Pisa, home to one of the most recognized landmarks in the world.
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
We were going to try to tackle some of the highlights these two cities offer in one day.
As with most of the places I’ve traveled, these two beautiful cities deserve more of our time, but it wasn’t possible on this trip. Sadly the clock was ticking as soon as the NCL Spirit docked in the Port of Livorno.
We were in port for just 11 hours and we had a long list of things to see. Because of timing we hired a driver and a guide. And once again, we recruited some of our other travelers to drop the price as low as possible. An email to Rudy’s Touring Service was all it took to secure a driver/guide. It’s the same company we’d hired for our day in Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Our group of seven paid a total of €550 for the trip.
Cutting Costs: If you have the time and are looking for DIY options, check out Free Time in Florence. Make the most of your time AND your money!
After our guide picked us up, we turned our sights on Pisa and its famous Leaning Tower. It’s a landmark I’ve wanted to see for years!
Our guide and driver for the day told us about life in Tuscany as we relaxed. We gazed out our windows and enjoyed the beautiful countryside. We passed fields and fields of sunflowers and cattle. I couldn’t believe how much it reminded me of home!
When we arrived in Pisa, we did not go directly to the tower. Instead, our guide took us to several other locations first. She pointed out some of the medieval walls that still stood around the city.
Then we made out way to the Piazza dei Cavalieri. It’s known best for it’s students. University Scuola Normale di Pisa is located there. Since we stopped fairly early in the morning, the square was still and quiet.
Then it was TO. THE. TOWER!
The weather was perfect for our visit. It was much cooler in Pisa than in Greece, and even Naples and Rome. The morning we were in Pisa, the sun was out and there was hardly a cloud in the sky!
We drove around a corner, and there it was in all of its glory. The Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles. I was finally there! And it was all too perfect. Like so perfect I could actually imagine it as a styrofoam building on a movie set, perfect! Hahaha!
What do you think?
I don’t know what I had in my head, but apparently it wasn’t exactly this. I don’t know if it was because I couldn’t believe I was there … or if the sky just seemed too blue and the buildings too white … but the scene that stretched out before me was just so much prettier than I expected!
Our time in Pisa ended too quickly. I know there is so much more the city has to offer, but it was time to hit the road to Florence.
We drove toward the birthplace of the Renaissance. The tour of the city started before we even reached it’s ancient towers. Our guide stopped at Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s basically a parking lot that sits on a hill above the city, but this lot offers one of the most amazing views in the area.
Just by glancing at the skyline, you can see what the founders of the city perceived as the most important thing in their lives.
From the Duomo to the Old Bridge to the city’s medieval walls, we couldn’t wait to descend into Florence and explore it.
We started near Piazza del Duomo square. As you can tell by the name, it’s the home of the Duomo, or the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore. Trip Advisor says the Duomo is the third largest cathedral in the world after St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London.
Travel Tip: If you have the patience to wait in line, it’s free to walk inside the Duomo. You do have to pay to climb to the cupola.
It’s dome dominates the city’s skyline, but the Duomo isn’t the church I recall when people ask me about Florence.
It’s this one. Basilica di Santa Croce. It stands in Piazza Santa Croce. This is where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried. Those facts aren’t the reason I think this church is so amazing, either. Look closely at the picture. Do you see it? The huge Star of David at the top over the grand entrance? It was added in the mid-1800s, as was the marble facade, by a Jewish Architect named Nicolo Matas. According to our guide, he couldn’t be buried inside the church because of his differing beliefs, but the community and church were so impressed with his design, they allowed him to work the star into it. After Matas died, he was buried under the threshold of the church.
I think it’s amazing that nearly two-centuries ago the people living here were tolerant and accepting enough to allow a symbol of a different religion to be added front and center to the foundation of the community.
From there we walked to the nearby Piazza della Signoria — another popular square in the city. A replica of Michelangelo’s David calls this square home. There are also all kinds of shops and cafes around the square, if you want to take a break from seeing the sights.
We ducked into one of those little, local, restaurants for lunch, and it was fantastic.
Make sure you try the bread in Florence. It’s something you’ll never forget. That’s because bread in Tuscany is baked without salt. Our guide explained that in the Middle Ages salt carried a large tax. Bakers decided not to pay the tax, and therefore, skipped the salt. I have no idea if it’s true or not, but it makes for a great story over a wonderful Tuscan meal.
After lunch we explored the city a little more. Unfortunately for us (and great for others) we were in Florence on the first Sunday of the month. On the first Sunday of every month, museums are free for everyone. Because of the free admission, the lines were way too long. Sadly we didn’t have time to wait at the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s original David.
But we DID have time to enjoy another staple in Florence. We ended up at a popular gelato shop. After choosing our favorite flavors, we headed out of town, snacking on gelato and sharing stories of our day in Tuscany.