Project Description

If you’ve dreamed about walking Italian art galleries, dining on handmade pasta, and enjoying the romance that Italy has to offer, then Tuscany is an area that must be on your bucket list. Both Pisa and Lucca are great places to stay, where you can use the city as a “base” for touring the surrounding Tuscany sights. Day tours can be arranged with local guides, giving you an opportunity to see the popular locations, with a unique insight from an Italian expert.

Pisa: Central Location for Tuscany Tours

Thousands of people flock to Pisa each month to view the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. This landmark is a piece of history, surrounded by charming Italian cafes, markets, and other fun activities.

The biggest mistake made by tourists is assuming that Pisa is a one-day stop. While you can see the Leaning Tower and Square of Miracles in an afternoon, limiting your time in Pisa means that you will miss out on the many other sights in the surrounding Tuscany area. The truth is that Pisa is an ideal location if you’d like to enjoy all that Tuscany has to offer. In fact, it is an ideal base for your Italian vacation.

Lucca: A Hidden Secret in Tuscany

The city walls in Lucca tell a story of the high fortifications built in the Middle Ages. Many tourists skip past Lucca as they make their way to some of the more popular Italian cities. But Lucca is a location that is rich in history – and it is a great base for exploring other surrounding sights in Tuscany.

As you walk through Lucca, it feels like you have stepped back in time. The city holds the charm that stems back several centuries, with a few modern touches. The residential neighborhoods are a breath of fresh air after spending time in busy tourist destinations.

Day Trips from Pisa and Lucca

What tours should be added to your Tuscany itinerary? Here are some of the best things to do in Italy: activities you shouldn’t miss while staying in Pisa or Lucca:

Cinque Terra

You won’t regret the opportunity to see the bright colors of Italian villages, positioned on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Cinque Terra is a quaint area that is difficult to reach because of the minimal access by car or bus. The best way to enjoy the villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso is by taking a small-group ferry boat to visit the villages by water.

A knowledgeable tour guide can take you on walking tours through the narrow alleyways and picturesque viewpoints of each village, moving down the coast from one village to the next via boat or train. Enjoy the beaches of Monterosso, or spend the afternoon shopping in quaint stores while snacking on local gelato.

Chianti Wine Tasting

You can’t visit Tuscany without having an authentic wine tasting experience. Both half-day and full-day wine tasting tours can be booked from Pisa and Lucca. Bask in the beauty of Italian countryside views and Tuscan vineyards, while touring the local wineries. Not only will you taste the finest wines in the area, but visitors learn about how Italian wine is made.

From the vineyard to “cantina” (the cellar), you can see the aging process and attention to quality. Wine tasting tours include a selection of red and white wines, accompanied by a light lunch of local appetizers and the best Extra Virgin Olive Oil sourced here in the Tuscan area. This small-group tour is a personalized experience, giving you an authentic insight into the best tastes that Italy has to offer.

Florence

Some of the must-see sights in Florence include the Duomo cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, and the Accademia Gallery which is the home of Michelangelo’s Statue of David. The best experience at these sights is available with a local, personal tour guide who will share details of the history and features in the area.

A day in Florence is a great way to spend time while staying in Pisa or Lucca. Florence is easy to access from these nearby cities, especially when a tour guide is leading the way to the best sights that Florence has to offer.

Siena

Siena is another beautiful city that can’t be missed when visiting the stunning Tuscan sights. Whether you want to see the cathedrals, sample the food and wine in the city, or enjoy the gorgeous architecture, Siena is the perfect option to visit because it is one of the best-preserved cities in the region.

Popular sights in Siena include the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia. Take pictures of the stunning Gothic architecture at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, walk through the Piazza del Campo (the main square of Siena), or enjoy the fine art in the Siena National Gallery.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a gem found in the heart of Tuscany: a medieval city that is home to saffron and Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine. The brick pavement in the Piazza della Cisterna creates a fairytale experience as you see the bustle of the local vendors and nibble on some of the local foods.

The Collegiate Church of San Gimignano is a classic Roman-style Basilica, featuring beautiful frescos and interior art. Take time to climb to the top of the Torre Grossa (or ride the elevator if you prefer) to see the city from a 13^th century “skyscraper.”

Personalized Tours in Tuscany

Whether you are staying in Pisa or Lucca for a few days or Tuscany is your base for a multi-week exploration of Italy, there is plenty of things to enjoy in the heart of Italy. Day trips can be arranged for wine tours, historical sights, and the best shopping in the area – making it an unforgettable experience to share with your loved ones.

At Bella Italia Tour, we are here to offer a personalized experience to make your time in Italy unforgettable. Our local tour guides share the secrets of this delightful location. Enjoy a charming, small-group tour to all of the essential sights to visit in the surrounding cities and countryside.