Pisa Airport is located just 15 minutes outside the center of the city. The SS1 will take you straight into the city, crossing the peaceful River Arno.

Traffic in Pisa, as you might expect in a major city, can be busy, particularly at peak times, so try to make sure you plan your journeys to avoid rush hour.

It’s also worth noting that the center of the city is surrounded by medieval walls which mark the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) area. This area has restricted access to preserve the treasures that reside within. Entering a ZTL can result in a fine so use one of the nearby parking lots head in on foot.

If your hotel is located within a ZTL be sure to call ahead to tell them you’re arriving by car and they should arrange a temporary permit to cover your arrival and departure.

Once you’re ready to head out of the city and discover the wider Tuscany region, join the SS12 heading towards Lucca. From here, take the A11 followed by the E76 which will take you into the romantic city of Florence.

Alternatively, take the scenic drive alongside Parco Naturale Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli to Livorno, some 40 minutes from Pisa via the SS1. You’ll be able to smell the sea breeze as you draw closer to this pristine port city. Far removed from the atmosphere of its medieval neighbors, Livorno is one of the most modern cities in Tuscany. 

In Italy, like the majority of mainland Europe, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road. There are toll roads on many major routes,all of which are clearly signposted. Speed limits vary from 130km/h (80mph) on highways to 90km/h (56mph) on local roads, with non-major freeways carrying a speed limit of 110km/h (68mph). Towns, cities and villages have a limit of 50km/h (31mph).

Choose your favorite gelato from an array of delicious flavors and then, ice cream in hand, immerse yourself in the lively street life of this typically Tuscan city. Wander through Renaissance piazzas and admire Romanesque buildings and Gothic churches.

Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere, you have the freedom to head out of the city and see more of this truly spectacular Italian region.

Admire Pisa’s architectural delights

The unusual and accidental slant of Pisa’s iconic leaning tower – caused by a layer of weak subsoil – has resulted in it becoming one of Italy’s most famous sights, up there with the Colosseum and the Vatican.

Walk into the Square of Miracles and watch as people bend their bodies in weird and wonderful positions in order to get the perfect photo alongside the tower. Make your way through the crowds to marvel at the structure up close.

You can even head inside and climb the 284 steep, narrow steps. Reach the top and you’ll be rewarded with uninterrupted views across the stunning Tuscan landscape.

The Square of Miracles isn’t only home to the tower. It also houses three structures considered central to religious life in the region – the Baptistery, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Camposanta. Just moments from the hustle and bustle that surrounds the tower, you’ll discover a relaxed and calming atmosphere.

Stroll along the River Arno

The River Arno flows peacefully down through Florence before arriving in Pisa, separating the tourist districts in the north from the neighborhoods in the south. To experience it at its best, head off on a walking tour.

Start in the square of Piazza Garibaldi and head west along the north bank of the river. You’ll soon come to the University of Pisa and the white marble and stone façade of Palazzo alla Giornata that dates back to the 17^th century.

Continue along the river until you come to the arched red-brick walls of the Medici Arsenal, a medieval shipyard. Just past this you’ll see the similarly red-bricked Guelph Tower of the Old Citadel. From here, cross the bridge called Ponte della Cittadella and head east. Peek through the trees and you’ll see the oldest church and former cathedral of Pisa, San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno.

Keep walking until you come to the bend in the river and you’ll arrive at Palazzo Blu, a restored 14^th century building complete with a dusty-blue façade. Continue on for a few minutes and cross Ponte Di Mezzo to arrive back in Garibaldi square where you can treat yourself to a refreshing gelato or a reviving espresso in one of the street-side cafes. 

Devour delicious Italian cuisine

Despite the fact it’s several miles inland, Pisa’s roots extend to the coast, evident from the outstanding fish restaurants. Walk north of the tower and you’ll find Ristorante La Scaletta, which has been serving the freshest local seafood for more than 150 years.

There’s an innovative twist to many of La Scaletta’s dishes. Try the pink tuna with ground pistachios and coffee foam, or the octopus with celeriac puree.  

Make your way out of Pisa towards Florence and stop when you come to San Miniato. This delightful little town is famous worldwide for its truffles. Before indulging, experience the excitement of hunting for them. During spring, you’ll be on the lookout for the Marzuolo truffle, while a hunt towards the end of the year will have you foraging for white truffles. 

Collect your rental car from Pisa Airport and discover everything Pisa and Tuscany have to offer.