Daytrips from Florence -- Pisa/Lucca or Siena?
 

I'm mere days away from going to Florence for 10 days, and realize that time is running short for doing all that we hope to. So I'll throw this one out to the experts...given the choice, would you spend a day seeing Pisa/Lucca or Siena, and WHY?<BR><BR>We would really like to avoid tourist traps, but would like to see the Leaning Tower. A quiet lazy day might be in the offing after the museums and fun of Florence, with some shopping and minimal rushing about.<BR><BR>I understand it's a matter of taste, but any thoughts appreciated.<BR><BR>Amy

Amy,<BR>As you have 10 days in Florence, you have time to do all, Pisa, Lucca and Siena.<BR>My order would be:<BR><BR>1. Siena<BR>2. Lucca<BR>3. Pisa<BR><BR>WHY? Personal taste!<BR>But as you want to see the Leaning Tower, your choice might be different.

I would try to do both, but given only one I would opt for Siena. It is a living medieval museum.

When you return let us know what you loved and enjoyed! I am going in June and frm all the research I've done (and read on here) I'd have to choose Siena. Pisa is a university town and to me less of an interest. Lucca would be second after Siena. And I'd add the Chianti region and hit some wineries. 10 days is plenty of time for lots of things! Enjoy.

Do you have a car? If so, I would highly recommend you take SR222 (Chianti Way) out of Florence heading towards Siena. This will take you through the heart of Tuscany. Stop along the way in towns such as Greve and Castellina in Chianti. We took along some wine (dont forget cork screw), bread, cheese, water and sausage (and small knife). If you never make it to Siena on this day, that is okay too!

Thank you all for input so far. I should add that 2 of these days will be spent in Venice, and one day we are taking a tour of Tuscany (probably Chianti) already.

I would see the leaning tower just to say you have seen it. This topic has been beat to death, but go see it anyway. They now have the construction completed and you once again can go in to tower itself. I still remember our first trip there in 1971 and how much the tower truly does lean when you are at the top.<BR><BR>Next choice would be Siena. Great town to explore. We stayed there a week in 1999 and used it as a base to explore Tuscany. The location was very good for that.<BR><BR>I have tried Lucca 2 times. Once we were with another couple and once on an organized tour. Both times I did not see the beauty of this city. Nice wall, a few nice churches, bad flea market. Been there, done that, will not need to go back again. This would be my last choice to see. You will also hear from people that rave about Lucca. Who knows?