palms quite slick.

If you’re afraid of heights, this might be a tough sell for you. I’m usually fine with heights, but the leaning bit was the most barf-inducing experience of our time in Italy …and I tried tripe!

Admire the architecture of the Baptistery of San Giovanni.

Let’s get into all of the othe r Pisa attractions on the square. The Battistero di San Giovanni, or Pisa Baptistery of St. John, is possibly even more striking than the Leaning Tower when you first arrive at the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Admire the exterior of a place that has been in this spot since construction began in 1152.

I didn’t think the interior was as impressive as the outside, but I had already spent some time in Florence admiring dozens of painted ceilings in epic places like the Duomo . This is the largest baptistery in Italy, though, so it deserves at least a peak inside for a look up into the dome.

If you notice this one leaning a little, too, you’re not still feeling the effects of vertigo from your tower climb. The same unstable surface that caused the Leaning Tower to do its thing is also at play here.

See Pisano’s pulpit in the Pisa Cathedral.

A look inside the Pisa Cathedral is included in any ticket if you didn’t take my advice for the full combo option. This is a must for trips to Pisa, as there would be no Leaning Tower without the Pisa Cathedral.

Once inside, don’t miss the pulpit from Giovanni  Pisano. It was the most important work that survived a damaging fire in the church in 1595, but it wouldn’t appear again inside the cathedral until 1926.

You can also see the body of St. Rainierius, the patron saint of Pisa and travelers, apparently. DNA analysis was used to reconstruct his face into the silver mask you see today.

It’s pretty grim to think about people exhuming the body to stick it in a glass case, but I’m not entirely shocked after seeing bones and other bits of patron saints and historical figures across churches and museums in Florence.

Pay your respects at the Camposanto Monumentale.

Visit this important grave site and pay your respects to famous figures in Pisa’s history. That includes Fibonacci, a mathematician who came up with a sequence I’m not sure I understand.

As you explore the grounds, look for a small chapel with a lamp hanging from the ceiling. This is the Aulla chapel, and that lamp is the same one Galileo used for his calculations of pendular motion. I’m not sure I understand that either, but I believe in science.

We had to do some searching, but I have a photo of it for you below. If you hit the ramps, you’ve gone too far!

The incredible frescoes in this place will likely need some restoration work at some point, but they’re still quite impressive. You’ll learn more about how they came to be at another stop on your tour of the square.

Sneak more tower views at the Museum of the Opera del Duomo.

This museum, also known as the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, boasts some impressive Pisano sculptures inside, but my favorite space was the cafe and its panoramic views. Grab a ticket at the front desk to scan for the cafeteria even if you’re just heading up for said view.

You don’t pay for this ticket, by the way. If you’re here, you’ve already purchased a combo ticket for the museum online as I told you.

You’ll get unobstructed views of the tower without any humans in your shots from the cafe.

Enter the museum itself behind the Leaning Tower and not where the cloakroom is. We had some trouble finding it the first time around.

Imagine frescoes of yesterday at the Sinopie Museum.

This is your last stop on your combo ticket of the piazza. We enjoyed this museum more than the Museum of the Opera del Duomo because it offered something different outside of the dramatic sculptures and religious art we had gotten used to.

You’ll need to use your imagination here, but you’ll be treated to large images that show the design phases of frescoes that adorned the Camposanto back to the Middle Ages. It’s a glimpse into the prep work necessary for making these frescoes happen, which I found to be a real treat.

Get one more round of people-watching on the square.

That’s it for the Square of Miracles. Take one last look at the Leaning Tower and any weird stuff that may have appeared since you began your adventure here before you see the rest of Pisa. Maybe you’ll see a guy dressed as a Subway sandwich. Maybe not. 

Grab sandwiches for lunch at L’Ostellino.

We fit in all of those landmarks on the square before lunch, and it was a packed morning. This is why I’m telling you that you need a full day here. Half-day tours only get the most touristy bits in and then it’s time to hit the road again.

You get the impression that all there is to see in Pisa is the Leaning Tower, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Don’t make the same mistake so many other tourists make, especially when there are delicious sandwiches waiting for you at L’Ostellino.

There’s an added layer of fun when they call your name over this echoing speaker that makes you feel like you’re in a wrestling competition. I got a salmon sandwich and it had to be ham and Brie for Brian.

If you’re not interested in sandos, I’m not sure you’re in the right place, as they are one of my favorite things. That said, I’m still glad you’re giving Pisa your time. Here are a few more options for lunch in Pisa:

• I Porci Comodi: Oops. I found another sandwich shop. This only also serves up daily soups and ready-to-eat charcuterie boards for you to snack on over wine.
• Il Ristoro della Pe’: If you’re in Italy to eat, you probably want more pasta. This casual family-run spot serves traditional Tuscan fare, including hearty pasta dishes.

Check out the Palazzo della Carovana.

This 16th-century building in Knights’ Square is home to the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, one of the most prestigious universities in Italy. When it was built starting in 1562, it served as the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen.

The name of the building, the “Palace of the Convoy,” reflects this time period and what I imagine were all kinds of secretive quests and whatnot. This was a training ground for the knights. What that entailed, I’m not sure. I’m not a historian, either.

Before you leave this piazza, check out the clock tower on the other side of the square. It’s actually made up of two medieval towers joined together at an archway.

Visit the National Museum of San Matteo.

The National Museum of San Matteo houses a large collection of religious art and artifacts, including an exhibit of crucifixes and how they’ve changed over the years. 

It’s the setting of this place that’s most impressive, though. You’re inside an 11th-century monastery while you’re here. See medieval cloisters and much of the original church on your tour, likely without the prying eyes of many tourists. 

Find your favorite piazza.

If you’re walking through Pisa’s old town and the surrounding alleyways, you’ll pass by lovely piazzas like the Piazza Garibaldi. 

Embrace the Italian vibes and spend some time in these squares doing little else outside of eating, drinking, or people-watching. Italy was made for slow travel. Even if that’s not your thing, set aside some time if you’re able to watch and observe.

I know. It sounds super nerdy. You’ll love the city a lot more, though.

Tour the Palazzo Blu.

You’ll know you’re at the Palazzo Blu when you reach the blue facade. This is an art museum, exhibit hub, and historic home, all in one space. 

I enjoyed the permanent exhibition space here best. You can walk through the noble quarters for a glimpse of the good life back then. This was the former home of the aristocratic Giuli Rosselmini Gualandi family until the 1970s.

I wasn’t as interested in the religious art inside, as we had just seen San Matteo, a much more scenic space. A small archaeological exhibit on the bottom floor features finds from excavations during the building’s restoration.

Stroll along the Arno River.

The Arno River lends itself to all kinds of riverside promenading. Admire the colorful buildings of Pisa on either side as you take a leisurely stroll along the Pisan lungarnos.

These are the walkways and pathways that run alongside the river, with plenty of cafes and tipple spots for you to stop at if you’re tired from all the tourism.

See the picturesque Santa Maria della Spina.

The Church of Santa Maria della Spina is a lovely little house of worship with one of the most perfect placements I’ve ever seen. The Gothic-style church sits right along the Arno River, looking all small and cute and adding to the architectural intrigue of your river strolls.

The church got its name for allegedly housing one of the thorns from the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. You won’t see the thorn there today as it has since been moved to the Chiesa di Santa Chiara, also in Pisa.

The exterior here is the most impressive part. Notice all of the intricate detail work along both entryways and the statues that line the facade. 

Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit. If you’re not as unlucky, you can visit the simple, single-room interior for a glimpse at Madonna of the Rose , a sculpture by Andrea and Nino Pisano.

Find Pisa pop art.

Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate is a lovely old church on Piazza Sant’Antonio in its own right, but you’re here for the large pop art mural on its back side. This is Tuttomondo , a public work of art by Keith Haring from 1989 that is meant to depict peace, harmony, and triumph over evil.

Haring died of AIDS-related complications in 1990, so this was one of his last works. Spend some time staring at all of the quirky details in this piece before moving on.

Grab dinner at one of Pisa’s best restaurants.

We had those enormous sandwiches quite late in the day, so decided to skip out on dinner in favor of the train back to Florence. That doesn’t mean you don’t need to do the same. Trains run late in Italy, so I’m all about lingering if you have more impressive stamina.

Just know that many restaurants close down for a midday break between lunch and dinner. If you’re staying in Pisa for dinner, many restaurants won’t reopen again until around 7:30pm. You’ll really have to commit here.

Here are a few options for the best restaurants in Pisa:

• Art Burger : This casual eatery is just opposite the pop art church, and I must say it looked and smelled really good when we were snapping our photos there. You can certainly order a burger, but their tartare game looked strong, too.
• La Taverna di Pulcinella: Pizza should always be an option, and this one serves up Neapolitan-style pies. You’ll be on the right side of the river for the train station back to Florence at this one, too.
• Ristorante Allabona Pisa: This friendly establishment is a favorite in Pisa within a short walk of the Leaning Tower. If it’s a nice day, enjoy some Chianti and a plate of fresh pasta at one of their outdoor tables.

More Things to Do in Pisa

I just gave you a full day’s worth of Pisa things to do, but if you fall in love with the city and want to stay longer, there are a few more we didn’t get to for one reason or another. Time was mostly the reason, but we did experience some closures, too. Italy travel begs for flexibility.

• Wander through the Orto Botanico di Pisa. This botanical garden was closed for palm maintenance during our trip, but it looks like a lovely escape from the throngs of tourists on the main square.
• See the ballet at the Teatro Verdi. How classy does that sound? They have a full roster of family-friendly shows, too, if you’re traveling to Pisa with kids.
• If you’re visiting in the summer, take a bus to the beach. Marina di Pisa and Tirrenia, a coastal stretch between Pisa and Livorno, both look lovely.
• Love history ? Don’t miss the Museo Delle Aviotruppe. This military museum is focused on exhibits about Italian parachute regiments during the two world wars.
• Visit the Museo del Instituto de la Anatomía Humana, or the Museum of Human Anatomy in Pisa. This one was closed during our visit, but if you’re at all into anatomy or dark tourism, this may be right up your alley.

Pisa Day Trip FAQs

Is Pisa a walkable city?

Pisa is a very walkable city. If you enjoy walking, you won’t need any public transportation outside of the train from Florence to Pisa and back again.

If you want to explore more of the city but walking isn’t feasible, Pisa buses are a cheaper option than local cabs. The main bus station is at the central train station. You can take that one straight to the Leaning Tower.

If you need the airport, the red LAM route connects to Pisa’s main attractions, Pisa Centrale, and Pisa International Airport.

How many hours in Pisa is enough?

Three to four hours in Pisa is enough for the main attractions on the Piazza dei Miracoli. A full day in Pisa will allow you to get away from the main square and experience a side of Pisa not all tourists see.

Can you do Pisa and Cinque Terre in one day?

You can do Pisa and Cinque Terre in one day with the understanding that it will be a long day. Expect to spend three to four hours on regional trains if you choose to use public transportation for the trip.

Guided tours are another option if you don’t feel like planning all of that. Take a look at a few highly-rated options below:

Where to Stay Overnight in Pisa

One of the biggest recommendations I read about day trips from Florence to Pisa was to stay overnight in Pisa to watch the crowds melt away. 

We didn’t do that because there just wasn’t enough time on our Italy trip, but I love the idea of watching the day-trippers head back home at the end of the day. Pisa can also be a great base for more travel in Tuscany. 

You can take day trips from Pisa to San Gimignano, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Bologna, and more. If you’re a wine lover, day trips to the Chianti region are very possible, too.

If you’d like to spend a night in Pisa, use the map below to get you started:

Is Pisa an overrated place?

Pisa can feel like an overrated place if you’re only here to see the Leaning Tower. It’s an incredible thing to see in person, but the crowded square does get old. Step away from the tower scene and Pisa becomes a very different experience.

Visit on a Florence day trip to Pisa, but try to spend the full day there soaking in the city. You’ll have much better memories of your Florence tours to Pisa.

Ready to Visit Pisa, Italy?

Your Flight:  I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book a vacation during a particular period of time, you should start your search on  Skyscanner . It’s a great tool for when you’re watching airfare, too, as you can set up alerts for price drops on the site.

There are a number of cities around the world, including the   United States , with direct flights to Florence Airport. You’ll likely encounter connections if you’re outside the main hubs, though.

We traveled to Florence from Bologna after nabbing a budget-friendly flight to the foodie city from Chicago thanks to Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. The train from Bologna to Florence is easy and affordable if you’d like to explore that option for travel on to Pisa.

Your Accommodations:  I love day trips to Pisa from Florence, but scroll up for my top picks for where to stay in Pisa. Booking.com is usually my first stop, followed by some comparison shopping with Hotels.com . Vrbo is my preferred Airbnb alternative.

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try  Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience for Pisa budget travel.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies, visit my  Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel and travel tips, visit my  Travel Tools  page.

Love this guide to planning day trips from Florence to Pisa? Pin me!

Want more European adventures nearby? Here you go:

• Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Parma
• A Guide to the Best of Bologna, Italy
• The Best Food Tour in Bologna
• Should You Book That Venice Gondola?
• How to Plan a Lovely Weekend in Nice

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Agnes Groonwald

12 Best Pisa Day Tours From Florence to Discover Art, Culture, and History

• 3 Pinterest

Garnering a spot as one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World, embark on an unforgettable journey with with our curated list of the  best Pisa day tours from Florence .

Officiated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 90s, compare the Romanesque landmarks that stand in contrast to Florence ’s Renaissance-rich counterparts.

Uncover our top 3 selections, including the highest-rated excursion boasting an immersive Pisan experience, a private tour offering personalized exploration, and a convenient option featuring skip-the-line access to the iconic Leaning Tower, ensuring a seamless and enriching adventure in this historic city.

Situated just over an hour from Tuscany’s capital city, Pisa is considered one of the best day trips from Florence .

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Pisa day tours from Florence

1 – Tuscany Day Trip: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 14080 reviews )

“The most wonderful, interesting and educative explanations by our great tour guide ‘Giancarlo Argentino’. Great tour. A full day of history, scenery, food, wine and fun. Thank you.” Walter, Viator

With so many stunning cities, towns and villages to visit, and incredible fun things to do in Tuscany , where does one begin? Walkabout Florence Tours helps solve your woes with a journey to four incredible locales!

Your start in Siena is the perfect introduction to Gothic architecture, visiting attractions such as 14th-century Piazza Salimbeni, Contrada della Torre museum, the iconic horse-racing Piazza del Campo, and, of course, the Duomo di Siena.

After a few hours on your feet, unwind with lunch at Fattoria Poggio Alloro wine estate, followed by a trip to San Gimignano. End on a high note at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, climbing its 300-odd steps to the top, sweeping in the vistas above the “Square of Miracles.”

• check offer
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Guided tour through Siena
• Please meet your guide at the designated departure point no later than 7.45 AM
• Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Entry to the Siena Cathedral is included
• Option: upgrade to a lunch and wine tasting at an organic winery
• Vegetarian and gluten-free options available

The highlight for us is the time spent in Siena. We know, we know , you’re probably itching to get to Pisa, but once you arrive in Siena, prepare to be mind-blown! The architecture of this city is truly insane, with centuries-old traditions seeping off every corner! Keep your cameras within close reach the entire day; there is so much awe-inspiring beauty to capture at every stretch of the way!

2 – Private Cinque Terre & Pisa Leaning Tower Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 679 reviews )

“Excellent tour, so much to see so much to do, and it was made even more special with the amazing hospitality and great service from our tour guide.” Kailani, Viator

Find yourself completely mesmerized by two of Italy’s most iconic picture postcard scenes; dreamy Cinque Terre and the world’s most recognizable tilted tower!  Truescany ’s voyage along the Italian Riviera will leave you breathless, ticking off must-do activities like boat rides across coastlines and villages.

Or, if you’re the active type, hike from one of The Five Lands’ cliffside coastal towns to the next. Uncover the magic of Pisa on your way back into Firenze, ensuring it’s the last thing you remember. Hop off your private minivan right near Piazza dei Miracoli, with an hour to meander around the cathedral square.

