Pisa & Lucca Shore Excursion from La Spezia

This La Spezia shore trip visits the Tuscan towns of Lucca and Pisa, which are both relatively close to La Spezia. It is a nice option for those who have already been to Florence and want to see more Tuscan towns.

After meeting your driver guide, you drive to the walled Tuscan town of Lucca, which has lots of lovely narrow, medieval streets to explore. Your tour leader will point out the top sites, but you decide how to spend your time. The city has wonderful examples of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architecture, and several grand churches, including the Duomo di San Martino. The cathedral houses the Volto Santo, or Holy Face, a wooden crucifix whose face is venerated as a true likeness of Christ. According to local legend, it was carved by Nicodemus, who was present at the crucifixion; radiocarbon dating has since shown the crucifix itself was carved in the early ninth century, making it the oldest wooden sculpture in Europe.

While in Lucca, you should visit the Renaissance walls and ramparts. Today they form a wide, tree-lined public walkway popular with tourists and locals alike. You may also choose to visit one of Lucca's grand villas, or the birthplace of the opera composer Giacomo Puccini, now a museum housing his scores, letters, and personal memorabilia. After exploring, you have free time to enjoy lunch (meal not included) in one of the cafes or pizzerias in town.

Later in the afternoon you drive to Pisa to visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, or Field of Miracles. This pedestrian area is one of the finest architectural ensembles in the world, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo, a Romanesque masterpiece dating back to the 11th century. If you are looking for a last minute souvenir or an afternoon Italian ice cream, you can find it here too. At the end of the day, you are brought back to the pier in La Spezia.

Mobility: Folding wheelchairs OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)