How to Plan Your La Spezia Private Shore Excursion of Pisa and Florence
Italy is full of unique cities and historic landmarks that continue to fascinate tourists worldwide. La Spezia, located in Liguria and the gateway to Cinque Terre, is a perfect start point to explore the region’s treasures. Florence and Pisa are two iconic cities that are both known for their art, history, and architectural marvels. If you want to explore both cities in a day and have the flexibility to customize your tour, booking a private tour from La Spezia is your best bet. In this blog post, we will guide you through the planning process for a private shore excursion of Pisa and Florence.
Overview of the Tour
The La Spezia Private Shore Excursion of Pisa and Florence tour is a full-day private tour that takes tourists on a journey through two of Italy’s most iconic cities. The tour is designed to give up to eight people the chance to experience Italy’s beauty with a private driver, who will pick them up from the La Spezia cruise port. The tour includes stops at famous landmarks such as the leaning tower of Pisa, where tourists can snap some great pictures. Visitors will also explore Florence’s treasures, such as the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Museum Palazzo Vecchio.
What’s included in the tour
The tour includes round trip transportation, bottled water, lunch, and gratuities. The tour is priced per group of up to eight people, and pickup and drop-off are from the La Spezia cruise port. Visitors will have the flexibility to customize the itinerary to their liking, and professional city guides for a three-hour walking tour of Florence can be arranged for an additional cost.
How to Book the Tour
Booking the La Spezia Private Shore Excursion of Pisa and Florence tour is easy. Visit the tour provider’s website, Viator, and select the date of your tour. The website also provides an abundance of information about the tour, including what’s included and the itinerary.
The Itinerary
8:00 AM – Pick up from La Spezia Cruise Port
The driver will be waiting for you at the La Spezia Cruise Port at 8:00 AM. Once everyone is onboard, the driver will take visitors to their first destination.
9:30 AM – Arrival at the Field of Miracles in Pisa
The first stop of the tour is the Field of Miracles in Pisa, where visitors can marvel at the renowned leaning tower of Pisa. This landmark is known worldwide and is a perfect spot to snap some memorable pictures. Visitors can also explore the tower’s interior if they wish, for an additional fee.
12:00 PM – Lunch Break
After exploring the leaning tower, visitors will break for lunch in Pisa. The tour provides lunch, and visitors will dine on classic Italian cuisine.
1:00 PM – Departure to Florence
After lunch, visitors will depart for Florence. The drive is scenic, and visitors can take in the beauty of Tuscany’s rolling hills and vineyards.
2:15 PM – Duomo
The first stop in Florence is the Duomo. This architectural marvel is a masterpiece and is arguably the most popular landmark in Florence. Visitors can enter the cathedral to explore the interior or visit the bell tower and dome of the cathedral.
3:45 PM – Piazza della Signoria
The next stop is the Piazza della Signoria, which is known for its stunning statues and Palazzo Vecchio, which once served as the center of Florence’s government.
5:15 PM – Shopping Break on Via dei Calzaiuoli
After exploring Florence’s landmarks, visitors can take a break to shop along Via dei Calzaiuoli. This street is full of shops that offer traditional Italian products such as leather goods, jewelry, and art.
6:00 PM – Return to La Spezia
After a day full of activities and exploration, visitors will return to La Spezia by the driver who will drop them off at their respective destinations.
Conclusion
Exploring Florence and Pisa’s iconic landmarks is an excellent way to experience Italy’s beauty, art, and architecture. With a private tour from La Spezia, visitors can have the flexibility to customize the itinerary to their preferences and create unforgettable memories. Book the tour now on Viator, and experience Italian beauty in the most comfortable and convenient way.
An Insider’s Guide to the Hidden Gems of La Spezia
La Spezia, a city in Liguria, Italy, is known for being a major port city, and a gateway to the picturesque Cinque Terre. While many visitors to the city focus on exploring the famous coastal villages, those who take the time to explore La Spezia itself will find a wealth of secret treasures. Here’s a guide to some standout attractions, cultural experiences, dining spots, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, that will give visitors a unique insight into this charming city.
Local Attractions: Discover La Spezia’s Secret Sites
When you think of La Spezia, the first thing that comes to mind is the sea, but did you know that this city is home to a naval museum, the Museo Tecnico Navale? This museum showcases military and maritime technology from the past two centuries. The exhibits include the tools and devices used by sailors, alongside models of ships, boats, and submarines. The museum also has a fascinating collection of old maps, flags, navigational instruments, and engineering tools.
Another hidden gem in La Spezia is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. This church holds some incredible works of art, including a marble Romanesque pulpit and an eighteenth-century wooden crucifix. Be sure to visit the choir to admire the fresco style paintings and gothic decor that make it a unique piece of history.
Dining Spots: Savor the Flavors of Local Cuisine
No visit to La Spezia is complete without a taste of its famous pesto, made with the freshest basil you’ll ever taste. Locals flock to Osteria delle Spezie, a delightful restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant serves classic Italian dishes with a focus on fresh herbs and spices. The must-try dish here is the focaccia, which comes with an addictive crumbly texture and an excellent flavor.
For something different, give La Pia, a local street food spot, a try. Here, you can sample Italian flatbread, farinata, and fried street food items like olive ascolane that locals love. Be sure to order a glass of wine to wash it down and enjoy the atmosphere of this charming street food vendor.
Cultural Experiences: Enjoy the Festivals and Traditions
If you’re visiting in August, you’re in luck! This month usually has several cultural events like the Palio del Golfo – a festival that sees the towns of the Gulf of Poets compete in a rowing competition and the Festa della Madonna Bianca, a tradition dedicated to the Virgin Mary that includes a procession of decorated boats adorned with lights. During this time, the city has a lively atmosphere, with music, fireworks, and fairs.
Another fantastic cultural experience in La Spezia is attending an opera at the Teatro Civico. With a seating capacity of about 1,400, this theater stages incredible performances by local and international opera stars and dramatic arts.
Local History: Stories That Bring La Spezia to Life
Behind the myriad of sights in La Spezia, lie intriguing and delightful stories of the city’s past. For example, La Spezia used to have a network of canals that served as ports and transport routes, providing an essential service for the city’s transportation network. Over time, these canals were filled up, but you can still see traces of them in the street names and in one of the city’s most famous parks, Parco delle Rimembranze.
Another fascinating piece of the city’s history can be seen in its connection with Napoleon Bonaparte. La Spezia’s Museo del Sigillo displays the emperor’s signet ring, with which many important documents were signed.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique and Unforgettable Experiences
If you prefer a walking tour to see the city’s bustling streets, try walking the Via del Prione at night and enjoy the buzz of people, the bright lights of bars, and the colorful displays of art showcases. For an extraordinary experience, take a boat ride to nearby Palmaria island, where you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters and explore the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Alternatively, how about taking part in a street art walk and discovering unique works in hidden alleys or lesser-known areas of the city? This guided tour is a fascinating way to see street art created by both local and international artists.
In conclusion, La Spezia is a perfect destination that combines picturesque coastal sceneries and true authentic Italian experiences. Hopefully, this insider’s guide to La Spezia has given you plenty of inspiration and motivation to explore the city’s hidden gems – You won’t be disappointed!
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