Hot tip: If your tour doesn’t include entrance to the monuments, check out the Leaning Tower of Pisa Tickets Price online to avoid disappointment.

• This is a small group tour limited to 8 participants
• Includes round-trip transfers to your hotel in central Florence (Zone A only) in a luxury minivan
• All boat and train tickets are inclusive of overall costs
• An iPad mini is available for you with pre-marked points of interest, wifi and mobile data
• Entrance tickets to museums, castles, villas and Cinque Terre National Park not included
• Lunch is your own expensive

You really feel like you’ve seen it all, traveling from the Tuscan capital, then through countryside vistas, onto the seaside with train rides in between and then sightseeing one of our world’s Top 10 most famous monuments!

P.s. In case you are curious, boat or hike from Riomaggiore (the first town of the five) to Manarola (the second), then your private transport whisks you to the third, Vernazza.

3 – Pisa Afternoon Tour & Skip-the-Line Leaning Tower Ticket

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 804 reviews )

“Climbing the stairs to the top of the tower was amazing. The views of Pisa from the top were breathtaking. Kaiko was an incredible tour guide. Highly recommend this tour.” Darla, Viator

Forget everything else and dive straight into “la gloriosa” (as it’s affectionately called in Italian) during an afternoon adventure with CAF Tour and Travel . Investigate the ins and outs of the Italian white and gray marbled Duomo di Pisa.

Stand beneath Cimabue’s Apse Mosaic and peer upward toward the heavens; look out for the tomb of Buscheto (who designed the cathedral), built into the left side of the building’s façade.

Hunt down the Aries star sign bas-relief etched into the Leaning Tower’s entrance, then ascend its 57-meter-high spiral staircase for crazy beautiful views across the city. Afterward, check out Pisa’s second most important square: Place des Chevaliers!

• Licensed tour guide and live onboard commentary
• Guided tour with a professional guide in Pisa
• Between April and October, guided tours in Pisa are monolingual
• English and Spanish
• Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starts, late-comers will not be able to join the excursion
• Includes round-trip transport in an AC bus with onboard wifi
• Includes fast-track, skip-the-line entry to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Admission to the cathedral is included in the tour price
• Group sizes go up to 50 pax, however, you can book this as a small group tour for up to 8 participants
• Headphones are available during tours for groups larger than 4
• Food and drinks are not included

The day moves very quickly with this tour and is packed with action! There’s no need to worry about anything logistically-wise either, as everything is taken care of, from transport to and from Florence to entrance (skip-the-line) tickets, with time inside the Cathedral (and not just from the outside) as well as a city interval.

4 – Pisa Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 2183 reviews )

“The bus trip through the countryside was lovely and the tower was amazingly beautiful.” Paula, Headout

Discover one of the world’s most famous structures on a convenient round-trip expedition without feeling the confines of a group excursion! Following your private ride into the city, arrive in Pisa full of excitement and new knowledge thanks to history books full of info received during the journey.

Left to your own demise once you reach your final destination, head to Piazza dei Miracoli (previously known as Piazza del Duomo), where you’ll find the iconic landmark leaning toward the heavens.

If you’re keen to explore a few of the other fun things to do in Pisa , you have about 2.5 hours to do your thing.

• Wear comfy shoes
• Includes round-trip transfers in an AC coach
• Onboard wifi available
• This excursion does not include a guided tour in Pisa
• The Leaning Tower entry ticket is not inclusive of price
• Tours are limited to 8 pax

Ultimately, this is more of a round-trip transfer to Pisa and back rather than a full-blown guided tour. If you’ve visited Pisa before, but perhaps some of your other party members haven’t, this is an excellent option! Your friends can explore the plaza while you investigate the other sites around the city before heading back to Florence!

5 – Day Trip Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano w/Lunch

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 4628 reviews )

“Terrific and wholesome day in such a famous landscape. Our guide Anna was also very patient and attentive, with lots of information to give at all times. If you’re looking to explore this part of Italy in a day this is your best option.” Aymen, Getyourguide

Revel in a day out in the Tuscan countryside with My Tour in Italy , visiting the most picturesque, important and famed towns across its landscape!

Kick things off with your first load of sightseeing in Pisa, stopping at Cathedral Square for photo ops and admirations. Get a true taste of Toscana in Chianti’s Monteriggioni (a small medieval hillside hamlet above the town of Greve). Lunch is set up at a local winery, with wine tastings included.

Arrive in magical Siena, catching elevators into the city (epic)! A whopping of landmarks await you (including the Duomo and the Piazza del Campo). Your last stop is historic San Gimignano , where the world gelato champions are located!

• The Florence Gate
• Florence (Villa Costanza Tram T1)
• Florence Villa Constanza Bus Station
• Guided walking tour of Siena in English
• English, Portuguese, Chinese, French, Spanish, Italian
• Lunch is included
• A vegetarian option is available upon request
• There is some stair-walking involved
• Entrance ticket to the Duomo di Siena
• Winery visit and tastings inclusive of price
• If you are booking a tour with a French, Portuguese or Chinese, a minimum of 4 participants is required

If time is of the essence for your Florence vacation, but you want to tour as much of Tuscany as possible, then this option is ideal! You’ll spend about 1.5 hours at each destination, with extra time for shopping here too, and milling down the antiquated streets. Each town is unique, ensuring you end the day with your cup full.

6 – Pisa and Cinque Terre Day Trip by Train

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 297 reviews )

“It was great tour to explore Pisa and Cinque Terre. Specially, thanks for our guide John who is very kind and well-organized whole tour. We truly enjoyed the beautiful cities in Italy and had great fun time.” Justin, Viator

Fun fact: five official towns comprise the Cinque Terre coastline, each once guarded by a seaside castle. Not far from Pisa, travel a convenient route just like the locals from Florence to Pisa and then through to Cinque Terre all by train!

Meet your Italy on a Budget tours guide at the station, and disembark in Pisa. Pose for that famous picture in front of her Leaning Tower, then it’s off to the Italian Riviera for a day of sea and sunshine!

Fall in love with the colorful houses leading up the cobbled hill in Riomaggiore; live life in the slow lane in Vernazza with its famed port and finally, pitstop in Manarola, taking in its stunning viewpoints.

• Local English-speaking tour leader
• This tour is designed for travelers between 18 and 45 years old; no children are allowed
• If you are between 45 and 50 years old, a good fitness level is required as Cinque Terre is very hilly
• In peak season (June to August), the trains get very crowded, so be prepared in advance
• In summer, bring an extra sun hat, sunblock, etc; in winter, dress warmly for the coastline
• Entrance fee to the Leaning Tower is not included
• Lunch is not included
• As you’re traveling on trains, there may be unforeseen delays
• Tour groups are capped at 30 pax

This tour is a real cost-saver, eliminating expensive travel costs because you’re traveling via train. If you’re here in summer and are craving ocean time, this is the one for you! You will have time in Vernazza for a dip in the sea. All five villages are on the coast, so in cooler months (even the month just before summer flies in), it’s a bit chilly when the sun isn’t shining.

Read more: Things to do in Cinque Terre

7 – Excursion to Pisa through the Tuscan Countryside

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 53 reviews )

“Very nice tour. Bus ride was comfortable. Along the way, the guide gave a brief introduction of the towns we passed by. I recommend getting he option that includes the climb up Pusa tower. From the top, you will have a wonderful view of Cattedrale di Pisa and the surrounding.” Virat, Klook

For those with your hearts set on an extensive sightseeing tour of Pisa, this journey through the rolling hills directs you straight to the Piazza dei Miracoli, where most of this tour takes place.

Throughout the guided expedition, not only scope out the famous landmarks forming part of this square but gain a deeper understanding of the history and statistics behind each monument. Marvel over the 56-meter-tall obscure marble pillar, meander around the Romanesque-style cathedral and sing a sweet melody inside the Baptistery to hear its impressive acoustics.

Before heading back to the Toscana capital, check out a few of Pisa’s 20-odd churches and other essential structures during your free time, or go camera wild around the Cathedral Square.

• Semi-independent tour without admission to the Leaning Tower of Pisa: From €39 per person
• Guided tour without admission to the Leaning Tower of Pisa: From €55 per person
• Guided tour with admission to the Leaning Tower of Pisa: From €85 per person
• Free for children between 0 and 3 years old
• Professional and knowledgeable local guide
• Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starting time
• Includes round-trip transfers but doesn’t include hotel pick up and drop off
• Meals and beverages not included

You have three options to choose from with this tour operator, catering to your personal preferences when it comes to guides, costs and more! However, no matter which option you do go with, you’ll still have time to roam around Pisa for a bit on your own.

8 – Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli Half-Day Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 262 reviews )

“The Pisa tour was excellent. We enjoyed the guided tour given by Ricardo in and out of the Cathedral.” Michael, Viator

Travel comfortably from Firenze to the famous university town with Ciao Florence Tours .  After spending half a day exploring the Square of Miracles, you’ll soon realize where the nickname comes from! Your highly knowledgeable guide on all things Pisa joins you throughout the entire excursion.

Learn facts beyond the obvious about Italy’s largest baptistery, for example, when it was officially deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, why it garnered the new name, and so much more!

After climbing the Tower and investigating the architectural masterpieces, take advantage of extra free time to amble through the city itself, then head back to Florence in the late afternoon.

• Expert multilingual tour leader
• Onboard guide
• Pisa tour with professional guide, headsets provided
• English, Portuguese, Italian, French, Spanish
• Tour price includes skip-the-line admission to both the Leaning Tower and the Pisa Cathedral
• There is a dress code for places of worship and certain museums/landmarks: no sleeveless tops and shoulders showing; no shorts and knees must be covered
• Food and drinks not included
• Kids under eight years old aren’t allowed to climb the tower
• Group tours are capped at 50 pax

Never without facts and information by your side; this is one for the history buffs. With a set of headphones for all participants, you don’t have to worry about not being able to hear your guide in large groups — for those that are regular tour groupies; you’ll know this is totally a thing and can get frustrating sometimes when you can’t hear over the hum of other members’ chatter.

9 – Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti Experience

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 3112 reviews )

“It’s been over a year since we did this tour ,my son 17 & daughter 16 still reminisces over the day we did this fabulous tour with a fantastic guide fantastic driver and special people we shared our day with.” Liam, Getyourguide

Searching for the best Chianti wine day tours from Florence that also include a few extra highlights? Get your complete fix of the Toscana countryside (and then some) with Sightseeing Experience ’s jam-packed tour extravaganza!

Showcasing some of the best places to visit in Italy , this one is all about appreciating food from central Italy, vino from its top wine-growing region and clocking in a colossal number of Bucket List attractions!

Travel directly to Pisa, where the first leg of this tour kicks off; indulge in wine tastings and a typical countryside lunch in Chianti; trek centuries-old streets and alleys in San Gimignano; and uncover the magnificent architecture in Siena!

• Live tour guide
• Live tour guide in Siena
• English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, French
• Includes round-trip transfers with free wifi onboard
• A pick-up option is available upon request for private tours
• You can book this as a small or private group tour
• Lunch and wine tastings included
• A vegetarian menu is available, or if you have any dietary specifications let the operator know beforehand
• Leaning Tower of Pisa tickets included (please select when booking)
• Other entrance tickets to landmarks not included

So, for this expedition, you can either select a guided tour in Siena or simply explore at your own leisure. Visiting many towns and sights in one day, this can sometimes be a great break in between if you’re keen on doing some shopping or perhaps an aperitif. Don’t miss the craft shops in San Gimignano; we picked up an incredible journal with handmade paper and exquisite fountain pens (writers, your heart will skip a beat!).

10 – Pisa & Lucca Day Tour with Buccellato Tasting

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 124 reviews )

“Our guide Gabriel was so nice – made sure to check on us at all times and gave us some good recommendations of things to do and see. Highly recommended!” Leanne, Getyourguide

Go with the flow of two rivers as you journey in a westerly direction toward Pisa and Lucca with this super affordable full-day tour.  Ciao Florence Tours starts things off in Pisa first, passing by the Arno, which runs through the university city.

Become educated and better acquainted with the Torre di Pisa, examine the grand interiors of the Pisa Cathedral, photograph the round Baptistery and inspect the walled Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery).

Moving onto Lucca — one of Italy’s music hubs — meander through its historical old town straddling the Serchio. Sample the traditional donut-shaped Lucchese cake known as Buccellato, navigate your way through the town’s famous landmarks, like Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and skip along the city’s medieval ramparts.

• Expert multilingual escorts
• Guided tour of Pisa
• Guided tour of Lucca
• English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
• In low season (November to March) the tour is conducted in English or Spanish. For other languages, a minimum of four participants is required
• In low season (November to March) the tour is conducted daily in English or Spanish. For other languages, a minimum of two participants is required
• Portuguese: Tuesday
• French: Thursday
• Italian: Saturday
• Travel by air-conditioned GT coach equipped with an advanced sound system
• Includes admission to Pisa Cathedral
• There is a low-cost option (with no tour guide in Pisa and Lucca)
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes
• Dress appropriately for the weather
• Luggage and large bags not permitted

Fun fact: Lucca is not only famous for its city walls but its a hotspot for market-goers, particularly its antique flea markets.

Every third Saturday and Sunday of the month, over 200 vendors set up shop around Piazza San Giusto and Piazza Antelminelli. If this tickles your fancy, plan your tour around this or other markets, from farmers to handicrafts, on different days of the week/month.

Read more: Things to do in Lucca

11 – Afternoon excursion to Pisa with Leaning Tower & Cathedral tickets

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 37 reviews )

“A highly recommended tour…The guide is very professional and very attentive.” Anonymous, Musement

Art and history are at the forefront of CAF Tour and Travel ’s chaperoned outing around the Square of Miracles. Your tour guide is with you at every corner throughout the 8.87-hectare compound, sharing fascinating details, stats and local legends surrounding the famous walled plaza.

Enjoy adequate time at all four architectural jewels: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Old Cemetery.

Scale the top of the campanile and then pose alongside the structure for that iconic snap of you “holding” up the tower. Arrive back in Florence with a mind full of new information and incredible pictures to remind you of your adventure forever!

• Guided tour of Piazza dei Miracoli
• Includes skip-the-line tickets
• The tour may be conducted in dual languages
• To climb the Leaning Tower, you will need to have a moderate fitness level (not suitable for those with cardiovascular or motor disorders)
• You will spend 30 minutes at the tower
• If the queues for the Cathedral are too long, this is swapped for a guided tour of Piazza dei Cavalieri

Your tour guide is an expert on the Leaning Tower, so this expedition is perfect for knowledge-hungry travelers and those searching for the best Pisa day tours from Florence! You will cover all of the landmarks within the square, but your cicerone focuses the majority of the attention on the bell tower.

12 – Private Tour: Lucca and Pisa with Typical Pastry Tasting

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 9 reviews )

“Our tour guide was so awesome! Truly educational but fun! We highly recommend this tour!” Kim, Viator

If you’ve always wondered what the upper half of the Tuscan region is all about, CAF Tour and Travel has chosen two iconic destinations for you! A classic combination thanks to the closeness of proximity between the two Italian cities, spend half your time in Pisa and the other in Lucca.

Land in one of Italy’s four major maritime republics, where the Leaning Tower of Pisa is famously located, reveling in a private walking tour of the city famed for its architecture, art and rich Etruscan-come-Roman origins.

Choose between a two-course lunch in Pisa at a local trattoria or enjoy a traditional feast at your next stop: Lucca.

• Private English-speaking guide
• English/Italian-speaking driver
• Local professional guide in Pisa
• English, German, Italian, French, Spanish
• Includes transport in a deluxe AC vehicle with onboard wifi
• Pastry tastings are not available on Mondays
• Infant seats are available
• This is a private tour for your group only
• All entry fees to landmarks and attractions are not included in tour price

The Lucca section of the excursion is at your own leisure, not following a tour guide, deciding precisely where and what you’d like to do and see in particular. A pastry tasting at a sweet shop in Lucca signals the conclusion of this tour – the perfect sweet ending.

