Hi,
We (myself, husband and 7 year old son) will be traveling from Siena, to Pisa, to Cinque Terre. I am debating on spending the night in Pisa or just stop by for 2-3 hours and proceed to the Cinque Terre by train. The whole itinerary is as follows: Fly in to Milan (spend night) in morning travel by train to Lake Como/varenna (3 nights/days), train to Siena (3 nights/days), train to Pisa (1 night/day), train to Cinque Terre (3 nights/days), train to Milan (3 nights/days). Would love some insight from those that have been to Pisa.
Posted by
Jersey Shore
339 posts
We took the train from Florence to Vernazza. We stopped in Pisa for the obligatory Tower pictures. It was worth the stop, but once we took the picture and walked around the field, we felt like we saw everything we needed. I can't speak to the nightlife of Pisa, but based on what we saw from the station to the tower, I'd rather spend an additional night in Vernazza...
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10715 posts
In my opinion Pisa is a stop that can be done in a few hours. They have baggage storage at the train station, so it would be an easy stop on your way to CT.
You are counting days and nights as if they are the same thing. They are not. If you stay 3 nights somewhere it gives you 2 full days. Every time you change location you will lose at least a half a day when you check out, get to the train station, take the train, then get to your next hotel. People often forget to account for that time.
What time does your flight land in Milan? Most from North America land in the morning. I would go directly to Varenna from there, rather than waste a night in Milan. At the end of the trip you plan to spend 3 nights in Milan. What attracts you to Milan? Personally one night before my flight was more than enough for me.
Posted by
Coeur d'Alene
378 posts
The end of February we spent two nights in Pisa. It was a transition after a Sicily tour and before moving on to Siena. It was an easy flight from Catania. We enjoyed our time there. If you venture away from the Piazza de Miracoli the town is pleasant to walk around. The Arno River is very picturesque. There’s a lovely little church on the river that was built in the 13th century. We had some very good food there. In addition to the tower, we spent time in the cathedral, baptistery, Camposanto Monumentale and the Museo Della Sinope.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
jvb is right. There is more to Pisa than the obnoxiously-touristy Field of Miracles (which is what many tourists seem to think is all of Pisa). I wouldn't call it the most charming town in Italy, but it is worth more just a glace at the tower.
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1245 posts
I would consider staying in Lucca instead of Pisa, (take the nights from Milan) especially with a 7 yr old. Lucca is more family friendly, you can walk or bike along the wall, there are parks, it is just an interesting medieval town.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you everyone for your suggestions!!