Pisa itinerary
Pisa Travel guide
By Giuseppe Baldassarri Italian travel blogger
Pisa, located in the Tuscany region of Italy, is renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower and rich cultural heritage. While exploring Pisa and its surroundings, you'll have the opportunity to discover local food and wine specialties. Here's a suggested itinerary and review to help you make the most of your visit:
Day 1: Exploring Pisa
- Begin your exploration in Piazza dei Miracoli, where you'll find the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city, and take time to appreciate the intricate details of the Cathedral's architecture.
- Afterward, wander through the historic center, exploring the narrow streets and charming squares. Visit the Piazza dei Cavalieri, home to the historic Scuola Normale Superiore and the Palazzo della Carovana.
- For lunch, head to a local trattoria in the city center and try classic Tuscan dishes like ribollita (a hearty vegetable and bread soup) or bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine-style steak), paired with a glass of local Chianti wine.
- In the afternoon, visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo to see art masterpieces and sculptures from the Cathedral complex. Alternatively, you can explore the Palazzo Blu, an art museum showcasing various exhibitions.
Day 2: Wine Tasting in the Chianti Region
- Take a day trip to the nearby Chianti wine region, known for its world-class wines. Visit vineyards and wineries in towns such as Castellina in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, or Radda in Chianti.
- Enjoy guided tours of the wineries, where you'll learn about the winemaking process and have the opportunity to taste a variety of Chianti wines, including Chianti Classico and Super Tuscan blends. Pair the wines with local cheeses, cured meats, and olive oil.
- As you travel through the picturesque countryside, take in the rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages. Consider stopping by a local enoteca (wine shop) to purchase some bottles of your favorite wines to bring back home.
Day 3: Lucca and Local Delicacies
- Take a day trip to the nearby city of Lucca, known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls and charming historic center. Explore the city by foot or rent a bicycle to ride along the walls, enjoying the panoramic views.
- Discover Lucca's culinary delights by trying local specialties. Visit a traditional bakery and taste buccellato, a sweet bread filled with raisins, anise, and sometimes chocolate. Indulge in a gelato from one of the artisanal gelaterias, and savor flavors like pistachio, stracciatella, or crema di Lucca (a custard-based gelato).
- For lunch, find a cozy trattoria and sample typical Lucchese dishes such as tortelli lucchesi (stuffed pasta) or zuppa alla frantoiana (a vegetable and bread soup).
- In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through Lucca's historic center, exploring its churches, towers, and picturesque squares. Don't miss the Guinigi Tower, known for its rooftop garden.
Day 4: Pisan Hills and Olive Oil Tasting
- Explore the Pisan Hills, a scenic area just outside of Pisa. Visit olive groves and olive oil mills, where you can learn about the olive oil production process and sample different varieties of extra virgin olive oil.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk through the countryside, taking in the beautiful landscapes dotted with vineyards, olive trees, and charming villages. Take the opportunity to visit a local agriturismo and savor farm-to-table Tuscan cuisine, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Consider visiting the town of San Miniato, known for its truffles. If you're a truffle lover, you may be able to participate in a truffle hunting experience or taste truffle-infused dishes in local restaurants.
Pisa Review:
Pisa offers a unique blend of history, art, and culinary delights. While the Leaning Tower is the city's most famous landmark, Pisa has much more to offer. The historic center is a delight to explore, with its beautiful squares, churches, and palaces.
The local cuisine in Pisa and its surroundings is deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition. You'll have the opportunity to taste dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as olive oil, cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal vegetables. Tuscan cuisine is known for its simplicity and emphasis on natural flavors, allowing the ingredients to shine.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Chianti region, where you can indulge in wine tastings and learn about the production of Chianti wines. Chianti Classico and Super Tuscan wines are renowned for their quality and are often paired with Tuscan dishes to enhancethe dining experience.
A visit to nearby Lucca provides an opportunity to explore another charming Tuscan city and discover its local delicacies. From the sweet buccellato to the creamy gelato, Lucca offers a delightful culinary experience.
The Pisan Hills, with their picturesque landscapes and olive groves, are worth exploring. Olive oil tasting allows you to appreciate the flavors of the region and learn about the production process. Additionally, the town of San Miniato offers a unique truffle experience for those seeking a gastronomic adventure.
Overall, Pisa and its surroundings offer a wonderful blend of history, art, and gastronomy. From iconic landmarks to traditional Tuscan dishes and world-class wines, there are plenty of experiences to indulge in. Enjoy your visit to Pisa and savor the local food and wine specialties!
Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:
Food and wine tasting in Pisa?
Certainly! When it comes to food and wine tasting in Pisa, there are several options to explore. Here are some suggestions to indulge in the local culinary scene:
1. Wine Tasting:
- Visit the Pisan Hills: This scenic area surrounding Pisa is home to vineyards producing excellent wines. Explore local wineries and agriturismi (farmhouse wineries) that offer wine tastings. You can sample a variety of Tuscan wines, including reds like Chianti and Super Tuscans, as well as white wines like Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
2. Olive Oil Tasting:
- Pisan Hills and Lucca: The Pisan Hills and the neighboring city of Lucca are known for their olive groves and high-quality olive oil production. Visit olive oil mills and farms to learn about the olive oil-making process and taste different varieties of extra virgin olive oil. Some establishments offer guided tours and tastings.
