Pisa 2012

One of the outstanding day trips that you can enjoy from Florence is a journey by train over to the city of Pisa, famous, of course, for its Leaning Tower.it is an easy train ride -- it just takes one hour to get from the center of Florence into Pisa.You could spend about three hours in Pisa on your visit and see a lot of fine sights in addition to the Tower.
You could get from the train station to the Tower by taxi or by city bus, or better yet, walk.It is a wonderful walk that only takes about 30 minutes -- about 1 mile -- and you go right through the main shopping street of town, the Corso Italia.Even if you are there on a Sunday afternoon as we were, the pedestrian street will be filled with local people, and yet most of the stores are closed.
The road then crosses the Arno River and gives you wonderful views looking in both directions at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.. This leads directly into a very old part of the city, picturesque buildings, arcades over the sidewalks, outdoor restaurants and lots of people. In another 10 minutes, you will reach the famous Tower.
If you want to climb the Leaning Tower you should check with your hotel desk for instructions, as the daily number of entrances is strictly limited. Be sure to also visit the magnificent Romanesque cathedral and baptistery, which too many day-trippers overlook in their rush to see the tower and get back on the bus. Another advantage of going on your own by train is that you can take your time in this "Field of Miracles," and then hop the city bus when you are ready to return to the train station for the hour ride back to Florence.