Pisa Side trip from Lucca?

Not really. The tower and the church are about the only two attractions there.

You already are seeing some of the most impressive Italian churches on that tour, in Padova, Ravenna, Assisi, Orvieto, Siena, and even Lucca. I would not trade away a leisurely afternoon in Lucca, which is really all that you have there, after the olive oil tasting and farm lunch.

Here's a contrary view than those above. Pisa is not like most Tuscan landscapes so expectations seem low.

I think it is worth some time. Yes, the tower, but church is beautiful too. Ya, I know ABC, another bloody church! Go into the babtistry and listen to the singer demonstrate the accoustics. Lastly, go to the Campo Santo, not neccessarily to see the grave yard but rather to appreciate the reconstruction work the Italians have undertaken since WWII. It is an amazing story, reference the book Saving Italy. All tourists owe the Italians a debt of gratitude for this kind of effort.

Pisa is a lovely and thriving town. The university and its students make the place alive. We have walked around Pisa a few times and there are the little alleys and shops that make it unique. The campo santo (holy field) is a fabulous cemetery that was partially destroyed in WW II and rebuilt. The interior houses many great works of art including the photos of the destruction and rebuilding process. It is one stop I always recommend to visitors to Pisa, instead of just the usual photos "holding up" the tower, as many people miss it (it seems that even people on this thread).

Yup, tower, church & bapistry, 3 differnt buildings. In one visitor center there is a cool movie on continuous loop of attempts thru the centuries to straighten the tower.