Pisa and Viareggio beach

Hi there, we will be on Liberty of the seas 3-10 July with one of the stops being La Spezia. RCI has a shore excursion that includes a drive to Pisa to enjoy views of the Leaning tower (doesn't include climbing) and then being taken to Viareggio to a beach club for 4 hours including a sunbed and umbrella. This is US$99 per adult and US$82 per child - so will cost us close to US$400. Would this be something that we could easily do ourselves at a significant saving or are the beach clubs "contracted" to the cruise lines? Look forward to your help and opinions.

You would need to get off the ship as early as possible. You have to take a free shuttle out of the port area.

I would think you could make the 9:19 Intercity train. While it is a 20 minute walk to the train station you might want to plan for taxi. That would put you in Pisa at 10:19 if it runs on time.

Frequent regional trains take you to Viareggio in about 25 minutes and lets say you were there at 1:30 PM. You are going to be pressed to stay more than 2 hours with this timing. You can not risk taking the last possible train.

As you need to be back on the ship at the latest 6:30 PM and have to take the shuttle to the ship as taxis are not allowed to the ship, you would have to make the 4:15 PM train to be sure to make it in time as it is around a 50 minute trip.

You could figure the transportation costs at the lowest at 9 euro per person per segment or 27 euros for the trip. If you add taxis in La Spezia at 10 euro each way. Transportation is then 30 euro per person.

Viareggio does not have public beaches and it is lined with many varied beach clubs. The minimum charge would be 15 euro per person.

45 euro is around $62 per person minimum and you have a lot of possibilities for something to go wrong and hassle in making your own arrangements.

Thank you so much MADflyer, that is very helpful information and absolutely, I don't feel the saving is worth the hassle of our own arrangements or the possibility of something going wrong! I appreciate your time and effort in your reply!

Hi cheggs,

Did you take this tour on your cruise?

We are considering this tour on our next cruise .

I am very gratefuk for any advice/ feedback!

Thanks!