Half-Day Pisa Tour from Montecatini

My wife and I joined the half-day tour of Pisa from Montecatini and overall had a pleasant experience. The coach journey was smooth and comfortable, and the pick-up and drop-off were prompt and well managed. There was also a stop along the way for anyone who needed a comfort break, which was useful. Once we arrived in Pisa, it was around a 15-minute walk from the coach parking area to the Leaning Tower square. The guide was friendly, accommodating, and helped make the visit enjoyable. We did not choose the option to climb the Leaning Tower, but we still had a guided tour around the tower area and free entry into the cathedral, which was really good and fascinating. The guide provided helpful information in multiple languages, which added to the experience. After the guided section, we had around one hour of free time to explore the square, take photos, and enjoy the area at our own pace. The only thing to be aware of is that the tour mainly covers the Leaning Tower, the square, and the cathedral. The itinerary appears to suggest that more sights are included, but in reality, the focus is just this main area of Pisa. Overall, it was a smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable trip, especially if your main aim is to see the Leaning Tower and cathedral.

Missed the cathedral. The guide had us stood outside of the cathedral for a good 20 minutes talking, then we could not get in because the Sunday service was starting and the line got too long. Wish the timing was planned better since Sunday service is on a fixed schedule. Also purses of any size were not allowed into the tower. This was not communicated ahead of time so we can plan accordingly to avoid wasting time for locker storage. I think it would be more fun taking the train and purchase online tickets that include museums instead of standing in hot weather for a long time listening to the guide.

The tour content was good. However. The tour leader wasn't good at all. They came 30 minutes late and no apology or anything. I had to contact Viator to figure out what to do. When we got on the bus although they knew we are a group of four they hadn't saved 4 seats together. We had to sit separately from each other or with our back to the road.

Ricardo our guide spoke easy to understand English for a Francophone. He was very interesting and funny.

The tour company forgot to pick us up. Fortunately, they were able to reschedule us. The tour was good but don’t schedule with this company if you do not hedge a flexible schedule. Ciao Florence Tours is not dependable. On a second tour we had booked with them they left us stranded in another town and we had to find our own transportation back, costing us an addition 250 euros!