Pisa or Lucca?

[cactusrose]

We are booking a private tour to Florence from the port of Livorno and can't decide which to see on the way. Is Pisa worthwhile or would you rather go to Lucca?

Or. . .maybe there is another Tuscan town that we should see?

1972 - Song of Norway, Caribbean
1980 - Hawaii American Curise line, Tahiti
09/01/2002 - Veendam, Alaska
05/29/2003 - Pacific Princess, Alaska
11/26/2003 - Star Princess, Australia/New Zealand

5/28/2004 - Star Princess, Venice to Barcelona
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11/06/2004 - Diamond Princess, Mexican Riviera
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[Hlitner]

Pisa has always been low on our list of cities. If you have your heart set on seeing the Leaning Tower, than by all means make a visit. But outside of the tower and the surrounding grounds, there is little charm to Pisa. Yes, we would rather be in Lucca. On the other hand, Florence is a wonderful city that is worthy of several days or exploration. Some think its the best tourist city in the world (we would probably rate Paris or New York higher).

Hank

[Guest]

I think better of Pisa than Hank does, but I agree with him that Florence is worth several days of exploration. I would rather spend more time in Florence than see Lucca or Pisa.

[I]
The sundry contemplation of my travels, which, by often rumination, wraps me in a most humorous sadness.[/I]
As You Like It, Act iv, Scene 1

[Hlitner]

Oh my! Finally somebody who likes Pisa. Please tell me where to go in Pisa other than the piazza that fronts the tower! We drove around this town (twice) and never found anything worth mentioning other than the piazza del Duomo. There is a story behind our visit(s). We had been to Livorno on at least 6 cruises, but never went to Pisa. Finally, on a land trip (we had a rental car) we decided to spent a few hours in Pisa on our way to San Gimigano (one of our favorite places) from somewhere up the coast. We drove into Pisa on some back roads and actually found on the street parking (this is rare anywhere in Italy) on a side street right next to a side entrance to the Duomo. This was free parking, and as close as any tour bus can get to the tower. We figure they never use the side streets. Would I give up a few hours in Florence, Siena, San Gimignano or even Ugliano (nobody in the world heard of this little place) for Pisa? No way! We have also discovered an interesting fact about Italy. There are many leaning towers (there is a good one in Bologna) other than in Pisa. One of those things you find when you drive around a country. We love Italy and the Italians.

Hank

[cactusrose]

Wow. Maybe I'll see if the rest of my party wants to skip them both and just spend more time in Florence.

1972 - Song of Norway, Caribbean
1980 - Hawaii American Curise line, Tahiti
09/01/2002 - Veendam, Alaska
05/29/2003 - Pacific Princess, Alaska
11/26/2003 - Star Princess, Australia/New Zealand

5/28/2004 - Star Princess, Venice to Barcelona
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;05;28;21;0;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

11/06/2004 - Diamond Princess, Mexican Riviera
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2004;11;06;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

[ClaudiaF]

There are lots of choices.. Florence or see both Pisa and Lucca..

Barcelona to Venice on Oceania - "Insignia"
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Buenos Aires to Rio Oceania - "Insignia"
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[Mike Andrews]

A visit to Pisa won't take up much of your time as most people just visit the Campo dei Miracoli to see the Leaning Tower,the Duomo and the Baptistry. I personally like Lucca but if you have not spent time in Florence before I would spend as much time there as possible with a possible visit to Fiesole for the views.

Mike

[Chick's pal]

We enjoyed seeing, climbing and photographing the Tower in Pisa. We booked advance tickets online, so there were no lines and we were up the tower in no time. We spent no more than an hour in Pisa, then went on to Florence.

Of course one day will not do Florence justice, but the Tower of Pisa is just an experience I think people should have, especially if you're gong to be so close.

If you like photography, the tower and accompanying buildings are great subjects.

And if you have time before your trip, read the new book about the leaning tower. I believe the title is "TILT", but ask your bookseller for the book about the Tower of Pisa that is cut crooked and they will know exactly what you want...The book has some interesting theories, including debunking the Gallileo incident!

Finally, in Florence, try to get yourself to the world's BEST GELATO SHOP called Vivoli. It is near the Church of Santa Croce in a back street.

[MACKINAC]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cactusrose:
We are booking a private tour to Florence from the port of Livorno and can't decide which to see on the way. Is Pisa worthwhile or would you rather go to Lucca?

Or. . .maybe there is another Tuscan town that we should see?

CACTUS ---

Lucca is a joy. A charming and completely walled city and near enough to the coast to give you lots of time to see it. If you have to see the leaning tower, go the Pisa, but don’t spend more than an hour there. Florence is a journey and has gotten so crowded that you would have a hard time seeing the main sites even the main attractions in part of a day. I myself would choose Lucca under the circumstances, hands down.

[Guest]

Hank, You would not drive in Florence, San Gimignano, or Sienna and expect to see the best, and while Pisa does not have the same large pedestrian only areas, it too should be seen afoot. Walk along the Arno at dusk, or explore side streets in the older part of town at any time, and having seen the Piazza del Duomo stay away from that part of town. Other areas have charm, if seen on foot.

[I]
The sundry contemplation of my travels, which, by often rumination, wraps me in a most humorous sadness.[/I]
As You Like It, Act iv, Scene 1

[Hlitner]

I sure do agree with seeing cities on foot. And I will sure respect your recommendation and pay Pisa another visit in the future. We often stay at a favorite hotel about 4 miles from San Gimiganano and daytrip all over the region. No reason not to go back to Pisa and prove myself wrong!

Hank

[cactusrose]

Thank you all for the input. Just proves that it's different strokes for different folks. I do value everyones input. There will be six of us on a private tour to Florence so I'll pass along all of your messages and see what the others think. Thanks again!

1972 - Song of Norway, Caribbean
1980 - Hawaii American Curise line, Tahiti
09/01/2002 - Veendam, Alaska
05/29/2003 - Pacific Princess, Alaska
11/26/2003 - Star Princess, Australia/New Zealand

5/28/2004 - Star Princess, Venice to Barcelona
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;05;28;21;0;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

11/06/2004 - Diamond Princess, Mexican Riviera
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2004;11;06;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]