3223 Short break to Pisa with kids

I'm planning a couple of days in Pisa with my 14yr Son and 17yr Daughter.
I'd like to make it a little bit special for their first Italian trip without overdoing the cultural bit. I've not been to Tuscany before and would welcome some tips as to what to see (other than the tower) and where to go. Would a day in Firenza be OK? Any recommendations on somewhere to stay in central Pisa - like a family friendly B&B ?
Thanks
Colin

Category
General chat about Italy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/10/2006 - 03:20

[LEFT]We've stayed in the Royal Victoria Hotel in Pisa. A very old-fashioned typical Italian hotel - echoes of past grandeur. However, now it is very reasonably priced and in an excellent location. We arrived late after the trains had finished and took a taxi from the airport - very short journey and quite cheap. The hotel overlooks the river with the tower a short walk behind and the modern centre across the river with the station an easy stroll (we did it with all our luggage). From the station it is very easy to get into Florence. It is very easy to get cultured-out in Florence. I would just visit to wander around and take in the atmosphere and not try to do it all.

Have a wonderful time.[/LEFT]

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/10/2006 - 04:24

I'd suggest you consider Siena or Lucca; I'm sure they'd love Florence as it's got the cultural bits to do if you want but also a huge market that's likely to keep them occupied....mostly toursit tat, but from the numbers of shoppers there, it's fun!

I recommned Siena (about 45 mins from Pisa?)as it's a bit more chilled then Florence (not much, but a bit!) and Lucca (20 mins from Pisa) as it feels like a "normal" town; you can take a bike ride around the walls, eat well & just mooch!

You might also like to consider a trip to Forte di Marmi (20 mins from Pisa); try the beaches (they have to be seen, if not experienced as they have stunningly clean/raked sand, beach huts & loungers) and on Wednesday, they also have a vast market that's got it all!)

If you carry on up the coast from Forte, you could also visit the Cinque Terre, Lerici & take a boat trip along the coast there (or walk it if you're mad!)

Enjoy!