Day Trips from Pisa

Historic cities are just a short drive from Pisa – whether it’s the birthplace of the Renaissance movement or a town teetering on a hillside, its brightly colored buildings looking like they’re about to tumble into the sea. Head out on these day trips from Pisa and your trip to Tuscany will go from great to legendary.

Lucca

Lucca, one of Pisa’s nearest neighbors, is the type of place people immediately fall in love with. Resplendent with Renaissance beauty, it doesn’t come with the crowds you’re likely to find in Pisa or Florence, lending serenity to its already calm aura. The city’s walls date back to the 16th century and have been impeccably preserved – spare some time to walk around them for fantastic views of the city below.

Once you’re in Lucca, you’ll find a plethora of marble-built buildings and squares, such as the city’s spectacular cathedral and the Piazza San Martino. It’s impossible to escape the quintessentially Italian architecture here and, it seems, churches – the center is full of them.

Make time for the Chiese di San Michele - the town’s sumptuously decorated church was built over a 30-year period and finally finished in the 14th century. The interior is sober in comparison to the outside, but with some stark and stunning paintings to enjoy.

Next, dip into the 11th-century Duomo, and take in the floral wonder of the city’s botanical gardens. While you’re exploring, keep an eye out for Lucchese extra virgin oil – a local specialty that’s been around for centuries.

For dinner, go for a modest and cheerful trattoria or something with more of a sense of an occasion. Either way, you’ll be feasting on perfect pasta and Tuscan treasures. Antica Locanda dell’Angelo has a long history – dating as far back as the 15th century – and it’s easy to see how this family restaurant on Via Pescheria has remained so popular. We recommend traditional Lucchese spelt, fried squid, and pappardelle with rabbit sauce.

Florence

It’s impossible to visit Tuscany without spending some time exploring Florence. The city’s reputation for art, architecture, and all-round atmosphere give it an undeniable allure – it is, after all, where the Renaissance movement was born.

This whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its plethora of world-famous masterpieces and sensational buildings. Tick off the big hitters first, starting with the city’s majestic, Gothic cathedral – Duomo di Firenze – before dedicating a few hours at the Uffizi Gallery. There are some key art pieces here, with the iconic Birth of Venus by Botticelli rubbing shoulders with Rembrandt, Caravaggio and much more.

Lines are unavoidable to see another of Florence’s main attractions – Michelangelo’s statue of David at the Accademia – but you won’t regret the wait. It’s your chance to see how one block of marble can be turned into something truly transcendent.

On a sunny day, escape to the aristocratic Boboli Gardens and take some time to explore its lawns, walkways dotted with sculptures, and handsome Rococo pavilion.

Florence is a superb city to shop in, too, whether you want Italian designer wear or local crafts. Don’t leave without crossing the Ponte Vecchio, a 14th-century bridge that stretches across the Arno River and is full of independent jewelers and more.

Dining options run the gamut from unpretentious Tuscan fare, at the likes of L’Osteria de L’Ortolano, to the sublime three-Michelin-star gastronomic wizardry of Enoteca Pinchiorri. As a rule of thumb, try to avoid the restaurants adjacent to the key attractions – go a little further afield for something more authentic.

Cinque Terre

A little further out of your way – and in Liguria rather than Tuscany – Cinque Terre is the pastel-washed Italian town of your dreams. Well, five towns, actually. They’re all fishing villages and have been here for centuries, linked by a railway line that hugs cliff faces and snakes through tunnels. Another option is to take your rental car along the winding roads to stop at local fruit sellers or take in the views.

It’s also the perfect place for hiking, with the multi-colored towns on one side and the sea on the other. The Sentiero Rosso (red trail) and Sentiero Azzurro (blue trail) are for committed hikers only, but there are numerous refreshment stops along the way. You can get those without the long hikes, of course. Find your way to Corniglia and the Belvedere di Santa Maria for a vista you’ll want to absorb for hours. Closer to sea level, you’ll find pebbly beaches where you can cool down with a dish of tasty gelato.

You’ll get a good meal in most of the restaurants and cafes here - but Gambero Rosso in Vernazza might be the pick of them. Dine al fresco with stuffed mussels, pasta with Ligurian pesto, or the salt-crust baked fish.

Livorno

One of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets, Livorno is a port city with a storied and tumultuous history. Established by the Venetians, they left their legacy through the signature canals in the old town and the city’s multicultural vibe. While there’s faded glory in the buildings, this is still a vibrant place. The local soccer team has die-hard fans, and it’s well worth trying to join them for a match if they’re playing.

If you’re staying overnight or someone else is doing the driving, you might be interested in the town’s most popular drink, the so-called ponce – a mix of rum and coffee, adorned with lemon skin. One of the most magical places to eat and drink is Terrace Mascagni, with its black-and-white checkerboard tiles right next to the seafront.

Alternatively, eat at Osteria la Barrocciaia. Full of Livornese, it’s a friendly, buzzing place that leans towards fish – cuttlefish with chard, penne pasta with crab – but also delights with Fiorentina steak, boar stew, and live music. It’s as far from a tourist trap as you’ll find in all of Tuscany.

Do you know of any amazing day trips from Pisa that we’ve missed? Tell us all about them on Twitter.

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