Start your trip in Pisa with the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. It takes less than 5 minutes to walk from the entrance of the complex to the actual leaning tower. Admire the building’s impressive structure and take unforgettable pictures of you “holding” the tower. Climb the tower (book a tour in advance) and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the top. Visit the nearby Baptistery and Camposanto Monumentale.
Spend the second day exploring the historic Piazza dei Cavalieri. Stop by the Palazzo della Carovana, designed by Vasari, which hosts the Scuola Normale Superiore. Visit the 13th-century Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri and the Museum of the Ancient Ship of Pisa. Discover more history at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which exhibits religious art from the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto.
Walk along the Arno River and visit the lively San Martino neighborhood. Indulge in a cup of coffee in Piazza delle Vettovaglie located in the center of the district, and explore the local markets. Visit the Palazzo Blu for contemporary art exhibitions, then walk across the bridge and to the Borgo Stretto and Lungarno Mediceo districts for high-end shopping and dining options.
Leave the city and drive to the stunning Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Natural Park, a few kilometers north of Pisa. Enjoy the peaceful environment, explore the natural trails and bird-watch by the Massaciuccoli lake. Visit the medieval Torre del Lago village nearby and enjoy the local cuisine in a traditional restaurant. After lunch, head towards the Marble Caves of Carrara where you can see ancient marble quarries up close. Learn about the history of the quarries and admire the breathtaking view of the Apuan Alps.
If you have more time, you can visit the charming Lucca city, only 35 minutes away from Pisa by train. If you have less time, you can skip the trip to the Marble Caves of Carrara and join a local food tour, tasting the best Italian food and wine options in the city. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes and adequate clothing for your trip, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially on the first two days.