ErnaGrobler4

This is possibly my last question before leaving for Italy on 21 June 2013 from South Africa. We plan to drive from Parma to Paciano on 23 June. We will be leaving early (08:00), stop in Pisa to see the leaning Tower and then proceed to Paciano. As this is only 1 of our 2 long trips in Italy, we are happy to spend the day to see highlights along the way. We will arrive in Paciano early evening which is fine. My question is whether we should stick to Pisa or rather see one of the Cinque Terre villages? We have already decided that we will see Pisa as we do not think we will have time to see CT, but just the idea of passing so close to CT makes it difficult to make a final decision. Please help. Thank you so much.

Andrew

The Tower of Pisa is an icon so seeing it live the first time is kind of a thrill. Otherwise, you may be disappointed with the town of Pisa. I went back to spend a couple of nights in Pisa after my first day trip there years ago and got to dig a little deeper, but the area most day trippers would see - the Field of Miracles where the Tower is - is kind of overrun with tourists and tourist wares. Kind of obnoxious.

So you might plan not to spend a lot of time in Pisa itself.

I love the Cinque Terre, but the big appeal of the area is hiking from town to town. I'm not sure simply seeing one of the towns would be all that exciting. I understand the people hear about the Cinque Terre and feel a need to see what it's all about, but I think having at least a day there (and an evening ideally - most of the towns will be overrun with English-speaking tourists during a June day) would be needed to get a good feel of the place, where you could hike between two towns or at least hike above one or two of them. The "Lover's Lane" between Riomaggiore and Manarola is short and easily "hiked" in a short time.

LucieV

I agree wholeheartedly with Andrew. Daytripping in Cinqueterre is a surefire way to end up saying, as so many have, "This place is nuts". I've visited at least 5 times in the past 8 years (yes, I am one of the people who love CT), and we always try to stay for <i>at least</i> 2 nights (3 full days, at the very least.)

Until you've spent a few early mornings and evenings in one of the 5 towns (at which hours the cruise ships and the daytrippers are not yet there/departed), you just haven't given the place its due (nor, more importantly, has it given you your due!)

ErnaGrobler4

Thank you both for taking the time to give me advice. Then we may stay with our plan to leave Parma by 08:00, see Pisa (leaning tower) and maybe San Gimignano en-route to Paciano. Appreciate.

LucieV

Just a warning: as much as I love San G, it can be jam-packed in the middle of the day. Like Cinqueterre, it's a place that is best enjoyed in the early morning or evening, preferably with an overnight...

mamcalice

I agree that both San G. and CT are lovely and very enjoyable to visit but wouldn't spend a couple of hours on my way to somewhere else. Both will be jammed at mid day and you will leave wondering what the fuss is about, that is, if you can find a place to park.