How to book Pisa day tours in Florence?

Home to one of our world’s most famous structures, the masses flock daily to Pisa, all year round! There are many companies offering Pisa day tours from Florence.

With plenty of options, many travel websites sell these tours online, each platform offering unique selling points and price variations. Use our search engine to conveniently compare offers, reviews, and prices, easily booking the tour that suits you best with a few simple clicks.

Travel tip: Check the complete guide about the Renaissance city, from visiting the Uffizi Gallery to strolling across the Ponte Vecchio, the list of things to do in Florence is endless and captivating.

Explore Europe by Train: Easy Day Trips and Connected Cities

Day Trip from Florence to Pisa by Train: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Yours!

A day trip from Florence to Pisa by train is easy with these straight forward tips to make it happen. Plan what to see, where to eat and even where to pick up a souvenir on your one day in Pisa.

With Italy’s Trenitalia I was able to zip over from Florence with no fuss, and be up to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and other sights early. Then I enjoyed a leisurely lunch and browsed by way back through shops to the train station. It was a delightful day! (You can also do a day trip from Florence to Venice , you have options!)

So let’s talk about Pisa.

Is Pisa Worth Visiting?

If you are in Florence, you are so close to Pisa it is an easy trip. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is world famous and icon, something you have probably seen photos of for as long as you can remember. For that alone, it is worth going to see in person. When you learn a little more about it, it is even more interesting.

There is also more to Pisa than just that. The Cathedral is beautiful, filled with the spoils of ancient wars. The Baptistry acoustics are perfection. There are more square feet of frescoes in the Camposanto than in the Sistine Chapel.

What is Pisa Known for?

Of course everyone knows about the Leaning Tower. And I just told you a little about the Cathedral, Baptistry, and Camposanto. There are also two museums on the Piazza del Duomo, also called Square of Miracles, so you could fill a whole day right there.

Pisa is also known for its history as one of the four great Italian Maritime Republics of the Middle Ages. During this time Pisan Amalfi, Venice, and Genoa ruled maritime commerce.

Speaking of being a maritime power, Pisa spans the Arno River just as Florence does. A number of bridges cross the river and the views are gorgeous and worth the stop.

Famous People from Pisa:

Pisa is known as the birthplace of Galileo Galilei , “the father of Modern Science.” Galileo famously opposed the Catholic church, refusing to denounce his belief that the sun and not the earth was the center of the solar system.

Leonardo Fibonacci , Italian mathematician was born in Pisa. He did not discover, but introduced the sequence of numbers that became known as the Fibonacci sequence to Europe. (If you are or love a nerd, you know about this.)

When is the best time to visit Pisa?

This is somewhat a matter of what is important to you. So let’s cover some preferences:

• If you want to have the most sun and warm weather or are restricted to when the school year is not in session, June through August is best.
• If you want to avoid the summer crowds and/or are good friends with air-conditioning, late March through May and September-October may be for you. (*cough* me! *cough*)
• Keep in mind August is holiday month in Italy! It is a very warm month and a good number of Italians flee the cities for the beach. Main tourist sites are all still open, so you are ok on that account. However, restaurants and shops may be closed for a week or two during the month with no apparent rhyme or reason to the schedule.

Festivals and Cultural Events in Pisa

Depending on your particular tastes, you may want to plan to see or avoid the crowds of these events:

• Capodanno Pisano – March 25 – Traditional Pisan New Year. Celebrated with a historical procession and proclamation. In recent years also include fireworks the night before.
• Gioco del Ponte – Last Saturday in June – A historical reenactment including a procession along the riverbanks and “Battle of Ponte de Mezzo” between the main neighborhoods of Pisa.
• Luminara di San Ranieri – June 16 – Over 70k glass-enclosed candles are attacked to the front of buildings along the river while additional candles float in the river. Fireworks in the evening.
• San Ranieri Regatta – June 17 – Regatta celebrating the ancient naval tradition of Pisa in honor of the patron saint of the city.
• Maritime Republics Regatta – date is sometime late may to early July and location moves between cities each year – Competitive sporting event to reenact the rivalry between the great Maritime Republics: Pisan Amalfi, Genoa, and Venice.

The Train for your Day Trip from Florence to Pisa

Which train stations.

You want to depart from Firenze S.M.N station, which is Florence Santa Maria Novella.  This is an easy walk from the historic center of Florence. 

Pisa Centrale or Pisa S. Rossore

Most people take the Florence to Pisa Train to Pisa Centrale train for a day trip from Florence to Pisa. Traveling from Florence to Pisa by train between Florence S.M.N. and Pisa Centrale gives the most train options without having to transfer. Pisa Centrale train station also has better bus and taxi service to the sites if you would rather not walk.

Arriving at Pisa S. Rossore train station is technically closer to the main sites such at the leaning tower of Pisa, however this station usually requires a transfer of trains, often at Pisa Centrale, and is a much smaller station without assistance.  It also requires you to get to the other side of the train tracks to get to the sites, which involves walking along more major roads that don’t really have sidewalks. Unless there’s some secret passage way to do this I haven’t found.  Maybe I’ll make a trip back one of these days just to explore that and figure it out for you. Until then, this post focuses on arriving at Pisa Centrale.

How to get from Florence to Pisa by Train

I did not buy tickets in advance, and it really is not necessary. The many inexpensive train options at during the day, combined with the ability buy a ticket as you are ready to board a train makes a day trip from Florence to Pisa very easy to do with minimal planning. (The tickets to go up the Tower of Pisa is a different story!)

Florence to Pisa Train:

• Similar frequency through daylight hours
• Transfers: a few of the many trains require transfers, so double check what you purchase
• Trip duration: 51min – 1hour 22min depending on stops/transfer
• Check ticket prices and times : Trenitalia’s site

The most famous site, the leaning Tower of Pisa, and the other Pisa attractions in the Piazza Del Duomo complex usually open at 9am (check the official site below – this changes). If you want to be there at normal opening time you should plan on a train that arrives at 8:30am.

How to get from Pisa to Florence by Train

• Frequency: 3-5 trains/hour until 9pm, 3 more trains until approximately 10:30pm
• Transfers: There is a rare train requiring transfer, so check what you are buying
• Trip duration: 52min – 1hour 25min

Planning Your Time for One Day in Pisa

The leaning Tower of Pisa is probably the main Pisa attraction you are hoping to see. You may not know the Tower of Pisa is actually one of six attractions in the Piazza del Duomo of Pisa. The Piazza itself has very little shade, so I strongly suggest you plan to be inside a site or getting lunch or shopping when it is hottest. Also there will be large groups of people jockeying for position to get those famous leaning Tower shots. So my advice is to get there early.

It is a good idea to go to the Piazza Del Duomo and the leaning Tower of Pisa directly from the train station. Then you can see those most-famous sites right when they open and get all of your photos before it gets too warm. Afterward is then open to meander back, stopping to eat, shop, or whatever you plan to do for your day in Pisa.

Alternately you can purchase tickets for the Tower of Pisa and other Pisa attracts at Piazza Del Duomo for late afternoon.

Getting from Pisa Centrale to the Leaning Tower of Pisa

If you want to get your steps in during your daytrip from Florence to Pisa, walking directly from Pisa Centrale train station to the Piazza Del Duomo will take you about 20-25 minutes depending on your speedster level. As you exit the train station, take a few turns through traffic circles out of the train station and follow Via Francesco Crispi to Ponte Solferino over the Arno. You probably want to get a few photos here, the view along the Arno is beautiful!  Then continue straight on Piazza Solferino which blends into Via Roma, and is a straight path up to the Piazza del Duomo.  This is what I did on my way to the Piazza del Duomo so I could get in early.  As I mentioned before, the Piazza itself does not have much shade, so I was motivated. 

Taxi from Pisa Train Station to the Tower of Pisa

You can take a Taxi from Pisa Centrale to the Piazza Del Duomo. A taxi from the train station should cost you roughly the equivalent of $15-$20 USD. Tipping of cab drivers is not expected in Italy, but if your driver goes out of their way to assist you, being a nice person and rounding up to the next euro is certainly appreciated.

Bus from Pisa Train Station to the Tower of Pisa

Or you can take a few minutes walk out of the station to the bus stop on Via Cesare Battisti, and take bus 21 on a 5 minute trip for about the equivalent of $1-$3 as of this writing.

Pisa Attractions for your Day Trip from Florence to Pisa

Piazza del duomo.

Most people talk about, and plan to visit, the Leaning Tower of Pisa on a day trip to Pisa.  However, the Leaning Tower is actually part of a collection of buildings in the Piazza del Duomo of Pisa.  These include the Cathedral, Leaning Tower, Baptistery, Camposanto, Sinopie Museum, and the Opera del Duomo Museum.

Opening Hours of Tower of Pisa and other Sites

USUALLY The opening times of most Piazza del Duomo sites is 9am, with the Cathedral at 10am.

HOWEVER , these change somewhat often for special events so please check the Piazza del Duomo hours site for the specific date of your one day in Pisa.

Tickets and Pricing:

The cost of the tickets varies from €7 to €27 depending on what combination of sites you want to enter. So go to the Piazza del Duomo ticket site for a full explanation of the different options. There are ticket offices onsite, but you will have to stand in line and then sort through this same information. Also, the Tower has timed entries and if you wait to purchase same day or on site you may get an inconvenient time, or not be able to get a slot at all. So I highly recommend doing so ahead of time, online.

Cathedral of Pisa

What is the cathedral of pisa.

This is the main cathedral within Pisa. The Cathedral of Pisa is medieval Roman Catholic cathedral, with different stylistic elements reflecting the international presence of Pisan merchants as that time. The Cathedral is the oldest of the structures within the Piazza del Duomo, with construction beginning in 1063AD, the same year as St. Mark’s Basilica in St. Mark’s Square in Venice . It is believed this is an indication of the competitiveness between the two trade city-states. The Cathedral was completed in 1092AD, consecrated in 1118AD, with expansions completed by 1180AD.

Key Highlights:

On the exterior of the Cathedral, take note of the bronze griffin on the eastern part of the roof which was the part of the spoils of a battle with Palermo. (Current griffin is now a copy, with the original in the cathedral museum.) Also take note of the door of Saint Rainerius, in the transept that faces the bell tower. This door is the only one not destroyed by fire in 1595, and the bronze sculptures show stories from the New Testament.

Inside the Cathedral, look up because the coffered ceiling covered in gold leaf is worth studying. The inside of the dome is decorated with a rare technique that actually paints with hot wax. Remember the griffin taken from the battle with Palermo? Well the Corinthian columns between the nave and apse were also taken from Palermo. Also take a minute to admire the large mosaic of Christ between the Virgin and Saint John. This is that last work of Cimabeu, and it somehow survived the fire of 1595. While there are a number of other noteworthy items and art of interest, I’ll just mention the tomb of Henry VII, Holy Roman Emperor, in the right transept.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

What is the leaning tower of pisa.

This is the most famous of the sites, and probably the one that got you interested in visiting Pisa. It is the leaning tower that has raised Questions and concerns since before it was finished. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is actually the bell tower of the Cathedral. The tower actually began to lean during construction and things just got worse through the roughly 200 years until it was finished. The unstable foundation caused the Tower to continue its tilt until it reached a deeply concerning 5.5 degrees by 1990. From 1993 to 2001 a $27 million stabilizing and strengthening project was performed on the Tower, and the lean was reduced to 3.97 degrees. The engineering work completed has meant that the Tower has stopped moving for the first time in its history. The engineers have stated it would be stable for at least 200 years.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is 185 feet 11 inches on the high side, and 183 feet 3 inches on the low side. That that leads to a significant difference on the inside, too. On the north-facing staircase there are 2 fewer steps at the 7th floor that the opposite staircase! If you are worried about entering, it may relieve you to know that the tower has actually survived at least 4 significant earthquakes in its history. Apparently the same soft ground that has been the bane of the Towers stability in one way, has protected it from collapse during these traumas.

What is the Pisa Baptistery of St. John?

The Bapistery of St. John is a Roman Catholic building, built for the purpose of performing the rite of baptism. Early in church history those not yet baptized were not permitted into the church itself for liturgical proceedings. Therefore a separate building was required to perform this rite.

The Baptistery of St. John in Pisa is the largest baptistery in Italy. Note that the lower part of the baptistery has rounded arches in the Romanesque style, and the upper has pointed Gothic arches. Inside note the pulpit sculpted by Nicola Pisano. His son, Giovanni is the sculptor of the pulpit in the Duomo. Also worth noting is that because of the unique design of the roof of the baptisry, the interior is acoustically perfect creating a resonating chamber.

Documentation also tell us Galileo was baptized here February 19, 1954.

What is the Camposanto?

Pisa’s Camposanto is a Gothic cloister on the northern edge of of the Piazza del Duomo. It was originally meant to be a church, but during construction that shifted to the creation of a cemetery.

Yes, this is a cemetery, with most of the tombs under the arcades which all surround a central lawn. There are also three chapels within the structure. Take particular note of the incense lamp in the Aulla chapel, which is the one Galileo Galilei used to study the movements of pendulums. Within the Dal Pozzo chapel includes an impressive list of relics such as a small piece of the dress of the Virgin Mary and a thorn from the crown of thorns worn by Christ. Many other significant pieces were collected over the years, so there is quite a bit to see inside this cemetery. Also examine the frescoes as there are more square feet of frescoes here than in the the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

Sinopie Museum

What is the sinopie museum.

The Sinopie Museum in Pisa houses the preparatory drawings (called sinopies) found under the frescoes of the Camposanto during the restoration of those frescoes.

When restoration work on the frescoes of the Camposanto was undertaken, amazingly preserved sinopies were discovered underneath the frescoes. These sinopies were removed and transferred to the Sinopie museum and are worth close inspection. There are also two multimedia presentations in this museum. One is a 3D simulation of the Camposanto over the centuries, and the other is an audiovisual presentation about the on the restoration work on the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Opera del Duomo Museum

What is the opera del duomo museum.

The Opera del Duomo museum in Pisa is dedicated to the wealth of objects that have been collected from the cathedral & baptistery.

The different galleries within the Opera del Duomo museum are are dedicated to different collections of art and archeologically significant items. There is marble from the exterior and interior of the Cathedral, sculptures from the Baptistery, the choir of the Cathedral, the funeral shroud and insignia of Emperor Henry VII, an entire gallery for liturgical vestments, and others for sacred vessels.

Food & Shopping on your Day Trip from Florence to Pisa!

Where to eat in pisa:.

Food: I think the most attractive walk back down the the Arno river is from the southeast corner of the Piazza del Duomo, down Via Santa Maria. Along that walk two restaurants that consistently please are:

L’Ostellino – for sandwiches & charcuterie

• Piazza Felice Cavalottie, 1
• L’Ostellino Facebook Page

Oteria In Domo – for pasta, steak, seafood

• Via Santa Maria, 129
• Osteria In Domo Facebook Page

Shopping in Pisa

Most of the shopping in Pisa is south of the Arno, along Corso Italia. Corso Italia is a pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants which connects the Ponte Mezzo bridge over the Arno to the Piazza V. Emanuele II in front of the train station. So it’s an excellent way to browse your way back to the station!

I hope that helps you planning your day trip from Florence to Pisa, and you have a wonderful day exploring the city! SO – what are you going to Pisa to see? Comment below and let me know. Or drop a question if you have one. If I can answer I will.

And please pin this post, or subscribe in the upper right. It really does help me out, and I promise I do not spam. I’m morally opposed. Enjoy your travels!

17 thoughts on “ Day Trip from Florence to Pisa by Train: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Yours! ”

This is a great guide! I only stayed in Pisa long enough to see the Tower, but that’s when I realized just how much there was to see there! Would love to go back one day.

When we went for the day, it was originally only to see the tower, too! Then as I started reading and researching, I realized how much there was. There never seems to be enough time and $$ for me to see all the things I want to see!

