✨ Celebrity’s Grand Tour of Florence and Pisa Cruise Excursion
On our Mediterranean cruise aboard the Celebrity Equinox, we booked the “Grand Tour of Florence and Pisa” shore excursion through the cruise line—and while it wasn’t cheap ($242.99 per person), it packed in a full day of sights, history, and plenty of pasta.
We booked early (the price increased later!), and that cruise line’s ship-return guarantee gave me peace of mind for such a full-day adventure. This Florence and Pisa cruise excursion included round-trip transportation by motorcoach, a professional guide, lunch, and guided walks through both cities. Our port was actually in La Spezia, so there was a couple of hours of travel involved for this adventure.
Was it worth it? Let’s break it down.
We met early in the ship’s theater and were soon boarding a comfortable motorcoach with a few dozen fellow cruisers. Our guide—equal parts history buff and Italian auntie—immediately won us over. She was sharp, funny, and didn’t miss a beat. (“If you get lost,” she said with a wink, “I’ll come back for you… maybe.”)
🏛️ Stop One: Pisa and the Iconic Leaning Tower
As we pulled into Pisa, something about the whole place felt a little surreal. The wide, open Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) feels like a movie set—everything gleams a little brighter than real life. And while most people come for the Leaning Tower, the square actually holds four stunning structures:
• The Leaning Tower of Pisa (bell tower)
• The Duomo (cathedral)
• The Baptistery
• The Camposanto Monumentale (cemetery)
We didn’t have enough time to go inside the buildings or climb the tower—which was okay. Just standing in the square, with the soft morning light casting shadows across the grass, was enough.
Of course, we took the classic “holding up the tower” photos—and failed, hilariously. Watching everyone else strike dramatic poses, phones in hand, made the whole experience feel lighthearted and fun. I shared my epic failed attempt on Instagram if you’d like a good laugh.
Just outside the square, the atmosphere shifted slightly: little stalls and sidewalk shops offered souvenirs without pressure—bags, wallets, local pasta, espresso, ceramics. The prices were reasonable and the shopping was easy. Brian grabbed the world’s tiniest takeaway coffee, and I picked up a few small gifts I hadn’t planned on (but couldn’t resist).
I’m especially thankful we visited Pisa first, when it was quiet and peaceful. As we were leaving, buses were pouring in and the crowds were definitely on the rise. Apparently, this is at the tour guide’s discretion, and honestly, it may have been a toss-up because when we got to Florence, it was packed.
Travel Tip: If you’re planning to visit Pisa, go early. Be there when the gates to the Piazza open.
And yes… according to our guide, everything in Pisa leans. 😉
Rolling Through Tuscany
The ride from Pisa to Florence was beautiful in its own right. We passed through the Tuscan countryside, catching glimpses of the famed Carrara marble mountains—so bright white they looked snow-capped. The whole landscape felt painterly, even out the bus window.
We were already planning our next trip to Italy and an extended stay in a Tuscan vineyard. Dreamy!
🏛️ Stop Two: Florence: Art, Architecture, & Aperitifs (ok, wine!)
Florence—or as the Italians say, Firenze—was buzzing the moment we arrived. We hit the ground walking, with our guide leading us through winding streets and crowded piazzas like a pro. Everywhere you turn, there’s something remarkable: a sculpture, a fountain, a cathedral façade that stops you mid-sentence.
The city is as romantic and layered as everyone says—and also, crowded. Very crowded. Still, the charm shines through. And if you let go of the need to see everything, Florence has a way of surprising you with something even better.
🍝 A Long Lunch, Italian Family Style
Lunch was served at a tucked-away local restaurant—classic Italian, family-style. It was a little crowded with another tour group but the service and food was excellent. Think: fresh pasta, crusty bread, bottles of wine, and tables filled with laughter and that content, wine-slowed feeling that only happens in Italy. I could live in Italy!
We ate too much. We drank just enough. We briefly considered skipping the rest of the tour and staying at that table all afternoon. But, we assumed another tour group would be arriving soon, and we didn’t want to miss our free time to explore.
🍷 Free Time: Brunello + Street Scenes
After lunch, we had some free time to explore. I really wanted to check out one of the famous wine windows but I decided to act like a true Italian and skip the over-priced tourist glass. And, rather than push through the dense crowds around the big piazza, Brian and I slipped down a quieter street with friends and found a little outdoor café. We ordered a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino—my favorite red—and just sat there.
No schedule. No obligations. Just time to savor it all.
That moment, more than the monuments or the magnificent architecture, is what I’ll remember most about Florence. It felt like we belonged there—even for just an hour.
La Dolce Vita!
Back to the Ship
Eventually, we regrouped and boarded our motorcoach for the scenic ride back to the Celebrity Equinox—tired, happy, and very full. We all felt so grateful for our day in this beautiful place.
As much as I love exploring (especially in Italy), there is always a comfort when returning to the ship. It’s the feeling of coming home after a fun-filled and full day. A cruise ship always feels like my home away from home.
Was This Florence and Pisa Cruise Excursion Worth It?
Yes—and here’s why:
- You cover two iconic Italian cities in one day
- The logistics are completely handled
- Lunch is included
- You’re on a cruise line tour = guaranteed return to ship
- It’s a great intro if you’ve never been to either city
It’s true that we didn’t go inside the tower or deep-dive into Florence’s museums—but for a first visit, this tour delivered a satisfying, well-paced experience.
Alternative: We were only able to catch a glimpse of its beauty during our tour. However, if you’re up for more of a solo adventure, grab the train from La Spezia Centrale station and spend your day wandering through museums and marveling at the fantastic architecture.
Worrier’s Guide: Grand Tour of Florence and Pisa Cruise Excursion
✅ This is a full-day tour with lots of walking, especially in Florence
✅ You’ll be with a large group, but our guide was excellent at keeping us moving
✅ Lunch was delicious and felt very “local,” not touristy, despite the obvious tour groups
✅ You don’t go inside the Pisa monuments (no tower climb)
✅ Comfortable motorcoach transportation included
✅ Great souvenir shopping in Pisa with fair prices
✅ Book early—the price increased closer to sailing
✅ Ship-return guarantee = peace of mind
📎 Related Posts
- Should You Book Excursions Through the Cruise Line?
- Cinque Terre on Your Own
- Wine Tasting at Mount Vesuvius
📝 Final Thoughts
This Florence and Pisa cruise excursion gave us a taste of two unforgettable places in one day. It was busy and yes, a bit touristy—but completely worth it. If you’re craving a no-stress, guided intro to these iconic destinations, this is a great way to see the highlights without missing the ship.
And if you’re lucky enough to find yourself sipping Brunello on a quiet Florentine side street with people you love? That’s the magic of travel.
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