A Perfect Day Trip from Florence to Pisa and Lucca:
Tuscany is a region filled with timeless charm, rolling hills, and cultural gems. While Florence is the crown jewel, taking a day trip to nearby Pisa and Lucca offers a deeper glimpse into Tuscany’s diversity. Pisa’s iconic architecture and Lucca’s medieval streets make this an unforgettable day, and the best part that it’s easy to do both in one day from Florence.
This guide will walk you through the perfect itinerary—how to get there, what to do in each city, where to enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine in Lucca, and tips to make the most of your time. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this one-day adventure blends history, food, and scenery into one seamless experience.
PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE
These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – SKYSCANNER – we always start here and usually always finish here. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices. You can also try GOING to search prices across a variety of sites.
TRAVEL OPTIONS
CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or Rental Cars when booking a car rental, they work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs.
TRAINS – TRAINLINE – is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.
BUS – OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way. FLIXBUS is another terrific website with routes between 20 European countries.
ACCOMMODATIONS
BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.
HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
GET YOUR GUIDE – is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. VIATOR is another great website for all types of tours.
TAKE WALKS – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY WING – is our go to travel medical insurance company, especially for longer trips. You can either purchase a monthly plan or a plan for specific trip dates (i.e. 1-2 week trips). They cover people from all over the world, while outside their home country.
ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.
Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.
How to Travel from Florence to Pisa and Lucca
Your day begins early in Florence, where you’ll want to catch one of the frequent regional trains departing Santa Maria Novella station. The TRAIN to Pisa Centrale takes about an hour and runs regularly throughout the day. From Pisa, Lucca is only a short 25-minute train ride away, making both cities easily accessible in one trip.
If you’re driving, the journey to Pisa takes about 1 hour 15 minutes via the A11 highway, with Lucca located just 20 minutes further northeast. Parking is available outside both city centers, but keep in mind that ZTL (restricted traffic zones) are strictly enforced in historic areas.
Alternatively, several GUIDED tours offer comfortable transportation and expert-led experiences that include both cities in a full-day itinerary, perfect for stress-free travel.
Once you arrive in Pisa, head straight towards the Leaning Tower, which is about a 25 minute walk. If you want to get photos with not too many people in them, this is the time to do it. You probably won’t be the only person there, but hopefully you’ll be there before the first tour groups arrive.
Exploring Pisa – More Than Just the Leaning Tower
Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa along with the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale. While many visitors race to snap the iconic photo “holding up” the tower, be sure to go beyond the selfie and climb the 294 steps to the top for a sweeping view of the city.
Inside the cathedral, you’ll discover stunning Romanesque architecture and rich artistic detail, including the pulpit by Giovanni Pisano. The Baptistery, the largest in Italy, impresses with its acoustics and blend of Gothic and Romanesque elements.
Stroll the Arno River and Explore Pisa’s Hidden Corners
Once you’ve explored the monumental square, take a walk along the Arno River, which divides Pisa in two. The Ponte di Mezzo offers lovely views and leads you into the Borgo Stretto, Pisa’s medieval quarter lined with shops and cafés. Don’t miss Santa Maria della Spina, a tiny 14th-century Gothic church perched beside the river.
Pisa is more than its famous tower—it’s a university town brimming with energy and history. The Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Pisa), founded in 1544, is one of the oldest in the world and makes a peaceful detour.
Handy Tip: Grab a coffee or quick bite at Filter Coffee Lab, our favorite for an espresso and pastries if you didn’t have breakfast in Florence.
Midday: Journey to Lucca
By now, it’s around midday—perfect time to catch the short train to Lucca. The journey takes about 25–30 minutes, and the train station is a 10-minute walk from Pisa’s city center. Once you arrive in Lucca, you’ll find a slower pace and centuries-old charm awaiting you. There’s a lot to do in Lucca, but you can see most of the highlights in half a day.
Afternoon in Lucca: Cobblestones, Walls, and Wonderful Food
Lucca is one of Tuscany’s most enchanting towns. Unlike Florence or Pisa, it’s enclosed within fully intact Renaissance-era walls that now function as a public park. Its narrow lanes, tree-lined avenues, and peaceful piazzas make it a dream to explore on foot—or even better, by bike.
1. Walk (or Bike) the City Walls
One of the best attractions in Lucca are the perfect preserved renaissance walls around the entire city. Built to defend Lucca, the walls are still in tact and today it’s a great place to walk and bike. There is wide, tree-lined promenade with plenty of shade to enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride with great views along the way. Start your Lucca visit with a walk or bike ride atop the old town. You can rent a bike for an hour and the 4 km of walls that encircle, cruise past locals jogging, kids playing, and families picnicking.
