Pisa Bites & Sights: Beyond the Leaning Tower
Pisa, Italy
From USD 74.52
Office phone number: +39 328 271 5964
Pisa Bites & Sights: Beyond the Leaning Tower
Pisa, Italy





Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Unlock the secrets of Pisa on a sightseeing tour that goes beyond the Leaning Tower to tell you the story behind this historic university town. From the origins of the ancient Etruscans over 1,000 years a go to the city’s role in the crusades and its centuries-old rivalry with nearby Genoa, learn about the area’s history as we stroll the streets, discover local art and taste a few of our favourite Tuscan treats.
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Highlights
- Explore Pisa’s top sights with a local guide by your side, including the Leaning Tower, Miracle Square and the River Arno
- Try delicious local snacks, coffee and wine
- Uncover little known streets and medieval districts with fascinating stories to tell
- Learn about local art and admire beautiful views across the River Arno
- Discover the story behind the Leaning Tower and Miracle Square and let your guide advise you on how to capture that perfect holiday snap
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Schedule details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Meeting point: Vittorio Emanuele square in front of the big statue.View on Google Maps.
- Starting time: 10.00 AM
- Ending point:
Miracle Square
Language: English
Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide, one sweet treat, one coffee, one local snack (panino or pisan pizza) and glass of wine or soft drink.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide, tickets entrance.
Your Pisa adventure will begin at Vittorio Emanuele square. Once you have met your friendly local guide, we will take a short walk towards a tiny, almost hidden square where you’ll see a rare and stunning contemporary mural by the American street artist Keith Haring, which he bequeathed to the city just a few months before he died.
Shopping in former historic palaces is an everyday affair for Pisans. Your guide will show you some of the most fashionable places to shop amongst the grandeur in the Medieval former trade district, where Arabians, Europeans, and Africans once came to sell their wares. We will stop here for a little mid-morning sweet snack to keep your energy levels up.
At the end of the street we will enter the soul of Pisa; the Lungarni area which is the most picturesque part of town. We will see the beautiful Arno river flow by as it splits Pisa into two sides: the contemporary side that we have just walked through and the historic heart, where the ancient Romans chose to establish an important settlement and port over one thousand years ago.
Lining the river you will see pretty and colourful renaissance buildings, such as the Blu Palace. This attractive building hosts temporary exhibitions now but it was at its fanciest in the 16th century when it was first built. This is a favourite spot for trendy university students who enjoy chilling out under the parapets, watching the sunset over the river beer in hand, a tradition that started with local artists in the town who once used this area as a meeting point.
Passing the river, we will enter Borgo Stretto, the busiest street in the city, lined with bars, restaurants, shops, and arcades, characterized by unusual porches which give it a slightly Nordic atmosphere. Your guide will paint a picture of times gone by and offer some shopping and dining recommendations for the rest of your stay if you would like them.
Next, it’s time to hop off the beaten path and find our favourite hidden courtyard, away from the crowds, for a taste of a traditional rustic panino, accompanied by a glass of luscious Tuscan wine of course!
Further revelations about Pisan local life will be uncovered as we explore this little known neighborhood and zigzag our way to Cavalieri Square. This breathtaking site is bursting with history and has become the symbol of culture in Pisa because it plays host to one of the best Universities in the world. Queue architectural wonders galore!
But what about the tower we hear you cry? Don’t worry, we couldn’t NOT visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa on a sightseeing tour of Pisa, could we?! You won’t have to wait long either, as she’s right around the corner. And she’s not alone, the tower is surrounded by the marvelous marble Cathedral, a unique Baptistery plus a monumental Cemetery too. Your Guide will talk about the incredible history behind the architecture of this square and he or she will be happy to advise you on holiday snap compositions (ridiculous poses optional).
Our tour ends here, just in time for lunch! Ask your guide where the best lunch spots are or stick around for a bit longer to soak up the tourist vibes on Miracle Square and pick up a souvenir
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide, one sweet treat, one coffee, one local snack (panino or pisan pizza) and glass of wine or soft drink.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide, tickets entrance.
Dress standard: Dress casual with comfortable shoes
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Closure of sites: There are always alternative shops and sites we can take you to in the unlikely event that any location on our itinerary is closed
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@pisaurbanadventures.com
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Local contact
Office phone number: +39 328 271 5964
Email address: info@pisaurbanadventures.com
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