Planning a visit to Tuscany? Then, make sure you don’t miss a Pisa tour from Florence! This lovely city is where tourists visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and is a must-see for any traveler in Italy.
There are loads of day trips from Florence that will take you here to this breathtaking city, but in this guide, I will go through what you need to know about a Pisa Tour from Florence.
I’ll also give you some helpful tips in making your visit as smooth as possible. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer in Italy, that is all you need!
Pisa Tour from Florence – Overview
Before going into how to get to Pisa from Florence, I will answer some of the essential doubts that first-timers usually have and that may come to your mind as well.
Best-Rated Tour
Day Trip to Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano
- Enjoy the day with a fun group!
- Best and cheapest way to visit Pisa
- See the most famous spots in 1 day
Includes
- Expert guide full of stories
- Hotel transfers and entrance fees
- Lunch, wine tasting, and free time to visit
Where is Pisa?
Pisa is a city in Tuscany, in the central part of Italy, and it’s located about 100 km (62 miles) from Florence. It would take you 1hr 36 min to drive from Pisa to Florence, which is pretty close and is a scenic drive.
How to Get to Pisa from Florence?
If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Florence, Pisa is one of the best and my favorite. It’s simple and does not have to be stressful to get to Pisa from Florence as you can easily reach it by car or train, or via a day trip from Florence.
Car rental is relatively cheap, with on-site parking available in Pisa, and the drive via highway requires about 1.5 to 2 hours ride.
Alternatively, Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station offers frequent direct trains taking around 1 hour, though be aware of potential delays due to the route.
The option that is ultimately the most comfortable, both for convenience and timewise, is to join a day trip from Florence.
You may opt for a local option to make the most of it; there are guided tours from Florence that include a visit to Siena, San Gimignano and a Tuscan winery lunch.
This option is often more affordable than car rental, which is a bonus.
How Long Does a Pisa Day Trip Last?
A day tour from Florence to Pisa lasts for about 12 hours. So, with transport times included, there will be three stops during the trip: Siena for a Tuscan wine-tasting, lunch in the countryside, and San Gimignano.
One spectacular place you do not want to miss is San Gimignano, a medieval hill town that is now a UNESCO world heritage site.
The tour to Pisa ends at the cathedral (of course), where there are extensive other historical landmarks (including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale).
As I found out, 12 hours was plenty of time to explore Pisa and all the sights. These private tours can sell out rapidly, so I strongly suggest booking now.
What to Expect on a Pisa Day Trip From Florence
In this 12-hour Pisa tour from Florence, you will enjoy a stress-free trip to see beautiful landscapes, architecture, and the iconic Leaning Tower.
Your tour begins in Siena, where you will visit the Piazza del Campo, where the Palio di Siena horse race is held. This leads us to the next must-see: the Piazza del Duomo – This is your chance to visit the splendid cathedral.
You’ll have some free time after visiting Siena until you stop for lunch at a traditional Tuscan winery. Lunch will be followed by a private tour which includes a taste of local wine and a visit to San Gimignano.
Finally, go to Pisa to see the famous square. Remember to view the Baptistery, Cathedral, and Tower of Pisa, all of which must be visited. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
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Activities in Pisa
Is there anything better than spending a weekend in a new city, checking out all the tourist attractions? If you’re taking a tour to Pisa, you’re in luck – this Tuscan town is packed with interesting sights and activities.
From climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa to wandering through the medieval streets, you won’t regret exploring this city.
The Square of Miracles
The Square of Miracles in Pisa is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Italy. Every year, millions of people flock to the city to see the iconic Leaning Tower. But the Square of Miracles is more than just the world-renowned leaning tower itself – it’s also a historical and architectural wonder.
The square is home to some of the oldest buildings in Pisa, including the Baptistery and the Cathedral. You can easily spend more than an hour here wandering around, taking photos, and buying souvenirs in the plaza.
While the Leaning Tower is the most famous structure in the square, it’s far from the only one worth admiring. The Square of Miracles is a must-see for any visitor to Italy.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
For many people, a trip to Italy is not complete until they have seen the 57-meter-high Leaning Tower of Pisa. After all, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
Feeling the need to see this wonky structure in person? Or maybe you just want to take a selfie with the tower in the background. No matter the reason you’re traveling to Pisa, there’s no denying that the Leaning Tower of Pisa will impress you!
Just be prepared for the hordes of people who will be vying for a spot in front of the tower. And don’t forget to bring your camera to take amazing photos back home.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of standing in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Pisa, and you’ll quickly understand why. The imposing structure is awe-inspiring, and the history surrounding it is fascinating.
Of course, getting there is half the fun. The journey to Pisa is filled with anticipation, and the view of the Tuscan rolling hills, as you skip the line and approach your destination is breathtaking.
And once you get there, you’ll discover that the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is truly a magical place that you’ll never forget.
The Baptistery
Any traveler worth their salt knows that the best way to see a new city is by foot. And once at the Square of Miracles, visiting the world-famous Baptistery is a must, in my opinion.