Rental Cost: ~€5/hour
Rental Shops: Cicli Bizzarri or ChronoBikes
2. Lunch in Lucca
By now, you’ve worked up an appetite. Lucca’s cuisine blends Tuscan tradition with its own local flair. Here are three great lunch options:
Da Ciacco
Located in a beautiful Lucca Plaza with great views and people watching one of our favourite lunch spots in Lucca. The ambience, staff and most importantly the food is second to none, often crowded try and go to lunch a bit early.
Osteria Baralla
Elegant but approachable, this spot offers traditional Luccan fare like tordelli lucchese (meat-filled pasta) and rabbit with olives. The outdoor seating in a quiet courtyard is a bonus.
Pizzeria da Felice
If you’re in a hurry or prefer something casual, grab a slice of chickpea farinata or thin-crust pizza from this historic pizzeria. Love this place, nothing fancy just the best Pizza in Lucca.
It’s easy to explore Lucca on your own, but if you’d like a visit all the main spots with a guide, this is a great 2- hour walking tour of Lucca.
Best Things to Do in Lucca After Lunch
3. Torre Guinigi
One of the town’s most iconic sights, this 14th-century tower has a rooftop garden—yes, actual oak trees growing on top! Climb the 230 steps for a panoramic view over the terracotta rooftops.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Entrance: ~€5
4. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
This oval-shaped piazza was built on the remains of a Roman amphitheater. Today, it’s ringed with colorful buildings and filled with cafes and shops. Grab a gelato or espresso and soak in the atmosphere.
5. San Michele in Foro
This Romanesque church is older than the cathedral and one of the most striking buildings in Lucca. Its intricate façade and artistic details make it worth a visit
6. Palazzo Pfanner
One of the best things to do in Lucca is a visit to the Palazzo Pfanner a rather hidden, and not-so-well-known attraction that can be found in the north, right of the wall. The Palazz Pfanner and its garden grounds are picturesque ornamental gardens.
7. Explore the back streets of Lucca
One of the joys of living in Lucca is wandering the back streets and stumbling upon secret gardens and courtyards. As you explore the backstreets you will come across charming local eateries, many which have been family run for generations. We have got lost so many times in the back streets only to come across a slower pace and quite corners that reveal stories and secrets of this beautiful town. While many flock to the city’s famous landmarks like Via Fillungo or the towering Torre Guinigi tower, the quieter streets provide a more relaxing and authentic experience of Luccas charm.
Evening Return to Florence
Depending on the season, you can catch a late afternoon or early evening train back to Florence. Trains run roughly every hour from Lucca to Florence SMN and take about 1 hour 20 minutes. If you’re visiting in the summer months, try to catch the sunset as your train winds back through the Tuscan countryside.
If you’re not in a rush and want to have dinner before heading back, Trattoria da Giulio in Lucca is a top choice for an elegant yet traditional Tuscan meal. Their handmade pasta, rabbit dishes, and regional wines offer the perfect end to your day.
Sample Itinerary: One Day from Florence to Pisa and Lucca
Time | Activity |
8:00 AM | Train from Florence to Pisa |
9:00 AM | Explore Pisa: Tower & Monuments |
11:30 AM | Train from Pisa to Lucca |
12:00 PM | Arrive in Lucca, walk the walls |
1:00 PM | Lunch in Lucca |
2:30 PM | Visit Guinigi Tower & Piazzas |
4:00 PM | Explore Cathedral or Palazzo Pfanner |
5:30–7:30 PM | Train back to Florence |
Best Pisa and Lucca tours
Looking for the easiest way to explore Pisa and Lucca in one day? Guided tours from Florence take the hassle out of planning and transport. You’ll enjoy skip-the-line access to the Leaning Tower, expert commentary at historical landmarks, and free time to explore Lucca’s charming streets or cycle along its Renaissance walls. Many tours include comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable local guide, and even lunch or wine tastings. Whether you prefer a small group or private tour, it’s the perfect way to see two Tuscan gems without the stress of navigating on your own.
Final Thoughts
A day trip from Florence to Pisa and Lucca is a rewarding experience that balances iconic landmarks with peaceful charm. In one day, you’ll witness the wonder of the Leaning Tower, stroll the quiet cobblestones of Lucca, and taste authentic Tuscan flavors in a less hurried setting.
Whether you travel by train or car, this journey adds to your Tuscan adventure and leaves you with memories of churches, towers, and trattorias. Best of all? It’s all easily doable in a day, making it one of the best side trips from Florence.