Pisa: A Five-Day Adventure of History, Art, and Gelato

Discover the leaning city of Pisa and unlock the wonders of Italian architecture.

28 August 2023

A trip to Pisa, Italy offers a unique blend of history, culture, and architectural wonders. Most renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower, the city also boasts stunning cathedrals, well-preserved medieval streets, and bustling piazzas. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque riverside promenade, indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine, and immerse themselves in the rich Italian heritage of this charming town.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

A Taste of Pisa's Charm

  • Check into Villa Tower Inn, a charming hotel with views of the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa right from your window.
  • Start your cultural journey with a visit to the Pisa Cathedral and marvel at its stunning Romanesque architecture.
  • Get your Instagram game on at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, strike the classic pose, and try not to fall into tourist clichés.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River, crossing picturesque bridges like Ponte di Mezzo and soaking in the city's serenity.
  • Indulge in a delicious Italian dinner at Osteria I Santi, where you can savor traditional Tuscan dishes like ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina.
  • End the day with a gelato from La Bottega del Gelato, because no visit to Italy is complete without a sweet treat!
Day 2

Unraveling Pisa's Hidden Gems

  • Start your day at the peaceful Orto Botanico di Pisa, a beautiful botanical garden brimming with colorful blooms and enchanting greenery.
  • Explore Piazza dei Cavalieri and discover its grandeur, from the Palazzo della Carovana to the statues of the Medici knights.
  • Dive into history at the Museo delle Sinopie, showcasing detailed fresco sketches and captivating insight into the art restoration process.
  • Unleash your inner artist and capture the city's essence with a painting or sketching session in Piazza dei Miracoli.
  • Satisfy your cravings with an authentic wood-fired pizza at Trattoria da Gino, where the crust is crispy and the toppings are heavenly.
  • Before you call it a night, sip on a glass of local Tuscan wine at Bar Pasticceria L'Incontro, alongside delectable Italian pastries.
Day 3

Beyond Pisa: Day Trip to Lucca

  • Embark on an adventure outside Pisa and enjoy a day trip to Lucca, a medieval town surrounded by charming Renaissance walls.
  • Rent a bicycle and pedal your way around Lucca's narrow streets, stopping to admire historic architecture, including the stunning Duomo di San Martino.
  • Uncover Lucca's hidden gems, like the beautiful Palazzo Pfanner and the enchanting Guinigi Tower with its iconic rooftop garden.
  • Stroll along the city walls, taking in panoramic views of Lucca and imagining the stories these walls hold within.
  • Savor a leisurely lunch at Da Leo, a rustic trattoria serving up hearty Tuscan dishes like tortelli lucchesi and cecina.
  • Before heading back to Pisa, treat yourself to a gelato from Gelateria Veneta, known for its unique flavors and creamy textures.
Day 4

Pisa's Artistic Side

  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of Pisa at the Museo di San Matteo, home to exquisite sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces.
  • Take a break from the traditional and visit Giardino Scotto, a contemporary art space housed in a former mental asylum, now blooming with creativity.
  • Dive into Pisa's street art scene and discover colorful murals hidden in the city's alleyways and backstreets.
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Il Crudo e il Cotto, a quirky restaurant that combines Italian culinary traditions with a modern twist.
  • Experience the thrill of Parco di Pinocchio, a whimsical park dedicated to the beloved wooden character, where fantasy meets reality.
  • End the day with a romantic dinner at Antica Osteria di Garibaldi, indulging in fresh seafood dishes while basking in the rustic ambiance.
Day 5

Farewell, Pisa!

  • Make your final day in Pisa a splendid culinary adventure by starting with a delectable breakfast at Antico Caffè dell'Ussero, a historical café with impressive charm.
  • Explore Pisa's local markets, Mercato delle Vettovaglie and Borgo Stretto, where you can taste and purchase delicious Tuscan products.
  • Alternatively, embark on a wine tasting tour and discover the delights of Tuscan wine, from Chianti to Brunello di Montalcino.
  • Enjoy a late lunch at Osteria de' Poeti, savoring their famous cecina (chickpea flour pancake) and other Tuscan delights.
  • Bid farewell to Pisa with a scenic sunset walk along Lungarno Galilei, relishing in the beauty and tranquility of the Arno River.
  • End your stay by indulging in one final gelato, the cherry on top of a remarkable adventure in the charming city of Pisa.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Pisa, Italy by plane is to fly into Pisa International Airport (PSA) from your departing city.

Car

Driving to Pisa is convenient as it is well-connected by highways. You can reach Pisa by car by taking the A11 or A12 highway, depending on your starting location.

Train

To get to Pisa by train, you can take a train to Pisa Centrale railway station, which is the main station in the city.

Boat

Although Pisa is located inland, it is not accessible by boat as it does not have a direct connection to the sea.

Bus

If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take a coach to Pisa from various cities across Italy. The main bus station in Pisa is Pisa Autostazione.

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