Great post! I visited Pisa as a day trip from Florence a few years ago. I think it works really well as a day trip, as there’s enough to do in Pisa to fill a day. I enjoyed seeing the Cathedral and Baptistry as well as the Leaning Tower.

It’s great that you can spend a full day here and have so much to see! I’d love to visit Pisa when I’m next in Italy.

I definitely recommend it! Let me know if you go, I’d love to know what you see & what you think. 🙂

What a thorough guide! Can’t wait to use it!

Excellent, hope it works well for you! Let me know. 😀

Tuscany is a fantastic region so full of gems to discover! Pisa’s main square is absolutely stunning and one of the nicest squares in Italy! Thanks for sharing!

I just love Tuscany & northern Italy. It’s such a beautiful country. I want to see all the beautiful cities!

When I visited Florence a few years ago, I chose to travel to the Cinque Terre on a day trip. Now I need to go back and visit Pisa! Thanks a lot for the helpful tips, Pisa looks like a wonderful place with so many things to do and see (besides the Leaning Tower)! 😍

And I haven’t done Cinque Terre yet! I’m headed back in the fall, so hopefully I’ll get Cinque Terre in.

I always thought the Tower would probably be the only place worth seeing in Pisa. Your blog is really intriguing and when I plan my trip to Pisa ..will plan for a longer duration and will consider your blog as reference 😊

Wow, I only ever been to Pisa during a day trip (where we hit 2 other destinations, so not much free time in Pisa). Reading this, I realise how I need to go back to explore it fully. Thanks for sharing!

Italy has been on my list for the longest time – thanks for sharing this lovely guide. Definitely coming back to it later!

[…] in Tuscany are very well connected and you can easily do a one day trip from Florence to Pisa for example or some other nearby […]

[…] you have read much of this site, you know talk about a day trip from Florence to Venice and a day trip from Florence to Pisa. That’s because I usually make Florence a home base and travel out. But if you are flipping […]

[…] it’s also excellent for day tripping out to other Italian cities.  The train easily makes a day trip to Pisa, Lucca, Verona, Bologna, Siena, and other cities including Venice just a quick trip away.  I’m […]

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Fearlessly Italy

Day Trip From Florence To Pisa – All You Need to Know

An old maritime republic, a Florence to Pisa day trip is one of the favorite Tuscany adventures. There are many day trips from Florence you can make, and to Pisa is one of the easiest ones to organize.

Even though it’s pretty hard to explore Pisa in one day , with proper planning, you can see much of what this beautiful Tuscan city has to offer. Let’s be clear, a day trip from Florence to Pisa is hardly not be enough to appreciate its art and history. But if that’s all you can afford, we will make it work!

Table of Contents

How to plan a perfect day trip from Florence to Pisa

A day trip to rich-culture cities such as Pisa or Siena might be too short but obviously, if we want to see more of a region, this remains the best option. After spending several days in Florence and taking a lovely  day trip from Florence to Siena , we decided to make another short excursion, this time a day tour from Florence to Pisa. We weren’t sure whether a day trip to Pisa would be enough or not, but after staying there all morning and afternoon, we were happy we did it.

The most popular things to see in the Pisa are all located in Piazza del Duomo or Campo dei Miracoli, one of the most iconic squares in Italy . So for a quick jaunt without delving too deep into the local attractions, a day trip to Pisa can be enough.

How to get to Pisa from Florence

Florence to Pisa trains leave from Santa Maria Novella Train Station roughly every hour and the train ride takes from an to an hour and a half.

Florence to Pisa train ticket price :   One-way ticket from Florence to Pisa is € 8.40 if booked through Trenitalia . If the Trenitalia website is not straightforward enough for English speakers, check out Omio (former GoEuro) for prices, routes, and timetables.

If you prefer to travel independently, you can rent your own car and drive to Pisa from Florence. It approximately takes an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and a half. The fastest route is probably via the A11 highway, where you will need to drive for about 70 km.

Driving a car in Florence is not really recommended since the historic center is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). If you are staying in the city center, probably your best bet is to travel by train, while if you are staying outside of the city center, it will be easier to go to Pisa by car.

Check Discover Cars for car rental models and prices.

How to get from Pisa Centrale to the Leaning Tower

If you are arriving by train, walking from Pisa Centrale to Campo dei Miracoli, where are the Duomo and the Leaning Tower, takes some 25 minutes.

The main gate of Pisa train station, called Pisa Centrale, opens on a fairly wide street called Viale Antonio Gramsci, right in front of it. Walk Viale Antonio Gramsci to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, walk to the left side of the piazza to the short road called Largo Padri Della Costituzione then turn right to Via Francesco Crispi and from there it is a long straight road where you will cross the Solferino bridge “Ponte Solferino” along the Arno river. Then walk on Via Roma that finally connects to Piazza del Duomo.

Note :   The walk from the station and can be pleasant if it’s not too hot. Otherwise, I recommend you go by taxi or bus. You can take the bus from Pisa Centrale station and get off at Piazza Manin stop.

Things to do in Pisa on a day trip from Florence

Leaning tower, “torre pendente”.

Located next to Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa) within Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), the famous Torre di Pisa was used as the cathedral’s bell tower. Some consider its leaning structure an architectural miscalculation while others believe the soft soil is the cause.

Whatever the reason, the tower made the city famous all over the world and you can’t miss it on your day trip from Florence to Pisa. If you want to go up the tower, booking the ticket online will make you skip the queue.

Il Duomo di Pisa

Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, Pisa Cathedral is located in Campo dei Miracoli and is one of the main landmarks of the city. A gorgeous Romanique-Gothic architecture, the Duomo is one of the first things to visit on your day trip to Pisa.

Battistero di San Giovanni

The Baptistery of Saint John is a gorgeous building in the same Campo dei Miracoli, so you can hardly miss it. Depending on how much time you have, I suggest you enter because it’s an impressive building thought to be Italy’s biggest baptistery.

Campo Santo

The 13th-century monumental cemetery is also a part of Campo dei Miracoli complex. was the last monument to be added to the complex. A masterpiece of Giovanni di Simone, it’s a large grass-covered reliquary.

Museo delle Sinopie

Museo delle Sinopie is also part of the Campo dei Miracoli complex and is included in the ticket system for all the landmarks located here. The museum displays how the artists worked, and jotted down the first sketches of their future frescoes masterpieces. Even if you are only on a day trip from Florence to Pisa, try not to miss this museum.

Piazza dei Cavalieri (Knights Square)

Not in the immediate surroundings of the more famous Campo dei Miracoli, often hasty tourists overlook this beautiful square. However, it’s not too far from the main complex of tourist landmarks, so if you have some time left on your Pisa day trip from Florence, don’t miss it.

The square is surrounded by historical palaces including the “Hunger Tower” where count Ugolino della Gherardesca was sentenced to die from hunger and thirst. If you have more time and are still wondering what to do in Pisa, this is definitely a fascinating attraction shrouded in mystery.

Where to eat on a day trip to Pisa

La Sosta dei Cavalieri . Small and cozy, the wood interior design is the perfect surrounding for a traditional Tuscan meal. They serve both seafood/fish and meat-based washed with a glass of good local wine. The restaurant is in Via San Frediano 3.

Ristorante La Clessidra . Serving both fish and meat dishes, La Clessidra suggests also two sampling menus. One with fish and one with meat, to give guests the chance to try different dishes. La Clessidra restaurant is located in Via del Castelletto 26/30.

Yame Yame Kebab & Pizza . If you are on a budget, stop at Yame Yame Kebab & Pizza. You have a good choice of Turkish-style kebab, deal menus, vegetarian options and some pizza by the slice. The restaurant is 2-5 minutes walk from “Stazione Pisa Centrale” train station in Viale Antonio Gramsci.

Travel independently vs. private tours: which one to choose

Planning a Florence to Pisa day trip on your own is actually pretty easy. If you want to travel independently, you can choose to reach Pisa by bus or train, even though I suggest the latter.

The train from Florence to Pisa Centrale takes an hour/an hour and a half. It’s very handy especially if your Florence accommodation is close to Santa Maria Novella train station, but even if you are not, there are plenty of buses that take you there. Once in Pisa, you either take a local bus to the pulsing heart of the tourist attractions or you take a walk through the city.

Private tours to Pisa from Florence usually have the vehicle included, so you won’t have to organize the transfer. Just relax and enjoy the view.

So, when it comes to the actual transfer, both options are not complicated. The main differences between an independent day trip from Florence to Pisa and a private tour are the price, the information you get during the trip, and obviously the fact that you are not as autonomous as you might want to be.

If you take a Pisa tour from Florence, be ready to pay more than just the train ticket and the entrance fee to the landmarks. Something to consider, when booking a day tour to Pisa is whether it includes lunch, admission fees, an expert guide and also other towns such as Lucca, Siena or San Gimignano.

There are many tours, some day trips only to Pisa and some that include more areas in Tuscany. Obviously, these are more expensive, but they will add much to your experience.

Take Walks organizes a day tour to Pisa that includes also Lucca, the Chianti region and lunch at a local winery. Get Your Guide offers another trip where you will visit also the beautiful Siena and San Gimignano.

If you decide to travel independently from Florence, you can still choose a 2-hour guided tour with a local expert to show you around the most important places such as the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Leaning Tower. This way, you will have both local knowledge and your independence in case you want to see more places usually not included in the classic tours.

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From Florence to Pisa: How to Take a Half Day Trip to Pisa

Posted on Published: June 15, 2020  - Last updated: June 22, 2020

Categories Blog , City Guides , Europe , Italy , Travel Guides

When you’re traveling through Tuscany, it’s really easy to travel from Florence to Pisa. Many visitors will opt to take a day trip to Pisa from Florence, and for one good reason. When you visit Florence, you’re only about an hour away from Pisa. Why not check out one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

While there aren’t a ton of things to do in Pisa, I highly recommend a half day trip to Pisa from Florence. You don’t need to book any kind of trip or tour to get there. It’s very easy to travel by train from Florence to Pisa. We spent three days in Florence , but made it our home base for five nights. One day, we went to Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti on an all day tour. On another day, Justin and I went to Lucca by train and spent the day there.

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While you could easily return to Florence after spending a day trip in Pisa, we continued on our journey to Cinque Terre, five beautiful villages on the Italian Riviera. From Pisa, we ventured towards the village of Riomaggiore with one stop at La Spezia. Anyway, allow me to show you how to travel from Florence to Pisa (and worry about logistics like storing your luggage if you’re stopping en route to Cinque Terre). I’ll also detail all the things to do in Pisa for a half day in the city.

Table of Contents

Getting From Florence to Pisa

It’s easy to travel from Florence to Pisa by train. You can travel directly to Pisa Centrale from Santa Maria Novella station in Florence. Our apartment in Florence was closer to Firenze Campo di Marte station, and we took a train from there to Pisa Centrale. Trains depart at least every hour (even more often in some cases!), so it’s easy to hop aboard a train without planning too much in advance.

Not a train travel kind of person? You can book a day tour to Pisa from Florence that includes transportation and a skip the line Leaning Tour ticket.

Taking the Train to Pisa

You’ll have a couple of different options when taking the train from Florence to Pisa. There’s a regional train where it will take about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. It runs all day, and you can buy tickets at the train station that day (no need to buy in advance). The train tickets cost around 9€ for a one way ticket.

There’s also a high speed train that will get you from Florence to Pisa in about 45 minutes. You’ll travel directly between Pisa and Florence. In this case, there’s also a first and second class on the train, depending if you want to have a more quiet or luxurious experience with guaranteed seats.

While it’s no problem to ride second class or on the regional trains (we did it all the time in Italy), it’s really nice to have reserved seating in first class. I recommend buying your high speed train tickets in advance. Train schedules are released 90-120 days ahead of time. The earlier you buy them, the better chance you’ll have of catching a sale or promotion.

Luggage Storage at Pisa Centrale

We traveled to Pisa with all of our suitcases and luggage in tow. Justin and I stopped in Pisa on our way to Cinque Terre. You need to change trains in Pisa anyhow, so it was a great excuse to check out the tower. If you happen to be visiting Pisa on your way to another destination, you can easily store your bags at Pisa Centrale .

Look for the sign at the train station that reads, “Deposito bagagli”. It’s at the end of platform 1. You don’t need to make any reservations in advance. Just show up with your bags. It is a manned desk with security, so you don’t need to worry about anything happening to your luggage. It costs 5€ per bag to store it all day long. This luggage desk is open every day of the week between 08:00 and 19:00.

Getting to Campo dei Miracoli From Pisa Centrale

To reach Piazza dei Miracoli from Pisa Centrale, I recommend walking there. It’s only about a 20 minute walk, it’s free, and it’s great exercise. If you don’t want to walk, there’s a bus that runs every 7-15 minutes from Pisa Centrale to Piazza dei Miracoli.

Catch the LAM Rosso bus (Red line bus) outside of Pisa Centrale, and it takes about 10 minutes. Put the route into Google Maps and you’ll see exactly where to catch the bus and get off it (at the Torre 1 stop). It costs 2€ one way to take the bus. You can use change as you board the bus or get tickets from a nearby news stand.

It’s also possible to take a taxi from Pisa Centrale to Piazza dei Miracoli, if you want to get there even faster without walking. That will be the most expensive option (7€ to 9€).

Continuing on the Train to Cinque Terre

Once you’re done, head back to Pisa Centrale where you can take a regional train from Pisa to La Spezia on your way to Cinque Terre. These trains run every hour or so, and the journey is between 45 minutes and an hour. You can buy your tickets at the station. We transferred at La Spezia to another regional train heading to Riomaggiore. These trains run every 15 minutes, and we bought our train tickets at La Spezia station upon arrival.

How to Spend a Half Day in Pisa

Looking to spend a half day in Pisa? The majority of things to do in Pisa Italy all centrally located at the Piazza dei Miracoli (aka Square of Miracles, aka Piazza del Duomo). This includes the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum, Sinopie Museum, and Il Camposanto Monumentale.

You can buy tickets to any attractions from the ticket office on site, but I recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. The tickets to climb the Leaning Tower are timed and limited. They likely sell out during the busier seasons.

I suggest buying tickets from the official website , including timed tickets to climb the Leaning Tower. It costs 18€ to climb the tower. If you’d like to visit any other monuments, it costs 5€ for one monument, 7€ for two, or €8 for three. A visit to the cathedral is free with any ticket purchase.

The two of us chose to check out the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, Il Camposanto, and the Pisa Cathedral. We skipped the museums as we had a limited amount of time, and we had got our museum fix in Florence. If a small group guided tour is more your style, choose this Pisa guided tour to the Cathedral, Baptistery, and skip the line Leaning Tower climb.

Things to Do in Pisa: Leaning Tower of Pisa

When traveling from Florence to Pisa, the main attraction I’m sure you want to see is the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Out of all the Pisa attractions, I’m sure it tops your list of the must see in Pisa. After all, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the architectural masterpieces in the city square.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the bell tower for the Pisa Cathedral. Construction started in 1173, and it was completed in 1372 (200 years later!). While the tower was meant as a showy piece to display the wealth of the city, it became known for its lean. The city of Pisa lies on marshy soil, and its loose underground subsoil caused the tower to lean due to a sinking foundation on one side.

Engineers tried to correct the lean over the years, which caused the tower to lean in different directions. At last, in 2001, engineers managed to stabilize the building for at least the next 200 years. For the first time in history, the Leaning Tower of Pisa has managed to stay in place, even though it’s still technically leaning.

To reach the top, you must climb all 269 steps spiraling around and around. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Then, you’ll need to climb down using a separate winding staircase. You cannot bring any bags up the tower with you. There’s a free and secure storage area for all personal items in the northeast corner of the Square of Miracles complex. You are allowed to bring your camera or your phone with you to take photos from the top.

One of the highlights of your Pisa half day tour might involve taking some cheesy tourist photos “propping up” the tower from down below. You’ll see so many people posing in this way, and it’s pretty hilarious. While at first I giggled, I ended up joining in on the fun myself. After all, when in Pisa, right?

Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa)

Another one of the best places to visit in Pisa is the Pisa Cathedral. If you’ve bought a ticket for any other attraction, you can enter the cathedral for free at any time of the day. You’ll just need to head to the ticket office to collect a timed ticket to enter, as they only permit a set amount of guests at a time.

The Pisa Cathedral is an impressive church in Italy where the exterior is made from intricately carved white marble. The cathedral’s construction began in 1063, and it was once the largest cathedral in Italy. Inside the cathedral, there’s a highly decorative gold ceiling, as well as elaborate paintings. One main attraction within the cathedral is the carved marble pulpit by Giovanni Pisano.

Pisa Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni)

If you’re looking for what to do in Pisa, don’t miss the Pisa Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni). This circular building has two floors to explore, so I suggest wandering up to the second floor for alternate viewpoints. It’s the largest baptistery in Italy, and it’s almost as tall as the Leaning Tower.

The Baptistery predates the Leaning Tower, and work started in 1153. Although it’s not noticeable, the Baptistery has a very slight tilt, too. Its full name is Battistero di San Giovanni because it is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. There are carvings inside that detail the life of Saint John.

Il Camposanto Monumentale di Pisa

The Camposanto Monumentale was probably our favorite place to visit out of all the things to do in Pisa in one day. First, this is the monumental cemetery of Pisa, and it dates back to 1278. It’s home to beautiful medieval and early Renaissance frescoes that were carefully restored after they were damaged during World War II. The architecture of the building is brilliant, too.

Justin and I loved walking around the Camposanto Monumentale because it was so quiet and peaceful. There were very few tourists here with us, and we practically had the whole place to ourselves when we visited in mid-May. If you only have one day in Pisa or you’re taking a half day trip to Pisa from Florence, we suggest that you include the Camposanto on your Pisa itinerary.

Vegan Restaurants in Pisa

Thinking about stopping for lunch when you’re in Pisa? If you’re traveling from Florence to Pisa on a half day tour, you’re bound to get hungry for at least one meal in Pisa. There are a number of restaurants with vegan options to check out while you’re there. Feel free to add any of the following restaurants to your Pisa itinerary.

We ate at Ristorante Pizzeria Duomo, which isn’t a strictly vegan restaurant. But, it’s within close walking distance of the Leaning Tower, plus they have yummy pizza. I’ll also list a couple of vegan restaurants in Pisa for you that we’d love to try on a future visit. Also, if you’re looking for vegan food in Florence, check out our vegan guide to Florence , Italy.

Ristorante Pizzeria Duomo

Justin and I dined on the patio of Ristorante Pizzeria Duomo (Via Roma, 70) , just across from Campo dei Miracoli, or the Square of Miracles, where you’ll find the tower. We ordered marinara pizzas with mushrooms as a topping. It’s easy to dine at most pizzerias in Italy as a vegan: simply order a marinara pizza (it comes without cheese naturally) and add vegetables on top.

Vegan Come Koala

We wanted to dine here when we visited Pisa, but Vegan Come Koala (Via L’Arancio, 21 ) isn’t open on Sundays (the day we traveled there). It’s an all vegan restaurant serving fast food like hot dogs, burgers, and crepes. This will be our #1 place to try when we visit Pisa again in the future.

Clorophylla Veg & Bio Shop

While Clorophylla (Via Vittorio Veneto, 1 ) is a vegan retail shop, it’s also a deli with prepared and takeaway meals. They serve traditional Italian cuisine gone plant-based, and there’s a little area to dine inside or outside. They also have lots of vegan desserts, too.

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Where to Stay in Pisa

While we didn’t elect to spend the night in Pisa, I am sure that the city is much different once all of the daytrippers have left. You might decide to take a slower approach to your trip around Italy. Stay for a few nights in Florence , stay one night in Pisa, and then continue on your way to stay in Cinque Terre or anywhere else in Italy.

If you’re looking for where to stay in Pisa, we’ve done the research for you. These are high rated hotels and properties in Pisa that have fantastic reviews in terms of location, comfort, and amenities. There’s a place to stay for every budget.

Luxury Hotel

Our choice for a luxury hotel in Pisa is the Villa Tower Inn , located in a restored historic home. It’s only 600 meters from the Leaning Tower, and the rooms are both elegant and spacious. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a flatscreen TV, and the buffet breakfast in the morning. Book your stay at the Villa Tower Inn or read reviews by travelers who have stayed there.

Budget Hotel

Casa San Tommaso is a fabulous budget option in a guest house that will feel like home. Just a short distance (300 meters) from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, your room in this historic home features a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a refrigerator, and charming wood beam ceilings. Book your stay at Casa San Tommaso or read reviews by travelers who have stayed there.

Airbnb Apartment

If you love staying at Airbnbs, apartments, or holiday homes, check out this amazing Airbnb in Pisa that’s only steps away from the Leaning Tower. It’s a whole apartment with two bedrooms and one bathroom. It’s within an ancient building that’s recently renovated that overlooks the city walls. There’s also a large kitchen, air conditioning, and a washing machine.

Whether you’re taking a day trip from Florence to Pisa, stopping in Pisa on your way to another city, or spending the night in Pisa, we feel that it’s a worthwhile stop on your dream vacation in Italy.

Would you consider adding Pisa to your Italy travel plans?

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

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The Best 8 Trips from Florence in Tuscany

When using Florence as a base to visit Tuscany, plan on day trips!

Basing yourself in the city center of Florence for the holidays but want to branch out and visit the many highlights in Tuscany?

Florence lends itself to planning day trips throughout the region of Tuscany - no corner is too far - offering various options for transport, destinations and types of activities. Historic exploration, quaint towns, wine tasting , trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, and stunning landscapes make up just a few of the possibilities that you can integrate into your vacation itinerary.

Below we have highlighted 8 of our favorite day trips giving you a few pointers on why we love them and how to incorporate these into your holidays.

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How to Arrive:

Train (1 hr), Car (1 hr & 30 min)

DIY Suggestion:

One day Walking Itinerary

See it with a licensed guide:

Guided Tour & Tower Visit  or Private Tour

If you want to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa Book Ahead! Space is limited

Traveling without a car? Pisa is easily reached from Florence’s main train station, Santa Maria Novella. There are regional trains which leave frequently (every 15 - 30 minutes ) check the Trenitalia website for timetables, insert ‘Pisa centrale’ , as your final destination. The train station is located close to the city center, you can either walk (about 1.5 km) into town and the Leaning Tower or to take the public transportation.

If you would like to walk, head in the direction of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and cross the Arno River. If you would like to take the bus, pick up tickets at the kiosks in the train station and then head to the bus stop across from the Jolly Cafe to catch the LAM Rossa bus, which will take you close to the Piazza dei Miracoli in about 10 minutes. You will want to get off at the stop called ‘Torre’ . To return to the train station, you can catch the same bus from directly across the street where you got off. Another easy alternative is to meet a professional guide for a  walking tour and tower visit  in either case remember that booking to see the Leaning Tower is a must.

If you have a car, Pisa couldn't be any easier to find!  Simply follow the free two lane highway SGC Firenze - Pisa - Livorno to Pisa.  You will find the exits well indicated, and road signs for directions towards the "Torre Pendente" (Literally the leaning tower.)  We highly suggest that if you decide to drive to Pisa, that you combine this city with a stop at San Miniato and Livorno .

Train (1 hr & 15 min), Car (1 hr)

Ideas for a day walking itinerary

See it Like a Pro:

Half Day Tour From Florence

Rent a bike and enjoy seeing the town from the city walls

Lucca , can be reached by either train or bus, but I recommend taking the train because it is direct and offers wonderful views of Tuscany . Trains leave about twice an hour from Santa Maria Novella. The Lucca train station is located just two blocks from the city’s 16th century walls, which enclose the center, in Piazza Ricasoli. I suggest taking the short walk and entering through the closest door Porta San Pietro. Another convenient option, is taking a  half day walking tour  with a guide who can show you the secrets of Lucca.

Going to Lucca by car gives you a bit more freedom to explore the amazing countryside in this area of north Tuscany, especially the various historic villas and vineyards.  Depending on the time you have to dedicate to this intin, you can easily opt for the quicker pay toll highway or follow the roads that wind through the small towns and sunflower fields. Read here for a driving itinerary with a wine tasting .

Train (45-60 min) or Car (70 min)

Touring Arezzo by Foot

Stop & Enjoy the Arezzo Wine Consortium near the Duomo

This city is filled with pleasant surprises. The characteristic streets are filled with cafes, enotecas, restaurants and specialty shops that cater as much to the locals as tourists looking for genuine flavors. The city also boasts a fantastic selection of historic monuments: the Roman amphitheater, archaeological museum, Medici Fortress, art museum and the churches.

Arezzo is just a short 45 minute train ride south of Florence. Take one of the hourly trains for €8.00 from Santa Maria Novella and get off at Arezzo, being sure not to buy a ticket to Arezzo Casello 1 or Arezzo Pescaiola, which are outside the city center.

If you are driving to Arezzo, you will take the pay toll Autostrada del Sole south in the direction Roma. The toll is less than 5 Euro, and the exit is clearly marked. Once you pay the toll you will take the second exit on the roundabout and head towards to the city. Parking is clearly marked and it is all fairly close to the city center.

You can easily stay the entire day at Arezzo and never run out of things to see, do and enjoy.

Side Trip: Cortona

If you were to decide you had enough of Arezzo, then you could head down towards Cortona reached by car or by train from either Florence or Arezzo.  The Camucia-Cortona station is located about 3 km just below the hill top town. Be sure you take the direct train if you are leaving from Florence, lasting about 90 minutes, rather than to Terontola-Cortona, which is further away and requires a change. The town center is a bit of a trek uphill or take the local bus service from the station which leaves every 30 minutes .

Bus (80 min),  Car (80 min)

One Day in Siena

Combine San Gimignano & Siena

Santa Maria della Scala will delight all ages

This historic arch rival to Florence, is spectacularly diverse and captivating. The monumental architecture, museums, the Duomo, unforgettable landscape and even the culinary specialties are worth dedicating a full day of exploration...better yet: an overnight stay .

Siena does not have a train station but can be reached by bus in a little over an hour, leaving from the SITA bus station on Via della Scala to the left of the main entrance to the Santa Maria train station in Florence . This is a great way to travel because you pass through beautiful countryside and the bus drops you off right in the center of Siena in Piazza S. Domenico so all you have to do is walk 5 minutes to arrive in the main square, Piazza del Campo. They are very frequent though, at least one an hour , allowing for flexibility in your day. Buy your tickets from either the SITA bus station or one of the tabaccaio stores around the area and be sure to stamp your ticket when you get on the bus to validate it.

If your time is limited you can combine  San Gimignano & Siena  in an organized tour, where you can enjoy both the cities and the landscape.

5. San Gimignano

Bus (2 hr) or Car (60-80 min)

Take a trip back in time with Ferie delle Messi if you're in town in mid-June

An Important Stop on the Via Francigena - for a spectacular hiking trip

San Gimignano is a must see while in Tuscany and best discovered by taking the bus or by driving because there is no train station close to the city center. You can catch one of the many buses that leave at least once an hour from the Santa Maria Novella bus stop, located just to the side of the train station, from the BusItalia Nord company . Buy tickets at the bus station or from a tabaccaio for around €7.00. Or leave the transport hassles to a guide and make the most of the  San Gimignano & Siena  day trip .

The bus will drop you off in Poggibonsi (50 minutes away), where you will need to change buses to arrive in Piazzale dei Martiri where you can enter the city through the main door Porta San Giovanni. Unfortunately, you will have to change in Poggibonsi because there are no direct buses. This being said, they are well organized and your layover time shouldn’t be much longer than 15 minutes. Simply check the board when you get off the bus and see which bus will take you to San Gimignano - it should be clearly marked and will take another 25 minutes.

DIY Suggestions:

Our one day driving itinerary

On Horse Back ,  In the Vineyards  or Private Tour

Wine Tasting on your Own... without a car !

Chianti, and more precisly Chianti Classico , is one of the most popular areas in Tuscany.  The reasons are many: its vast selection of wines, the fabulous landscapes, small towns and delicious culinary menus. A car is strongly recommended ... however, it is possible to do a limited exploration without a car by taking the bus, read here for more information on the small towns of Chianti and how to get to them with public transport.

This area can also be fully appreciated with someone else behind the wheel leaving you free to savor the wines and snap photos: check out the day trip into  the vineyards  or the convenience of a  Private Tour . But if you are looking for something just a bit different, who can resist an afternoon  on horse back  in the Chianti vineyards?

It could be well worth renting a car just for one day, or hiring a NCC (car with your personal driver) and tour the wonderful back roads, where every curve opens a new vista. Driving in Chianti is fairly simple and easily navigated. I suggest taking the Chiantigiana Road , known as the SR222 and the Chianti wine road because it gives you the most beautiful views, takes you through quaint windy roads , typically of Chianti and takes you directly to many of the wineries.

Bus or Car (60-80 min)

Check out Lake Bilancino

Bike it with private bike tour

Shop until you drop at the Outlet Stores

Mugello is also one of the areas in Tuscany best discovered with a car. Although you can take buses to specific towns such as Borgo San Lorenzo or Scarperia, if you wish to see the lush countryside and leisurely poke around, have maximum flexibility , all the while discovering its delicious food and breathtaking views, it is best to drive .

One of our favorite ways to mix these green hills with the city is to ride down hill from Mugello into the city center, possible for everyone with a private bike tour .

Make sure you have a map or a GPS handy because if you want to venture off the main roads, you will want to be sure that you are well prepared. When I travel, I like to take the SS 302, known as Faentina because it is the most beautiful. Similarly, the SS 65, or the Bolognese , is also stunning. If you are looking for a more direct route, you will want to get onto the A1 highway and exit at Barberino di Mugello .

8. Casentino

Bus (2 hr) or Car (90 min)

Dedicate time to Exploring the castle in Poppi

Go Castle Hopping in Casentino !

This magical land evokes images of knights in armor, damsels in medieval dress , genuine hospitality and genuine Tuscan recipes. It will encourage you to slow down just a bit, immerse yourself in a new landscape , long hikes and a lazy afternoon at the cafe in the shadow of the Poppi Castle.

The road SS67 exits Florence passing by Pontassieve before arriving at the foot of the mountains that divide Casentino from the Renaissance City. The picturesque mountain pass starts with the vineyards of Nippizano and Frescobaldi, before reaching the lofty heights of the Passo della Consuma (1060 meters above sea level) to then descend in the valley that gives birth to the Arno River. If you don’t feel up to driving, you can catch the bus , which will take you all the way to Poppi.

EXTRA: Cinque Terre

Bus (2 hr), Car (2 hrs)

Day Trip with transport

Enjoy the coast by Boat

It’s true - Cinque Terre is not located in the region of Tuscany , but it is also true that it is one of the more popular day trips , and Florence is just the right distance to make it worthwhile. Though it is possible to drive to Cinque Terre, it seems such a waste since the small towns are better visited with the use of the local train, boat or simply by hiking the many trails . Florence has regular train service to La Spezia where you will change to the local train (or boat) and move up and down the coast. Read our experience on the boating  tour of the Cinque Terre.

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Our Travel Guides

9 BEST Tours to Pisa from Florence (by a Local)

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: April 17, 2024

Categories Europe , Italy

Planning your picture holding the famous Leaning Tower? I bring you the ultimate tours to Pisa from Florence so you get to explore the beautiful landmark (and much more!) in a single day. Read on!

Florence and Pisa are two of the most popular destinations in Tuscany .

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is renowned for its art, architecture, and history. Pisa, on the other hand, is famous all around the world for its iconic Leaning Tower .

If you’re visiting Florence for more than a couple of days, I highly recommend visiting this nearby city. Due to their proximity, a day tour from Florence to Pisa is one of the best ways to include the famous attraction in your Italian itinerary. 

There are many tour options available, each of which offers a unique experience. Private tours, half-day visits, and even combo tours with wine-tasting are available!