3. Local Food Tastings:
- Pisa's Food Markets: Explore the local food markets in Pisa, such as Piazza delle Vettovaglie, to sample a variety of local products. You can find fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, and more. Engage with the vendors, try their offerings, and gather ingredients for a picnic or to enjoy later.
- Trattorias and Osterias: Pisa is home to many traditional trattorias and osterias where you can sample authentic Tuscan dishes. Look for local specialties like baccalà alla pisana (salted codfish), cecina (chickpea flour flatbread), and ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup). Pair your meal with a glass of local Tuscan wine.
- Gelaterias: Don't forget to treat yourself to gelato, a beloved Italian dessert. Pisa has numerous gelaterias where you can indulge in a variety of flavors, including classics like pistachio, chocolate, and stracciatella. Seek out artisanal gelaterias for the best quality.
4. Culinary Experiences:
- Cooking Classes: Join a cooking class in Pisa to learn how to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes. You can find classes that focus on pasta making, pizza baking, or overall Tuscan cuisine. Engage with local chefs, learn their secrets, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
- Food and Wine Tours: Consider joining a guided food and wine tour in Pisa or the surrounding areas. These tours often include visits to wineries, olive oil mills, and local food producers. You'll have the chance to taste a variety of products while learning about their production.
Remember to check the availability and book in advance for specific tastings, tours, or cooking classes to ensure a seamless experience tailored to your preferences. Enjoy exploring the flavors of Pisa through food and wine!
Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:
Pisa: where to stay?
Pisa, a charming city in Tuscany, Italy, is best known for its iconic Leaning Tower, but it also has a lot more to offer, including beautiful historic architecture, a vibrant university scene, and delicious Italian cuisine. When it comes to finding a place to stay in Pisa, you have several options to choose from, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some recommendations:
1. **Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles)**: This is the most iconic area in Pisa, home to the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. Staying in this area allows you to enjoy breathtaking views and easy access to the major attractions. There are a few hotels and guesthouses nearby.
2. **Pisa City Center**: The historic center of Pisa is a great place to stay if you want to be close to museums, restaurants, and shopping. You'll find a range of accommodation options from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.
3. **San Francesco**: This neighborhood is slightly removed from the city center, offering a quieter atmosphere while still being within walking distance to the main attractions. It's a great choice if you prefer a more peaceful stay.
4. **San Rossore and Marina di Pisa**: If you want to be close to the sea, you can consider staying in Marina di Pisa or the San Rossore area. It's a bit farther from the city center but offers a seaside experience.
5. **Countryside Retreats**: Tuscany is known for its picturesque countryside. You might want to consider staying in a rural villa or agriturismo (farmhouse accommodation) just outside of Pisa for a more relaxed and scenic experience.
6. **Hostels and Budget Accommodation**: Pisa has several hostels and budget hotels that cater to backpackers and travelers on a tight budget. These are great options for those looking to save on accommodation costs.
7. **Boutique Hotels**: If you're looking for a more unique and personalized experience, Pisa also offers boutique hotels and guesthouses that provide a charming and intimate atmosphere.
Remember to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to secure your preferred choice. Additionally, consider factors like proximity to public transportation, restaurants, and the attractions you plan to visit when making your decision.
Booking.comHow to get to Pisa?
Getting to Pisa is relatively straightforward as it's well-connected by air, train, and road. Here are some common ways to get to Pisa:
1. **By Air**:
- **Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport)** is the primary gateway to the city. It's well-connected to many major European cities and other international destinations. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by bus or taxi, which takes around 10-15 minutes.
2. **By Train**:
- Pisa Centrale is the city's main train station, well-connected to other major Italian cities like Florence, Rome, and Milan. You can take a train from these cities or other destinations to Pisa. The train station is located within walking distance of the city center and major attractions.
3. **By Car**:
- If you're traveling within Italy, you can reach Pisa by car. The city is located on the A12 autostrada (highway), making it accessible from Florence, Genoa, and other nearby cities. However, parking can be challenging in the city center due to traffic restrictions and limited spaces. Consider parking in designated parking areas and walking into the city center.
4. **By Bus**:
- Pisa is connected to other Italian cities and regions by bus. Long-distance bus services like FlixBus and Eurolines often have routes to and from Pisa. The main bus terminal in Pisa is located near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
5. **By Ferry (Cruises)**:
- Some Mediterranean cruises include stops in Livorno, which is not far from Pisa. If you're on a cruise, you can often take a shore excursion to visit Pisa and its famous Leaning Tower.
6. **By Bike**:
- If you're a cycling enthusiast or prefer an active travel experience, you can reach Pisa by bicycle. Tuscany offers picturesque cycling routes, and Pisa is accessible by bike from nearby cities.
Before traveling to Pisa, it's essential to check transportation schedules and availability, especially if you're planning to visit during the peak tourist season. Additionally, consider purchasing tickets in advance, as this can save you time and sometimes money.