Author: Kameron
A Weekend in Tuscany
Pisa is best known for the world famous Leaning Tower, but those who come here with their mind already made up that the Tower is the only thing to see may miss the rest of the architectural and artistic marvels of this beautiful city. The half hour walk from the Campo dei Miracoli to the train station runs through a pedestrian street with many interesting sights, shops, and restaurants. The best way to visit Pisa is walking the streets, as the city center is very small, and enjoy the sight and the atmosphere.
Pisa would not be Pisa without the University. The city is animated by the students, who organize parties, shows, and cultural events, and fill the central street of the city at night. The University of Pisa has 60,000 students in a city of about 100,000 inhabitants. You'll notice the student flair in the city once you leave the touristy campo dei miracoli.
Chianti, situated in Tuscany in central Italy, is home to probably the best-known and most iconic Italian wines in the world. The Chianti region, extending roughly over the two main city provinces of Florence and Siena, is characterized by a combination of almost perfect weather and soil that produces a precious wine considered one of the best wines around the world.
The tradition of cultivating vines in Chianti goes back a long time in history, back to the Etruscans that inhabited the area before the Roman empire. Thanks to written evidence dating back to these times it is now known that the Etruscans not only cultivated vines and conducted experiments on grafting and creating hybrids but also produced wines that were widely appreciated.
Piazza dei Cavalieri
This square, known in the time of the Pisan Republic as the Square of the Seven Roads, is thought to be the site of the Forum of Roman Pisa. It was the centre of politics of the Pisan Republic when it was transformed by Cosimo I de Medici into the seat of the new military order of «The Knights of Saint Stephan with the aim of eradicating any trace of the city's past independence.
Piazza del Duomo Pisa
Standing in a large green expanse, Piazza del Duomo houses a group of monuments known the world over. These four masterpieces of medieval architecture – the cathedral, the baptistry, the campanile (the 'Leaning Tower') and the cemetery – had a great influence on monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century.
Guided Hike in Tuscany
Chianti is a Tuscan region world-renowned for its picturesque vineyards and landscapes typified by lush green hills and olive groves. Following your expert guide, unleash your inner adventurer on a scenic, leisurely-paced walk through the gorgeous Chianti countryside. Stop along the way to enjoy gelato or coffee (own expense) at a local café. At the end of the hike, your friendly guide will lead you to a spot where you can relax and enjoy a picnic of cured meats, locally grown vegetables, breads and cheeses, accompanied by a glass of wine.
After the picnic, you'll be picked up by air conditioned minivan and driven to San Gimignano, a colorful medieval hill town surrounded by vineyards that produce one of Tuscany’s most popular white wines, Vernaccia. Explore the town's breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center, famous for its medieval architecture and panoramic views over Tuscany. Stroll down the Via Francigena path as your guide explains the history of this ancient pilgrimage road, said to link Rome to Canterbury in England. After tracing the pilgrim's steps down Via Francigena, you'll have time for independent sightseeing in San Gimignano. See beautiful monuments in Piazza del Duomo and go inside the impressive cathedral (own expense), or browse the local shops for quality saffron spices that the town produces.
Osteria dei Cavalieri
The Slow Food recommendation for central Pisa, this osteria (wine bar) serves a high-speed, one-dish only - but what a dish - the lunchtime special alongside an enticing array of other tasty morsels, including carpaccio di pulpo (octopus carpaccio). Although the size of portions may mean a siesta afterwards, the set meals are worth it and the wine list is impressive.
Pisa Cathedral
Begun in 1093, Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa) is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Despite its proximity to the eye-catching and tourist-attracting Leaning Tower, the Duomo still dominates the monumental Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Tower of Pisa stands at 60 metres and until 1990 was leaning at about a 10 degree angle. Although it was designed to be perfectly vertical, it started to lean during construction.