In this article, I’ve selected the finest tours to Pisa from Florence in every category . Browse through the very best options, and take your pick!

Why can you trust me? As a Bologna native, I’ve spent a lot of time in Florence and I’m familiar with the charm of the region. You can say I’m almost a local!

Plus, for a decade (gosh, I feel old!), I’ve been helping millions of people like you plan their perfect trips. So I know a thing or two about selecting the very best activities for your trip!

I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. 

In a rush? These are the best tours

OUR PICK: The Best Florence Tour to Pisa and Tuscany

Take this Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery to discover the region’s highlights with a local guide.

You’ll start by exploring the medieval city of Siena and visiting its cathedral. Then, head to the enchanting hills of Chianti for a 3-course Tuscan lunch and delicious wine tasting. 

Roam the picturesque town of San Gimignano, enjoy authentic gelato, and make your way to the star of the show: Pisa.

You’ll have time to tour around the Square of Miracles, and marvel at the striking Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is splendid. You can upgrade the tour to include skip-the-line access, enjoying a hassle-free experience. 

Why this tour? Because it’s arguably the most comprehensive tour from Florence, and over 12 thousand 5-star reviews vouch for it!

It not only allows free time in the iconic Pisa, but also takes you to Tuscany’s major gems and into the heart of its bucolic landscapes. On top of insightful guided tours at each location, savor local flavors and complimentary Tuscan wine.

Read what the reviews say

“This was an amazing tour and I can’t recommend it highly enough. It was a wonderful way to see the countryside and explore more Tuscan towns. Alex was such an informative and engaging tour guide with a wonderful sense of humor. The day was extremely well organized and well paced.” Amber_N – Read more reviews

This tour of Pisa from Florence includes : Roundtrip transfers, a guided city tour of Siena, lunch, wine tastings, and a visit to San Gimignano and Pisa. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Other Great Options To Consider

▶️ Experience a superb Pisa & Leaning Tower of Pisa Tour from Florence to enjoy a fabulous day trip. Stroll along medieval walls and catch the stunning views of the Piazza dei Miracoli. 

Explore the interior of the awe-inspiring Cathedral, and admire the Baptistery, which is another architectural masterpiece. Make sure to visit the Monumental Graveyard to appreciate the beauty and artistry of the intricate tombs and gravestones!

The highlight of the tour? Climbing up the 294 steps of the Leaning Tower to check out the impressive panorama from above. 

This tour includes : Roundtrip transfers, a guided tour of Pisa, and entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Discover the beauty of Cinque Terre National Park and the Ligurian Riviera on this Pisa and Cinque Terre Full-Day Tour from Florence . You’ll take a train to Pisa to stroll around its Piazza dei Miracoli.

Marvel at the magnificent monuments there and climb the leaning tower (own expense). 

Once you’ve gotten your fair share of culture, make your way to the gorgeous Cinque Terre. You’ll be exploring the charming villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza with your guide.

Take in the sights of the Mediterranean and snap way more pictures than you should (personal experience talking!) before returning to Florence. 

This tour includes : Roundtrip train tickets, a guide, and access to the Cinque Terre national park. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Limited Time? Check Out This Half-Day Trip to Pisa from Florence

Don’t have a full day to spare? Join this Half-Day Afternoon Tour from Florence that takes you out and back to Florence in just a few hours.

You’ll head straight to the Square of Miracles, where most of Pisa’s major landmarks are clustered together for a guided tour. 

Learn about the monuments’ history and architecture, and get your mandatory photos with the leaning tower. You’ll also get to check out the Cathedral, and stroll around the Monumental Cemetery before returning to Florence.

In your free time, choose to go up the tower of Pisa or pay a visit to the Baptistery. This tour is ideal if you want to explore both Florence and Pisa in one day!

This Pisa half day tour from Florence includes : Transportation, a guided tour of Pisa, and optional entrance to the Cathedral. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Tours from Florence to Pisa

▶️ Take a Private Half-Day Tour of Pisa from Florence and see the world-famous Leaning Tower in hours.

You’ll be picked up at your hotel and head to Piazza dei Miracoli with your group of 8. Your guide will lead you around the major landmarks, telling you about their architecture and history.

Visit the Cathedral, the Baptistry, and the Cemetery, and use your free time to go up the Leaning Tower. You can also explore the city’s other highlights, and get your driver to pick you up when you’re ready to return to Florence. 

This tour includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, private transportation, and a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Experience the best of Tuscany in just one day with a Private Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano Day Trip from Florence .

Your driver will take you through the stunning Tuscan countryside and make the first stop at Siena’s historic center. There, enjoy a self-guided walking tour.

Explore the city’s rich art and history, visit the Piazza del Campo, and climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views.

Then head to San Gimignano to marvel at its 13 medieval towers and enjoy a glass of local wine before making your way to Pisa’s iconic Piazza dei Miracoli. 

Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the famous Leaning Tower! And make sure to check out the rest of the monuments which are equally impressive (even if they’re actually straight!)

This private tour offers a personalized experience, with flexibility in the itinerary and ample free time.

This tour includes : Hotel transfers, entrance to Siena Cathedral, a speaking driver, and free time in each location. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Join this Private Full-Day Trip from Florence to Pisa and Cinque Terre and get ready to discover the colorful seaside villages. Perched over the Ligurian Sea, they offer magnificent views!   

Discover the historic towns of Manarola and Corniglia, with their stunning terraced slopes and pastel squares.

Hop on a shared boat ride to Vernazza and soak up the charming atmosphere of the harbor area and beach. Finally, admire the best views of Cinque Terre from the town of Belvedere. 

Then it’s time to leave the coastline behind and make your way to Pisa. Be in awe at the iconic Leaning Tower and the rest of the monuments at Piazza dei Miracoli. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the beauty of these incredible destinations!

This Florence to Pisa tour includes : Roundtrip transportation, boat transfers, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Pisa Tours with Wine Tasting at a Chianti Winery

▶️ Check out this Florence: Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti Experience . It allows you to admire picturesque vineyards and medieval architecture with a local expert.

The trip will lead you to explore the magnificent cities of Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa from Florence, with all transfers covered. 

Choose between a small-group or private journey and make your way to Siena, which you’ll explore with a guided tour and on your free time.

Step back in time with a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, which dates back to Medieval times. Then, indulge in a wine-tasting session and a Tuscan lunch at a Chianti winery.

Your final stop is Pisa, where the Piazza dei Miracoli is the main star. Home to the main Cathedral, the Baptistry, and the world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s an iconic destination. Enjoy free time to explore its landmarks before returning to Florence.

This Tuscany + Pisa tour from Florence includes : Transfers, a guide, free time at the three locations, lunch, and wine tasting. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Embark on a Private Pisa and Lucca Wine Tour from Florence and combine a cultural trip to two stunning Italian cities. Add Tuscany’s gem product (wine!) to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a perfect trip!

First, explore the medieval town of Lucca, home to a 2nd-century Roman Amphitheater and elegant Renaissance walls. Then head to the historic center of Pisa for a memorable and very cultural experience.  

Admire the UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower, the striking Baptistery, and the Cathedral. Then, head to the picturesque Piazza dei Cavalieri.

Along the way, sample delicious Chianti wines at an organic winery and learn about the winemaking process and traditions in the area. 

This Pisa private tour includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, wine and olive oil tasting, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Half Day Tour To Pisa And The Leaning Tower

Discover the everlasting beauty of Pisa and its iconic monuments! You can’t visit Italy without including the Leaning Tower… come and see this worldwide symbol of Italy!

Have you always dreamed of climbing to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa ? Well, this half day tour from Florence gives you the opportunity to visit this symbolic city of Italy. After a short drive through the Tuscan countryside , you will arrive in Pisa .

Your guide will lead you directly to the medieval entrance gate: Porta Santa Maria. From here, the extraordinary view will take your breath away! You will be in front of a unique panorama: Piazza dei Miracoli with its white, marble architecture and neat grass lawns.

A professional guide will share the amazing stories of Pisa as you tour the monuments, and then accompany you on your visit to the precious interiors of the Cathedral , an unchallenged masterpiece of Romanesque art. After visiting the Cathedral, you can explore independently as you admire the Baptistery , the Monumental Graveyard, and finally - the world famous LEANING TOWER , discovering all its secrets.

By selecting the optional admission ticket to the Leaning Tower, you will not only see the Tower, but also climb it without waiting in the long line. Before heading back to Florence, you will have plenty of free time for fun photo opportunities in front of the monuments!

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• Roundtrip journey by fully- fitted GT Coach
• Expert multilingual escort
• Guided tour of Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli with professional guide
• Admission fee to Pisa Cathedral - if accessible
• Leaning Tower entrance tickets with priority access - if option selected
• Free time in Pisa

Departure time

Meeting point.

TOURS & NEWS KIOSK AT PIAZZALE MONTELUNGO BUS TERMINAL

Located at 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Look for our staff wearing a  FUCHSIA CIAOFLORENCE JACKET and holding a CIAOFLORENCE CLIPBOARD!

• Visit the incredible Square of Miracles and its white marble masterpieces: the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Monumental Graveyard, and the world renowned Leaning Tower
• Learn all about Pisa and its monuments from an expert tour guide
• Discover the unique beauty and decorations inside the Pisa Cathedral
• Skip-the-line and admire views of Pisa from above, (if Leaning Tower entrance option is selected)

Notes and advice

• If you book the Leaning Tower skip-the-line tickets after 8.00 pm for a tour the following day, please be advised that it will be too late to guarantee entrance. Therefore, you will automatically be charged only the amount of our basic Pisa tour without the Leaning Tower tickets, equal to €59 per person
• Kindly note that the SEMI INDEPENDENT tour option does not include the guided tour in Pisa with a professional guide and the entrance ticket to Pisa Cathedral and to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Please note that the Cathedral of Pisa is now free and on extremely crowded days it will not be possible to visit its interior due to a long queue. In such cases, we will offer a tour of Piazza Cavalieri instead
• Comfortable shoes are recommended
• We regret to inform that this tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or with impaired mobility
• Kids under 8 years old are not allowed to climb the Leaning Tower

LOW SEASON (From November, 1st until March, 31st): English and Spanish languages are always guaranteed. In order to confirm the excursion in French, Italian or Portuguese a minimum of 4 pax is required

• HIGH SEASON (From April 1st until October 31st): this tour is always available in English and Spanish. Other languages are confirmed as follows:
• FRENCH : Monday, Saturday - min 2 pax
• PORTUGUESE : Friday - min 2 pax
• ITALIAN : Sunday - min 2 pax

Who designed the Duomo in Florence?

The Duomo’s architect was Filippo Brunelleschi. His unique design is actually two domes - an inner dome of sandstone and marble, and an outer dome of brick and mortar. Astonishingly, the dome was completely constructed without any scaffolding or structural support. The sheer size and innovative design made Brunelleschi one of the most important architects defining the Renaissance Era.

Travel Tips

Let yourself be enchanted by all the attractions pisa has to offer, best day trips and half day trips from florence, just outside florence: day trips for every taste, pisa and lucca: the perfect day trip from florence, tour may interest you.

chianti colours & flavours: half day tour to the chianti wine region with 2 wine tastings included and vineyards escape

• Length 5 h 15 m
• Price From € 55

afternoon in siena & chianti dinner with wine tasting

• Length 7 h 30 m
• Price From € 79

full day excursion to cinque terre: the scent of the sea

• Length 12 h 30 m
• Price From € 59

a special day in tuscany: full day tour to siena, san gimignano and pisa with lunch and wine tasting

• Length 11 h 30 m
• Price From € 65

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The Florence Insider

Your guide to travel and experience Florence, Italy

How to get from Florence to Pisa: best way between bus, train or car

Pisa is a very popular destination for those visiting Italy, most famous for its leaning tower. In addition to the leaning tower, there is much more: Pisa is a university town with a lively and fascinating historical centre and several museums to visit. And of course the monumental complex of Piazza dei Miracoli. Being very close to Florence, you can visit it on a day trip, and one day is enough to see almost everything. If you want to know how to get from Florence to Pisa , in this post you will find all the options available, and my advice to better organize your trip.

My name is Claudia and I am a local licensed tour guide in Florence, Italy! Learn more about me and my guided tours in Florence .

• Also read: best day trips from Florence (also without a car)
• Getting from Florence to Lucca

Table of Contents

Where is Pisa?

Pisa is located in Tuscany, the same Italian region where Florence is located. Pisa is about 90 km (56 miles) west of Florence, very close to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea (but not facing the sea). The two cities are therefore very close, and are well connected by roads and railways.

Pisa is a small town, and you can visit it entirely in one day. If you are only interested in the leaning tower and Piazza dei Miracoli, half a day is enough.

How to get from Florence to Pisa for a day trip

In this section I’ll explain how to get to Pisa from Florence to take a day trip and visit the city of the leaning tower. In the next section, at the end of the post, you will find my advice for getting to Pisa airport.

My favorite hotels in Pisa:

• Grand Hotel Duomo
• Residenza d’Epoca Santa Caterina

To get to Pisa from Florence you have three options:

• A tour with transportation included

Let’s see them one by one:

Getting from Florence to Pisa by train

The train is the simplest and cheapest way to go from Florence to Pisa (and vice versa). From Florence Santa Maria Novella station there are trains to Pisa (station is called Pisa Centrale) at least every 30 minutes (more often during peak hours), and a single ticket costs 8.90 euros. The first train leaves Florence at 5.35 am, the last train leaves Pisa at 11.07 pm.

The journey by train lasts from 50 minutes to an hour and 20 , depending on how many intermediate stops the train makes. In any case, the cost of the ticket is the same, whether it is a fast regional train or a regular regionale .

The trains available on this route are only regional, there are no high-speed trains connecting Pisa and Florence . They are all trains of the Trenitalia company, and you can book your ticket online on the official website . You can also buy the ticket directly at the station , at the automatic ticket machines or at the counters.

In any case, on regional trains it’s not possible to reserve a seat, the seats are not numbered , and the first-come, first-served rule applies. The trains are often very crowded , especially in summer, when there are many tourists, and it often happens that you have to make the journey standing up because there are no more free seats. These trains are also used by many local commuters , therefore on weekdays are very crowded between 7 and 9 am and between 5 and 7 pm. I advise you to get to the station and get on the train a little early to find a seat.

On regional trains there is also first class, but honestly I don’t recommend it : it costs more, but it’s not very different from second class, and the journey is so short that it doesn’t make much difference. Even in second class you will find overhead lockers for storing your luggage and sockets for recharging your mobile phone.

Once you arrive at Pisa station, Piazza dei Miracoli and the leaning tower are about 20 minutes away on foot, or 15 minutes by bus (the line is called LAM red, the stop is TORRE 1).

• Warning : once you arrive at Pisa station, be careful of pickpockets . Unfortunately it is a sadly well known station for this.

You might also need to know:

• how to get from Florence to Rome by train
• Getting from Venice to Florence and vice versa

From Florence to Pisa by car

If you are planning to rent a car and explore Tuscany on your own, I recommend using RentalCars.com to compare the prices of the main car rental companies and find the one that offers the best price.

• Also read my tips for renting a car in Florence

From Florence you can reach Pisa by car in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, along the SGC Firenze-Pisa-Livorno highway. The highway ( superstrada ) is free, but it’s one of the worst roads in Italy, with lots of traffic, constant roadworks and frequent accidents.

Alternatively, there is the A11 Firenze-Mare motorway ( Autostrada ), which takes about 10 minutes more and there is a toll to pay (and also quite expensive, over 7 euros). On the other hand, the A11 Autostrada it’s much wider, linear and safer.

Both along the superstrada and along the autostrada there are service areas with gas stations, snack bars and restaurants ( Autogrill ).

If you drive along the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno, you can stop by the lovely medieval village of San Miniato, which is famous for its truffles. And maybe you can take a truffle hunting experience there!

Where to park in Pisa

Be aware that parking in Pisa can be a nightmare , due to the ZTL (traffic limited zone) and the lack of parking spaces. There are paid public car parks very close to the leaning tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.