With a circumference of 107.25 meters, it’s the largest baptistery in Italy, and it’s truly fascinating inside. The construction started in 1152, this awe-inspiring structure has captivated visitors for centuries, and its beauty is indisputable.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience, joining a small group or guided tour, is definitely the best way to visit this place. Just be sure to bring your camera, because you’re going to want to remember this trip for a lifetime!
Santa Maria Della Spina
The Church of Santa Maria Della Spina is one of the most beautiful in Pisa, despite being pretty small. You’ll find it on the left bank of River Arno opposite the National Museum, and it was first built in the 13th century.
It has a Gothic style and features opulent pointed pediments with several rose windows on its exterior. You will be pleasantly surprised when you visit it. The interior is filled with stunning white & green striped stone walls and sculptures.
Plus, it’s only a 15-minute walk from the Leaning Tower, which is a great way to explore the city without leaving the main area.
Palazzo dei Cavalieri
The Knights Square is another of Pisa’s main attractions that you can’t miss. This grand palace was built in the 16th century and served as headquarters for The Knights of Saint Stephen.
Adorned with beautiful statues and stunning decorations on both its façade and stonework, this attraction is one of my favorites.
Today, it’s a great place to roam around, take photos, or buy a snack on the way from the Leaning Tower to the Arno River. It’s also a popular place for students to chill, so you might even make some new friends!
Go Shopping at Borgo Stretto
This is the heart of the Pisa city center, with Piazza Garibaldi and the Ponte di Mezzo. Borgo Stretto is an excellent place to admire the city walls stunning architecture while getting some high-end retail therapy.
The street boasts a lovely collection of designer stores, quaint cafes, and charming boutique shops. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, the gorgeous buildings are worth checking out.
You can’t say you’ve visited Pisa without coming to Borgo Stretto and buying souvenirs.
Walk Along the River Arno
The River Arno is one of the main rivers in Italy, and Pisa was, therefore, built around it. This waterway stretches for a whopping 241 kilometers and boasts its source at Mount Falterona.
The section of the river that runs through Pisa provides an immensely beautiful landscape which makes for an amazing place to have a stroll. Furthermore, there are five gorgeous bridges spanning the Arno here, with picturesque architecture creating a stunning theme for photos.
This part of Pisa is extremely photogenic, so if you’re into photography, you’ll definitely want to visit here!
Tips for Visiting Pisa
If you’re planning on visiting the world-famous tower of Pisa, you should keep a few things in mind.
First of all, be sure to pre-book your tickets. The last thing you want is to find out that the entrance ticket to the tower is sold out when you get there.
Taking a day trip to Pisa from Florence is the best way to secure your ticket and make sure to visit the Leaning Tower.
Secondly, remember that bags and handbags are not allowed inside the tower. So if you have a lot of stuff, you’ll need to leave it at the entrance.
And finally, take a bottle of water with you. It can get pretty hot in Pisa, and you’ll need to stay hydrated. Trust me, you don’t want to pass out at the top of the tower!
Reward yourself afterward with some of that famous Italian gelato!
Day Trip From Florence to Pisa – FAQ
Now that you have a better idea of what to expect from a day trip in Pisa, let’s cover some more questions that could be helpful when you visit.
Is Pisa Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an amazing sight, and it’s definitely worth braving the crowds to get a closer look.
The Baptistery and Duomo are also well worth a visit – although be warned, the Piazza dei Miracoli is usually packed with tourists.
If you’re looking for a truly unique Italian experience, you can’t miss a day out to Pisa. Also, the road from Florence is one of the best road trips in Italy to take, so keep that in mind.
Is a Day Trip From Florence to Pisa Worth it?
If you find yourself in Florence with a spare day and are feeling adventurous, then a day trip to Pisa is definitely worth it. After all, where else can you see the world-famous leaning tower?
While the tower is undoubtedly the main attraction, there are also several other interesting sights you’ll visit, like Siena and San Gimignano. So if you have the time, a day trip from Florence to Pisa is worth it.
Is Pisa a Walkable City?
Pisa is very walkable – the streets are lined with plenty of shops and restaurants, and the historic center is relatively compact. But you should be aware that the sidewalks can be narrow and crowded, and the cobblestone streets can be difficult to navigate.
There are also a few steps to contend with, so comfortable shoes are a must, especially on a guided walking tour. Nevertheless, Pisa is a great place to explore on foot, and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of sights, sounds, and flavors.
How Long to Stay in Pisa?
You can see all the main sights and walk around Pisa city center in just about an hour, and the free time you’re given on a guided tour is more than enough to make the most of it.
If you have more time available in Tuscany, then you can stay overnight and see the Square of Miracles illuminated at night.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a breathtaking Tuscan experience, Pisa is your answer. From roaming the gorgeous cathedral grounds to snapping photos next to the tower, there’s plenty to fill up an afternoon. And, of course, no trip is complete without enjoying some delicious gelato while soaking up that magical Italian sun!
I hope this guide was helpful in planning your trip from Florence to Pisa. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help out.
