Our cruise ship lands at LaSpezia on 9/16/23. Looking for a recommendation for a private guide with a car large enough to accommodate a folding scooter to meet us at LaSpezia where the ship docks and take my husband and myself for a half day tour of Pisa and Lucca. My husband can walk short distances and get in and out of vehicles but cannot walk long distances. Any personal knowledge or tips? Thanks!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16628 posts
Personal experience is usually best but I'll throw this out as you're waiting for some of that. :O)
I've seen a number of posters review "Tours by Locals" positively, and on a quick search I came up with this:
https://www.toursbylocals.com/pisa-lucca-from-laspezia-privatetour
Do note that in Italy, it's not unusual for a private tour to require a driver AND a guide, due to the extensive testing it takes for a licensing necessary for guiding interiors of monuments/museums. The gentleman linked mentions that he while he holds a guide's license, it doesn't cover the interiors of museums/historical sights. That aside, he can manage the driving and transport of the scooter, share background on the local culture and history, arrange lunch, etc. Take a read through the reviews of all of his tours, not just the Lucca/Pisa tour.
This will not be an inexpensive trip but I expected as much for a private tour + the distances covered.
You could also browse the tours offered by others on the Tours By Locals website.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks so much! I was on the Toursby Local but they had 69 possible trips and I wasn't created enough to craft an inquiry that got the result you did!!! I've sent an email to the listed tour guide- we know it will be expensive. Again - thanks so much for your assistance!!!
I wanted to let you know that the guide has already responded that he can take the folding scooter - I sent him the dimensions so he can determine whether it will be a car or van. This is so exciting - Thanks, Kathy, for your help in making this dream vacation come true for us. My husband's never seen Pisa and I've always wanted to see Lucca.
Waiting to see which arm and leg it will cost us. lol
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16628 posts
You are so welcome! So sorry I couldn't recommend on firsthand experience!
Let us know how it turns out for you? Your experience could help someone else in the same situation. :O)
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1153 posts
Hello kvampotic,
I have taken local tours from https://en.turislucca.com/ and they have been very good. I have not used them for "Shore Excursions" but they offer these from La Spezia to various places including Lucca or Pisa.
https://en.turislucca.com/guided-tours-for-individuals/ (You can select for shore excursions on the right)
They have 4-5 hour tours of either Pisa or Lucca but if you're set on both you could contact them and see what is possible.
Prices are on the website for their set tours.
Have a great trip!
=Tod
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks, Tod! If the tour above doesn't work out, I'll check this one out. The guide has already responded that he can take the scooter - so I'm optimistic. I really appreciate that you both took the time to respond to me!