Alternatively, I recommend you leave your car in the free car park in via Pietrasantina : from here it’s a 15-minute walk to the leaning tower, or 10 minutes by local bus (line is LAM red, get off at stop TORRE 1).

A tour from Florence to Pisa with transportation

If you don’t have a rental car and don’t want to worry about organizing the journey by train, the perfect solution is an organized tour, including transportation, a tour guide and maybe even some other towns to visit. It’s the best way to optimize your time, reduce stress and learn something about the places you’re seeing from the tour guide.

There are plenty of excursions from Florence to Pisa, and those for small groups are very cheap and well organized. They also usually include pick up and drop off at your hotel which is very convenient.

• I recommend this 6 hours tour of Pisa from Florence , with transportation and a licensed tour guide.
• If you’re short on time but want to see as much as possible, check out this 9-hour tour of Pisa and Lucca , including transportation. It’s customizable, you can add guided tours in Lucca and Pisa with licensed local guides and entrance tickets.

How to get from Florence to Pisa Airport

Many travelers land at Pisa airport, which is bigger and busier than Florence airport. To go from Pisa airport to Florence you have 4 options:

With a rental car

I recommend this option only if you plan to do a road trip in Tuscany. If, on the other hand, you only want to visit the main cities, public transport (trains) is definitely the simplest, fastest and cheapest solution.

In Florence there are several car rental companies (again I recommend you to use RentalCars to find the one with the best price), where you can pick up your car and drive around. Pisa airport is located right along the SGC Firenze-Pisa-Livorno highway (superstrada). You just have to take the highway and go straight following the signs for Pisa, until you find the exit for the airport. Or you can choose the toll motorway (autostrada). For all the details and advice on this topic see the paragraph above on how to go from Florence to Pisa by car.

At Pisa airport there are offices of the same car rental companies, where you can return the car at the end of your trip.

This is by far the best, cheapest and most reliable option . First take the regional train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale (I explained how to do it above). Then from Pisa Centrale train station take the light rail called Pisamover, which connects the train station to the airport in 5 minutes . The Pisamover ticket costs 5 euros.

The only case in which it is not possible to reach Pisa airport by train is if you have a night flight, because trains do not run between 11.30pm and 5.30am. In that case the alternative is the bus or a private transfer.

There are shuttle buses of the private company Caronna, which make the journey between Florence and Pisa in about an hour, at the price of 15 euros .

Watch out! The Caronna buses do not leave from the Santa Maria Novella station (nor from the historic centre). They instead leave from the T2 Guidoni tram stop, which is close to the Florence airport. You can reach the T2 Guidoni stop from Santa Maria Novella station in about 30 minutes by tram (line T2).

Unless I have an overnight flight, I prefer to use the train as it is always reliable and on time . Buses, on the other hand, can get stuck in traffic, and I once had a scheduled ride canceled at the last minute.

Private transfer from Florence to Pisa Airport

This is the best option for those who want to minimize the hassle of transfers and for those who have a lot of heavy luggage, which would be too tiring to drag between trains and stations.

A professional driver will pick you up at your hotel, and take you directly to the airport in an elegant car, taking care of your luggage, highway tolls and anything else.

• Book a private transfer from Florence to Pisa Airport .

There is also a very interesting option: a private transfer from Florence to Pisa Airport, with a stop in Pisa or Lucca. This is a great chance to see the leaning tower before leaving Italy, or to spend a few hours in the lovely medieval city of Lucca.

• private transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence with a stop in Pisa or Lucca.
• private transfer from Florence to Pisa Airport with a stop in Pisa or Lucca.

That’s all! I hope you found this post useful for planning your trip to Italy and to figure out how to get from Florence to Pisa. Let me know in the comments below how was your experience and you have any other tips to share.

• What to do in Florence and Tuscany

I am a Vespa lover and was thinking about visiting the Vespa Museum in Pontedera. Is it doable by train?

ciao Caleb, it’s totally doable! Pontedera is one of the stops that the train will do between Florence and Pisa, so you can get off at Pontedera-Casciana Terme station, then the Vespa factory and museum is at a walking distance. I love that museum!

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Traveling by train from Florence to Pisa is a quick route, making this an easy day trip if you’re planning to see the leaning tower of Pisa. The distance from Florence to Pisa is 42 miles. Some high-speed trains make this journey in just 49 minutes. Ticket prices on this route average $10.

The Florence to Pisa train travels west through the scenic Tuscan countryside. This journey is always direct; you won’t stop or need to change trains.

Florence to Pisa train times

Most trains leave from Florence Santa Maria Novella station several times per hour for Pisa Centrale station — averaging 46 trains per day. The earliest train leaves Florence Santa Maria Novella for Pisa at 12:40 a.m. The last train to Pisa leaves Florence at 11:07 p.m. 

Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times.

Amenities on the train between Florence and Pisa

Many high-speed trains make the daily journey between Florence and Pisa in just 49 minutes, traveling as fast as 155 miles per hour. 

Italy’s high-speed trains are equipped with air conditioning and electrical outlets at your seat to charge devices. There is wi-fi on most trains, but the signal will drop in tunnels and at stations. Expect a cafe car on every train , as well as food cart that brings snacks, sandwiches and beverages to your seat. At the end of each car you’ll find a restroom and plenty of racks to store large luggage .

Firenze SMN train station is a hub for Italian and international high-speed and regional trains. Located in Florence’s central Piazza della Stazione, SMN station puts you conveniently close to Florence’s big attractions. Outside the station you’ll find taxis, a tourist information office, and stops for most of the city’s main bus routes.

Pisa Centrale station connects three major train lines in Italy, linking the city with Florence, Rome, Genoa and La Spiza. Annually, more than 15 million people travel through this major transportation hub. Travelers will find all the amenities they need. Transportation from Pisa Centrale provides quick and easy access to the airport and the city’s main attraction, the leaning tower of Pisa.

12 Best Tuscany Wine Tours from Florence for 2024

Have you been wondering which tuscany wine tour to take from florence i’ve got you covered.

If you’re thinking about exploring Tuscany and want to experience some of the best wines in the world, a wine tour from Florence is a fantastic choice. Tuscany is famous for its delicious wines and beautiful scenery.

Starting your tour in Florence, you will travel through stunning landscapes and visit vineyards where you can taste different types of wine and olive oil. This is a great opportunity to learn about how wine is made and discover new flavors (reds or whites).

Each tour offers something unique, whether you’re looking to visit big wineries or smaller, family-owned ones. So, if you’re unsure which wine tour to pick, continue reading this article, where I will show you 12 of the best tours . There’s a perfect wine tour waiting for you!

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Tuscany Wine Tours

Tuscany Day Trip from Florence

• 11-12 hours
• Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa
• Farmhouse lunch 

Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience

• 4 hours & 45 mins
• 2 wine estate
• 3 wines and olive oil tasting

Tuscan Villas with vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch

• 9 wine & 2 olive oil tasting
• Food tasting & lunch

12 of the Best Tuscany Wine Tours from Florence

1. tuscany day trip from florence: siena, san gimignano, pisa and lunch at a winery.

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  11-12 hours | ✅  Book it!

Tuscany, Italy is a region that has it all. The Italian region is steeped in history, is full of delicious food and has a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills.

If you are visiting Italy, you must take the time to explore this area, especially to try the wine. This Chianti wine tour from Florence offers to show you the highlights as a local guide takes you around Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa. 

You will get to see the sights of Siena before heading to an organic vineyard. Here you will sample a delicious 3 course Tuscan lunch with accompanying wines. Next, you will head to San Gimignano and Pisa where you can view the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

Olga says, “Everything was great including our guide Manolo and bus driver Lorenzo! Manolo is the best 👌! And very informative. Highly recommended. Money well spent.”

Your first stop for this small-group Tuscany wine tasting tour from Florence will be Siena. Enjoy a guided tour around the Italian city and admire the Gothic architecture of the Siena Cathedral. After this, you will board your coach which will take you to the rolling Tuscan hills.

Arrive in the Chianti wine region where you can take a leisurely stroll through grape lined vineyards and beautiful olive groves. You will get to enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch with bread, cold cuts of meat, salad and pasta. All washed down with a wine tasting experience. 

Next on the itinerary is San Gimignano. Wander the cobbled streets, marvel at the medieval towers and explore the historic squares. Make sure you grab some gelato when you are here, it is delicious! The final stop of the day is Pisa, where you will venture to the Pisa Baptistry, the Pisa Duomo and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

Important details

• Start time: Check in at 7:45 am to depart at 8 am from Piazza della Stazione.
• Duration: 11 to 12 hours  
• Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle. Professional English speaking tour guide with you for the whole day. Guided walking tour of Siena with entrance fee to the cathedral. Hearty farmhouse lunch (veggie and gluten-free options available). Wine tasting of four varieties. Free time to explore the towns at your own pace.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  4 hours 45 minutes | ✅  Book it!

If you are looking for half-day wine tours from Florence, then this could be the perfect one. Have the chance to explore the Chianti Classico region, take part in a four hour wine tasting experience and visit two of the top rated wineries in the area.

You will be able to explore the wine cellars, learn how the wine is made and taste multiple wines and olive oil. The tour also includes local delicacies such as bruschetta and fresh Italian cheeses. 

Bonnie says, “We enjoyed tasting the wine and snacks and enjoyed the stories about the wine, the area, and traditions. The vineyards and villa were beautiful.”

This Chianti wine tour will take you to two different wineries in the Chianti Classico hills. At the first stop you will be able to enter the production areas and learn how to the wine is produced, wander through the picturesque vineyards and also enter the barrel room. This is then where you will get to sample the local Italian wine in a fun wine tasting of three wines. There is also a chance to try the locally made olive oil.

The next stop is the second winery where you can roam the estate and tour the production areas. Another wine tasting will take place where you can sample three more wines. These will be perfectly paired with cheeses, olive oil, cold cuts of meats and other Tuscan specialites. At the end of the trip there is a wine shop you can browse for souvenirs. 

• Start time: Check in at 8:45 am if booked for 9 am or 2:15 pm if booked for 2:30 pm from Piazzale Montelungo.
• Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes.  
• Includes: Small-group tour (max. group size 25 people.) Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with free wi-fi on board. Professional and informative English-speaking driver/guide to lead you through the experience. Guided visit to 2 different wine estates. Tasting of 3 wines and olive oil at the first winery. Tasting of 3 wines and olive oil at the second winery paired with local Tuscan specialities (cheese, salami, cured ham and bruschetta).

3. Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas with vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch from Florence

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  9 hours | ✅  Book it!

This is one of the best wine tours from Florence. Not only do you get to visit two wineries, sample wine and cheese but also enjoy a 4×4 off roading expereince. Departing from Florence, you will be taken through the Tuscan countryside by a 4×4 off-road vehicle.

When you arrive at your destinations, you will get to explore a winery, estate, historic villa and a wine cellar. Take part in wine tastings that are paired with Italian extra-virgin olive oil and cheeses. The day finishes off with a tasty 3 course Tuscan meal. The restaurant has stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 

Sarah says, “Chianti Safari is a MUST DO! We had an incredible experience. Lavie is extremely knowledgeable about the area and the wine making process. We have never done anything like this and I would 1000% do it again. This shows you Tuscany from a whole new view. You truly can’t even express the breathing taking views! Our driver Roberto was fantastic as well!”

Begin your wine tour day trip by travelling through the rolling hills of Chianti. The first stop of the day is at a highly rated winery, Villa le Corti. You will spend a few hours exploring the wine estate. Take part in an exciting guided tour that takes you through the wine cellars, underground tunnels, olive mill and beautiful gardens. After this, sit back and relax as you are treated to a wine tasting with three wines, cured meats and two olive oils. 

The next stop on the tour is another winery restaurant named Località Rignana. Here, you will receive a 3 course meal where your plate will be filled with traditional Italian pastas. Of course, the fine Chianti wine will be flowing to accompany your meal. All with stunning views as your backdrop. 

The final stop on your wine tour experience takes you to Poggio Torselli. This smaller winery boasts two award winning varieties of wine that you will be able to sample in the afternoon’s wine tasting. You will tour the grounds of the winery, gaze at the unique villa on site and soak up the surrounding countryside. 

• Start time: Meet at 9 am from Piazza dei Cavalleggeri.
• Duration: 9 hours.  
• Includes: Transport by air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle. Professional guide. 9 samples of wine. 2 samples of olive oil. Food tastings and lunch.

4. Florence Sunset Walking Tour with Wine & Food Tasting

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  3.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

Florence is a beautiful Italian city waiting to be explored. It has a rich culinary heritage and many traditions and quirks waiting to be discovered.

If you are looking for wine tasting Florence city centre, then this sunset walking tour is a fantastic option. This tour has several elements to it including exploring the streets of Florence, tasting wine and learning all about Italian food. 

Discover Florence’s Official Wine Windows, explore a centuries old wine cellar and taste some of the best Tuscan wines on offer. You will also get to dive into the food scene where a local chef will serve you delicious pasta and traditional Tuscan soup.

Learn all about Florence’s most famous cocktail and make your own Negroni before eating some delectable Gelato, a must do in Florence!

Lauren says, “This was an amazing night. Eva was a wonderful guide and provided lots of information on wines, cheeses, meats, and other dishes. There was plenty of food and wine. We made wonderful friends with others in our group and all left the night feeling full and quite tipsy. Worth every penny and one of the highlights of our trip!”

Start off your evening wine tour in Florence by heading to Piazza Santo Spirito. Here you will cheer with a prosecco in hand before you begin your tour of Oltrarno, Florence’s coolest neighbourhood. On your first stop you will get to sample locally produced Italian cheese including one Parmigiano and two Pecorino.

Next up, enjoy the experience of a wine window. Here you will learn all about this quirky tradition in Florence, drink wine and eat bruschetta. You will pass by not one by two of the wine windows. The second wine window also serves an amazing charcuterie board that pairs great with their wine. 

Fiaschetteria, a traditional Italian wine shop is awaiting your next stop. Here you get to sample traditional Tuscan soup, a wild boar stew, a famous Negroni cocktail and of course some Super Tuscan wine. Learn all about ‘cucina povera’ which is the Tuscan zero waste cuisine and culture. 

You will then wander over to a traditional trattoria that uses new innovative cooking techniques. You will get to eat some pasta, prepared by the chef in front of you, along with some Chianti Classico. Followed by a quick course in real artisan gelato, can you spot the authentic varieties? 

• Start time: Meet at your booked time slot from Piazza Santo Spirito.
• Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Includes: 14 samples at 6 different tasting locations. Negroni cocktail demo and drinking! Taste 5 amazing wines. Local english speaking guide. Florence – A food lover’s guide.

5. Tuscany Bike Tours Through the Chianti Hills with Wine Tasting

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  6 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you want to experience the Chianti countryside in an alternative way, consider this Tuscany bike and wine tour. You will get to cycle through the Italian countryside with a breeze in your hair.

Witness the stunning scenery, olive tree lined paths and fertile land before heading to a 12th century castle. Here you will get to sample flavours that the Tuscan region has to offer such as Chianti wine and olive oil. A delicious lunch is also included in the tour. 

Caroline says, “My husband & I had a wonderful experience—such a great day trip from Florence! The tour guide was super friendly & knowledgeable, the views were beautiful (even with things just starting to grow, with it being earlier in the season), and the lunch + wine-tasting was delicious. At the end you have the opp to buy wine & olive oil, which we definitely did.”

This bike tour will create memories to last a lifetime. You will be dropped off in the countryside where your adventures begin. From here, ride along countryside paths that are lined with beautiful olive trees, vineyards and Italian villas.

Your amazing tour guide will ensure you get the best expereince possible as you travel through the Chianti region. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop, take a break and snap some photos of the breathtaking landscapes. 

You will then stop at one of the villas, where you will enjoy a light lunch. This will be accompanied by an olive oil and wine tasting experience. You will also have the opportunity at the end to purchase souvenirs to take home with you. 

