If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know I’ve visited Tuscany countless times. Partly because it’s one of the most beautiful regions in Italy, and partly because my brother studied at university in Pisa.
Visiting him was always a great excuse to explore more of this charming part of the country.
In this post, I’ll tell you about my most recent trip back (which took place in February 2025) when I returned for a very special occasion: my brother’s graduation.
I spent three days between Pisa and Florence and, of course (aside from the graduation ceremony), we used the opportunity to explore both cities. We were also traveling with friends who had never been there before, so it was the perfect chance to play tour guide.
DAY 1
Let me start by saying that Pisa is incredibly well connected when it comes to transportation, both by plane and by train.
The train station is right in the city center, and you can easily reach pretty much all the main attractions on foot.
The airport is also very close to the city, just around 10 to 15 minutes by taxi, depending on your destination.
We landed at the airport and headed straight to the taxi stand. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a single taxi in sight, and there were already quite a few people waiting ahead of us.
We ended up waiting around 20 minutes, but once we got one, it took just about 10 minutes to reach our B&B, and the ride only cost €7.
After dropping off our luggage, we immediately set off on foot towards the famed Piazza dei Miracoli.
I must admit that my first impression of Pisa wasn’t the best. If you visit in winter, especially early in the morning, you might find the streets completely empty and wrapped in fog. It creates an almost eerie, surreal atmosphere.
However, as you approach the square, the effect is astonishing. The Leaning Tower, with its striking tilt, seems to defy gravity in a nearly miraculous way, as if some divine force is keeping it in place.
We had booked a guided tour, something I recommend if you really want to know all the stories behind these wonders.
With a mix of amazement and a few ironic smiles, our local expert also said that during an international meeting of experts, the Japanese representatives had suggested demolishing the tower and building an exact replica from scratch!
Our tour of the square turned out to be a magical experience: the grandeur of the Cathedral and the imposing Camposanto were offset by a solemn silence that seemed to lack the typical youthful spirit of Pisa. In search of that missing vitality, we headed towards the riverfront, and, following my brother’s advice, we quickly made our way to the area around the Cavalieri.
And there it was, the lively, youthful heart of Pisa revealed itself in Piazza delle Vettovaglie, right behind Piazza Garibaldi, where music, lively chatter, beer, and delicious sandwiches create an energetic atmosphere.
We indulged in hearty sandwiches loaded with assorted cold cuts and unusual sauces, all washed down with generous glasses of wine.
After that dinner, we headed back to the B&B since the next day was my brother’s graduation ceremony at the University of Pisa.
DAY 2
Once the graduation ceremony wrapped up in the late morning (I’ll spare you the details, you probably wouldn’t be that interested), we hopped on a train and made our way to Florence.
The journey is about 1 hour long, and the train seats are quite comfortable. Remember that in Italy, you must always validate your ticket before boarding the train.
Stepping off the train, you immediately feel the electrifying atmosphere of Florence, brimming with anticipation and cheer, and it truly feels like traveling back in time, right into the midst of the Italian Renaissance.
We had also booked a guide for Florence, and by mutual agreement we decided to start with a walking tour of the center and a visit to the Uffizi Gallery.
Hearing history directly from someone who lives it daily makes all the difference. Buildings, alleyways, and ancient stones seem to acquire new meanings.
Our guide is exceptional, unveiling curiosities, secrets, rivalries, and even a bit of gossip about one of the world’s most fascinating cities. I highly recommend a guide; we paid about 50€ (56$) per person including the ticket and priority entrance.
The Uffizi are truly beautiful, a place where art reveals infinite nuances. It’s hard not to be moved when faced with masterpieces, all concentrated in such a unique space.
The exhibits follow a chronological path that helps you understand the artistic evolution of the great masters. It’s simply impossible to remain unmoved: the experience is profoundly stirring and intense, leaving you utterly speechless.
After soaking in so much art, we decided to refuel. We cross the ever-stunning Ponte Vecchio and stop by a little wine bar right by the bridge. There, we enjoy some delicious sandwiches with soppressata paired with Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino; after a few glasses, our enthusiasm is off the charts!
Be careful about where you stop for a meal. Florence is a very touristy city, and there are plenty of traps around. I recommend reading the article on how to avoid travel scams and how to find the best food in a new city without relying on Google Maps.
After lunch, we decide to take a leisurely walk, both to digest and to explore Florence’s charms.
One of the great advantages of this city is that you can discover it entirely on foot, wandering through its ancient streets and hidden nooks.
Naturally, we visited the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Giotto’s Campanile, Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria, as well as the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.
We stopped for dinner at Osteria Belle Donne, which I highly recommend. We enjoyed a fantastic meal. The restaurant is located near Florence’s center and the station. It serves traditional Tuscan dishes. Here are some of the things we ordered.
After dinner, worn out from the long day, we caught the train back to Pisa. However, if you’re on vacation, I suggest doing it the other way around: book your accommodation in Florence and take a day trip to Pisa by train.
DAY 3
We had a return flight around lunchtime, so we took the opportunity for a quick visit to the Aviotruppe Museum.
This military museum is located within the Parachute Training Center in Pisa. It retraces the history of Italy’s paratroopers through 15 themed rooms that showcase vintage parachutes, original and rare camouflage uniforms, plus an outdoor exhibit with historic vehicles used by the Italian paratroopers.
I recommend it if you’re into the subject or just want to take a break from art and see something different.
In any case, as I mentioned at the beginning of this article, Tuscany always has something to offer. There’s still so much more to see, like San Gimignano or Siena, but that’s a story for another time.
And if you visit in the summer, keep in mind that Tuscany also boasts a beautiful coastline. I highly recommend checking out my article on the 10 most beautiful Italian beaches.
