The trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is more or less a half day trip but you can easily make it a 1 day trip by covering some of the other worth-visiting attractions of Pisa. Many people think that there is not much to see in Pisa except for the Leaning Tower of Pisa but never underestimate an Italian city. Our itinerary covers the tower, the iconic symbol of Italy, and some great stops on the way from Florence to Pisa.
Though there is a train from Florence to Pisa, which takes just 45 minutes but after that you will have to take a bus to reach the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This is the reason that the majority of tourists use rental cars. Also rental vehicles provide freedom to choose your own route.
The drive from Florence to Pisa’s Leaning Tower of Pisa
Here are a few places that you can visit on the way from Florence to Pisa
The first stop on the way is Vinci
Vinci is located just 26 km from Florence and is the very first stop on our itinerary. This city is best known for its Leonardo Da-Vinci connection. Though this is a really quick stop you can still spend 1 to 1.5 hours in Vinci:
- Museo Leonardiano is all about Leonardo da Vinci; its displays mostly revolve around the inventions that he drew in his notebooks.
- Museo Leonardiano is all about Leonardo da Vinci; its displays mostly revolve around the inventions that he drew in his notebooksThe Next place you should visit is Casa Natale di Leonardo, the place where Leonardo da Vinci was born.
- Before hitting the roads again, do visit the 13th century Church of Santa Croce
Make your way to Lucca
Lucca is Tuscany regions’ one of the most loved historic towns known for its cobbled streets and Renaissance walls that encircle the city center. Located on Serchio river, its 16th- and 17th-century ramparts are lined with pathways that tourists flock for strolling and cycling. Though it has many attractions, Casa di Puccini is quite popular; now a museum, it is the place where the great opera composer was born.
Spend 1 to 2 hours here; there are also a few restaurants like Ristorante Cantine Bernardini Lucca where you can eat something to eat before hitting the roads again. Here is a small list of attractions that you can enjoy in Lucca:
- Lucca Cathedral
- Piazza dell Anfiteatro
- Lucca – Old City Wall
- San Michele in Foro
- Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca
San Miniato & Santa Croce sull’Arno
These are the little towns in Pisa which are worth the spot before heading towards the Leaning tower of Pisa. These are worth the every minute you spend here.
San Miniato is a small town in Pisa in the Tuscany region. Spend an hour here; some of its noted attractions include names like Tower of Federico II, Museo diocesano, Church of San Domenico, Torre Matilde, Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Jenesien.
Just like San Miniato, Santa Croce sull’Arno is a small town in Pisa Province, mostly known for its leather industry which comprises 400+ factories in just 17 sq km area.
Cerbaie is great for hiking and nature experience; it even has a lake. There are also a few wineries that you can explore in less than an hour; one such winery is Pietro Beconcini Agricola
The leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the highlight of the city and is the most renowned tower of Italy. It is the belltower of the Pisa Cathedral and is known worldwide for its 4 degree lean which is a consequence of its unstable foundation. It was built over a 200 years time and the initial construction started in 12 th century. The tower has 296 steps and a height of 56.67 metres on the high side and 55.86 metres on the low side.
Murcia also has flamingos, thermal spas, mud baths, and is also famed for the friendliness of its people, the Murcianos, and its warm dry climate. The region is also relatively cheap when compared to many other Spanish resorts, making it an amazing and romantic holiday destination for young couples, who are drawn by the excellent tapas, bars, and unspoiled nature of the regionOn the Cathedral Square aka Piazza del Duomo, the Leaning Tower of Pisa or just the Tower of Pisa is the 3rd oldest structure after the Pisa Baptistery and the Cathedral.
Since we recommend that you use a rental car for the day trip, it is our duty to tell you about the parking options near the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There is a large parking area right next to the tower’s entrance, in Via Veccio Barbaricina & Via Carlo Salmone Cammeo. Spend the afternoon exploring the Cathedral Square.
Climbing the Tower
Though many people don’t climb the tower because the steps are quite steep , if you want to make sure you book the tickets in advance. This is because in case of on the spot tickets you might have to wait (even for hours). In case you are not able to get tickets for the day of your travel, try to book one of the tours.
The climb takes 30 minutes to complete, it’s steep and many people even say that they feel dizzy, but the views you get at the top makes the climb worth every step.
After the tower, head towards the other attractions like the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Dumo is the heart of the Cathedral Square; it is the medieval cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. Designed by architect Buscheto, it is noted for its Pisan Romanesque style of architecture, however, the mosaics & the pointed arches are the finest examples of Byzantine influence.
Located on the west end of the Cathedral, the Baptistery is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is noted for its round Romanesque building. It is said that the construction of the structure began in the mid 12th century and was completed in the 14th Century. It is the largest Baptistery in the whole country.
Located on the northern edge of the square is the Camposanto Monumentale, Campo Santo or Camposanto Vecchio (Old Cemetery). On the southern corner of the square is the Ospedale Nuovo di Santo Spirito; built in 1257, this hospital’s main function was to help and provide shelter to pilgrims, orphans and sick.
Located on the northeast corner of the Square is the Opera Palace, a complex of houses which belonged to the workmen of the Cathedral Complex. The oldest house dates back to the 14th Century.