• Start time: Meet at 8:30 am from Via Ghibellina.
• Duration: 6 hours.
• Includes: Round trip transport from Florence to our starting point in the countryside. Engaging, fun and professional tour guides. Wine and extra virgin olive oil tasting with the option to purchase them. Bike and helmet. Bike orientation and safety briefing. Approximately 2 hours bike ride. Eat at a Tuscan villa: light lunch is offered with wine and extra virgin olive oil tasting.

6. Chianti Wineries Tour with Tuscan Lunch and San Gimignano

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  8 hours | ✅  Book it!

This is easily one of the best Tuscany wine tours from Florence. The tour includes round trip transportation with a knowledgeable tour guide. This means stress free day with no hassle, just memories and lots of wine tasting!

Explore the famous Chianti wine region where you will learn all about the traditions of the Italian wine making process. You will get to enjoy a fantastic wine tasting expereince all with an authentic Tuscan lunch.

Rose says, “The driver Daniel was excellent! The tastings were amazing and we had such fun with the other couples.”

Throughout the course of this full day wine tour, you will visit two different wineries in the Tuscan hills. Here you will enjoy a wine tasting experience and dine on a traditional Tuscan meal. You will get to visit and walk around the streets of San Gimignano, a medieval village located in the Chianti region.

Here you will be taken to the local museum, SanGimigano1300 where you can learn all about the history of this village. Enjoy strolling around the streets, the historic squares and eat incredible Italian gelato. Make sure to take in the wonderful panoramic views as the village is built on a hilltop. 

The final stop on the tour is a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo. In the centre of this plaza, you will find a replica of Michelangelo’s Statue of David, with a backdrop of the below Renaissance city.

• Start time: Meet at 9 am in front of Cafe’ Gamberini.
• Duration: 8 hours.
• Includes: Transport by air-conditioned comfortable minivan. Lunch. Wine tastings. A visit of two wineries. Wine cellar and vineyards tour. Live commentary on board. A guided visit of San Gimignano. A visit to Michelangelo Square.

7. Essence of Chianti Small Group Tour with Lunch and Tastings from Florence

This wine tour in Tuscany from Florence takes you to three wineries in the Chianti region. Throughout the course of the day you will explore various wine cellars, vineyards and wine estates.

Furthermore, you will satisfy your thirst with a variety of wines to taste and sip, learning the different notes and flavours in each. At midday, savour a delicious Tuscan lunch with local products including salami, cheese and bruschetta. To end the day you will have the chance to explore the medieval village of Greve. 

Paul says, “Leonardo was fantastic Knowledge and humor all rolled into one. That and the beautiful scenery made it an unforgettable trip.”

The first winery on this full day tour is Fattoria di San Michele a Torri. The estate is a whopping 370 hectares of land, built on a hilltop in the Classic Chianti and Chianti Colli Fiorentini countryside. Enjoy a lovely morning at this estate whilst you tour the vineyards and sample their wines and olive oil. 

Afterwards, head to Greve, a classic Italian countryside village. You have time at leisure to wander the streets, explore the local shops and admire the Piazza Matteotti. After a while, hop back in your transport which will take you down Chianti Road. This is the most famous Tuscan wine road. You will see miles and miles of olive trees, rows of grapes in vast vineyards and lots of green rolling hills. 

Your second winery experience is based at Casa Emma. This will be an educational visit where you will learn about the traditions of their wine making process, the history of the estate and their top tips and secrets to making their famous Chianti red wine and olive oil. Once the tour is over, sit back and enjoy a tasty lunch with a side of their Riserva, Super Tuscans and Chianti Classico wines. 

To round off the trip, you will stop at Villa Poggio Torselli. The final winery of the day. This is family owned and is surrounded by stunning landscaped Italian gardens. 

• Includes: Small group tour: no crowds and more personalized experience. Transportation by air-conditioned and fully equipped vehicle. Free wi-fi on board. Professional and informative English speaking driver/guide to lead you through the experience. Quick stop to see Greve in Chianti, the most representative Village of the Chianti Classico area. Guided visit to 3 wineries, tasting of great wines, olive oil and more. Typical Tuscan lunch: assorted cold cuts, cured ham, salami, cheeses, bruschetta, pasta (usually handmade pasta), and dessert.

8. Tuscany Day Trip with Wine Tastings and a Visit to San Gimignano

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  7 hours | ✅  Book it!

On this exciting full day sociable wine tour, you will get to visit two wineries and explore the village of San Gimignano. You will take part in tours around the wineries where you will be given an insight into day to day life, learn about wine production and how to understand flavour profiles from a sommelier guide.

Whilst here, enjoy a wine tasting of world famous wines including Super Tuscan and Chianti Classico. Adding to this, you will get to taste and sample some age old balsamic vinegar, truffle oil and olive oil. To end the day, you will wander around the streets of San Gimignano at your leisure. 

Robyn says, “Don was a wonderful knowledgeable driver. The 2 vineyards were fabulous each highlighting totally different things. We had a wonderful day!!”

Begin your wine tasting experience with a comfortable drive down the famous Chianti Road. This scenic route boasts views of the Italian countryside like no other. You will reach the first stop, a winery and wine-tasting school. Here you will be provided with a generous four servings of wine to taste and learn about.

Varieties include Brunello of Montalcino, Super Tuscan and Chianti Classico. Alongside these, you will also get to sample other Italian classics including extra virgin olive oil,  aphrodisiac truffle oil and a 130 year old balsamic vinegar. 

Your second winery is located in the Vernaccia white grape region of Tuscany. Enjoy unparalleled views of the beautiful towers of San Gimignano. Tour through the plants in the vineyard, explore the wine cellar and taste three iconic wines, a rosè, a Colli Senesi and a Vernaccia. 

To round off the day nicely, you will have the chance to explore the streets of San Gimignano. You have free time to create an adventure of your own. One of the highlights of this medieval town is the San Gimignano Bell Tower. This is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Tuscany, expect winding streets, traditional shops and a tower filled skyline. Grab yourself some world renowned Italian gelato to end the day.

• Start time: Meet at your booked time slot at your designated pick up point.
• Duration: 7 hours.
• Includes: Private Air-conditioned minivan/minibus. Local expert tour leader with indepth knowledge of the area for a unique and authentic experience. Wine tasting at 2 wineries with 9 different types of wine. Tuscan products tastings including brushetta with tomates, Extra virgin olive oil & more.

9. Tuscany Hills Postcard View:Val D’orcia Scenery with Wine tasting

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  11.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you are looking for vineyard tours from florence, then this full day trip by coach is full of unique experiences. You will not only get to learn all about wines, but experience the historical towns of Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino.

Your day will consist of visiting a variety of wineries in the Orcia Valley, where you will sample the delights of Vino Nobile and Brunello. Furthermore, you will get a taste of Italian local cheeses. 

Linda says, “The views, the lovely Tuscany villages and the Talosa Winery experience in Montepulciano. Truthfully both winery experiences were wonderful and special in their own ways. Great day!”

Drive through the picturesque UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia in a comfortable coach as you head to your first destination. Your tour guide will keep you entertained with fantastic stories, anecdotes and facts about the surrounding towns and regions. 

Your first stop is a medieval old town known as Montalcino. Here you will visit a local wine cellar where you will be treated to some premium Brunello wine. This educational stop will teach you all their is to know about the famous Brunello wine, how it is produced and how they get such a great taste. 

Afterwards, venture through the town itself as you stroll through medieval walkways and cobblestone streets. A notable building to make sure you visit is the Montalcino Fortress. If you make the climb up to this beautiful building, you will be met with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Drink in the huge oak trees, rolling vineyards and lush valleys all around you. At this point in the day, you can also sit down for some lunch at your own expense. 

The next town to visit is Pienza. You will have ample free time to enjoy this Renaissance town, which was built by order of Pope Pius II. Here you can sample some authentic pecorino cheese as well as browse various local shops and stop to do some sightseeing. Make sure you go to Pienza Cathedral, a fantastic example of Renaissance architecture. 

Finally, head to Montepulciano, home to some picture perfect landscapes. On your way, your driver will pass by the iconic Madonna di Vitaleta rural chapel. Make sure you have your camera as this is one of the most photographed spots in the whole of Tuscany. Once you have arrived in Montepulciano, you will have some free time to explore. 

To end the day, you will meet back up with your tour group to have a final winery tour and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano tasting. Here you will learn about the Nobile wine making process and then be able to taste it for yourself. Enjoy some light snacks with the wine that has been produced with local ingredients. 

• Start time: Meet at 8 am at Piazzale Montelungo.
• Duration: 11 hours and 30 minutes.
• Includes: Journey by fully-fitted GT Coach with Free Wifi on board. Expert multilingual Tour Leader. Free time in Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano. Visit to a wine cellar in Montalcino with tasting of the world-famous Brunello wine. Visit to a winery in Montepulciano with tasting of the famous “Vino Nobile” and cheese pairing.

10. Florence Food and Wine Walking Tour with a Local Food Expert

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  2.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you only have a short amount of time in Tuscany, this may be one of the best Tuscany wine tours for you. Enjoy an afternoon full of foodie delights and Italian wine. Experience a walking tour around Florence, where your expert guide will share information about the city as well as its culinary history. 

Peruse a variety of market stalls, delicatessens and foodie spots with your small group to sample some of the top food choices in Florence. Some of the delicacies you will get to try include focaccia, handmade chocolate, truffle panini, gelato and Tuscan olive oil, all washed down with generous helpings of prosecco and Chianti wine.

Greg says, “Had a great time walking learning lots about Florence stopping and having something nice to eat and drink very nice way to spend an afternoon.”

During the course of the day, you will get to visit five different eatery locations. Throughout the tour, your expert guide will show you the way and educate you about the city of Florence. 

Enoteca Alessi is a delicatessen that specialises in truffles. At this place, you will get to try the truffles by eating a panino tartufato. This is a pâté sandwich topped with shavings of tasty truffles. You will also learn how the truffles are foraged and why they are so sought after. You will get to wash this all down with a sparkling glass of prosecco.

Migone is an artisan chocolate shop. This place is fantastic if you have a sweet tooth and love chocolate. You will get to sample three chocolates of your choice and enjoy a guided tasting session. You will learn all about how to make handmade chocolates. 

Perché no!… is an authentic gelato bar that serves indulgent Italian gelato. You will get to choose two flavours to enjoy during your visit. 

Alimentari Uffizi is another local delicatessen that is known for its farm to table style. Enjoy a tasting of olive oil, pecorino cheese, salumi, and wine. 

My Bakery & Bistrot Firenze will present you with homemade, fresh out of the oven focaccia bread along with a glass of Chianti wine. 

• Start time: Meet at 3 pm at Piazza della Repubblica.
• Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Includes: Friendly Local English-speaking wine and food expert guide. Discover the best food (5 stops) and wine spots in Florence. Try local bread with savoury toppings. Taste Olive oil and balsamic vinegar, prosciutto and other typical salumi, Truffle petit panino. Taste glass of Chianti, and Prosecco and take an Expresso. Stop at the best gelateria in town. Taste delicious artisan chocolates. Get personalized tips for the area’s best bars and eateries.

11. Chianti Wine Tour from Florence

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  5 hours | ✅  Book it!

This half day wine tour from Florence is a great way to experience the Tuscan countryside. Joined by an experienced tour guide, you will visit the local wineries of the region and sample some delicious wines including Super Tuscans, Chianti Riserva and Chianti Classico. During the course of the trip, you will be educated on the secrets of wine making and sample traditional Italian snacks.

Adam says, “We had a great time! The tour was a good length of time. We tasted some good wines and saw the Tuscan countryside. Keiko and Danio were very friendly, informative, and kind.”

Hop on board your transportation which will take you through the picturesque countryside of Tuscany. You will drive along Via Chiantigiana, a beautiful route that boasts an array of medieval castles, olive groves and vast vineyards. 

Your first stop is at an organic production winery. Here you will learn all about the secrets of winemaking with the owner of the estate. You will get to enjoy the ones that they make by sampling local wines. There will also be accompanying food snacks. 

The next winery of the tour is family run and resides in the Sienese Chianti Classico area. The winemaker for the winery will begin your tour with a gentle stroll around the vineyard before taking you to the cellar and an aromatic garden. To end the day, you will get to taste four different wines all locally produced.

• Start time: Meet at 8:30 am or 2:30 pm at Piazzale Montelungo.
• Duration: 5 hours.
• Includes: Transport by G.T. air-conditioned coach with WIFI on board. Licensed Tour Leader. Wine-expert guided visit during Vineyards and Cellar tours. Tasting of 3 or 4 different kind of organic Wines in each Winery with typical Products. Possibility to buy Wine, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and typical Tuscan food.

12. Half day Chianti Vineyard Escape from Florence with Wine Tastings

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  4 hours | ✅  Book it!

The Tuscan countryside is famous for its Chianti wine region and the wine that it produces. You can get a glimpse of this famous beauty with this half day wine tour from Florence.

You will visit two local wine estates where you will be taught the traditions of wine making and sample the wines that they produce. Furthermore, indulge in authentic Italian snacks such as bruschetta and cheese.

Jane says, “Driving through the Tuscan countryside and being able to taste a few wines without having to worry about driving. The guide was fabulous and friendly.”

Journey through the Chianti countryside where your tour guide will comment with interesting facts and stories of the region. Enjoy the views from Chianti Road and learn all about Gallo Nero (Black rooster).

You will visit two different wine estates on the trip. At each winery stop off for a wine tour and tasting where you will get to try the local delicacies. Try 3 to 4 different wine varieties at each winery along with some balsamic vinegar, local olive oils and cheese. During your visits, you will be taken out into the vineyards to appreciate the surrounding beauty of the Tuscan hills. 

• Start time: Meet at your booked time slot at Piazzale Montelungo.
• Includes: Journey by fully-fitted GT Coach with Free Wifi on board. English only tour leader. Visits of two charming wine estates with tour of the wine cellars and its vineyards. Sampling of up to 3-4 different types of wines at each winery and extra-virgin olive oil. Tasting of delicious regional products during the wine tastings. Panoramic stops along Chianti roads to take amazing pictures. Possibility of buying wine, oil, balsamic vinegar and other regional products.

FAQs About best wine tours from florence

The Tuscany wine region is very close to Florence. Some of the nearest areas, like Chianti, are just about 30 minutes to an hour’s drive away. Other well-known regions such as Montalcino and Montepulciano are about 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

Tuscany is most famous for its red wines, particularly Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. These wines are primarily made from the Sangiovese grape, which is known for its robust flavor and ability to age well.

The answer can vary depending on personal taste, but Chianti is often considered one of the best wine regions in Tuscany due to its rich history, excellent wines, and beautiful landscapes. Another highly acclaimed area is Montalcino, home to the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino. These regions are known for producing high-quality wines that are appreciated worldwide.

Final Thoughts: wine tours tuscany from florence

Exploring the Tuscany wine regions through a tour from Florence is an experience you won’t forget. Each sip of wine tells the story of the land and the people who have made wine their life’s work.

Whether you are a wine expert or just starting to discover the joy of wine tasting, these tours offer a relaxing way to learn, enjoy, and take in the beautiful views.

So, pack your bags and set off on a journey that promises great tastes and wonderful memories in the heart of Tuscany. Don’t miss out on this unique adventure—it’s truly a highlight for anyone visiting this area!

• Best places to stay in Florence
• Best Family Hotels in Florence
• 12 Fun Things to do in Florence
• 48 hours in Florence – A 2 day Itinerary
• 3 Day Itinerary for Florence
• Best Day Trips from Florence
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Florence

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Meet Alice, a seasoned traveler and marketing consultant from Derbyshire. Her adventures stretch from Singapore to Bulgaria, uncovering unique destinations. Despite her busy marketing career, she indulges in luxurious trips with her partner, offering insightful and engaging travel perspectives through her writing | | Specializing in luxury travel, couples' retreats, crafting detailed itineraries, and offering expert advice on select tour experiences and beach destinations, Alice brings a wealth of expertise to the table.

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