I forgot to add my Fodors mission statement, for which I acknowledge Paolo Sarpi, wise Venetian.

“Lies I never tell, but the truth not to everyone.”

I would say "Yes" to Pisa if you haven't been there before. Do I go each time I'm in the region? No, of course not (even though if someone wanted to each time that's ok too). I've only been to the tower once, at dusk. It was closed and I wasn't able to climb up, but it was beautiful against the setting sun and it brought on that special feeling I get when I'm standing in the presence of something significant from the past. (I also happen to be a science geek.) I think if I've never seen it in person, I would put it on my to do list of Tuscany.

Having said that, I agree with those that recommended staying overnight in Lucca instead. It really is a beautiful, charming, walled city and I especially enjoyed the evening view as I was walking around the city on top of the walls.

Someone has been partaking in the Sherbet dip again.

This is a social network, for those who aren't comfortable in a social environment, I suggest buggering off to their own blog where they can wallow in their self importanice.

My angel hat remains intact as StCirq has found some adjectives I didn't have the nerve to use.

BTW

Back to the subject.

Most sane travellers would agree that Pisa is a day trip. Most sane travellers with a sense of humour will probably take a photograph showing their friend or dearly beloved pushing the tower back up.

I clearly missed something - what is the issue with taking your picture holding up the tower?

It's a funny pic - I like to have pics with a sense of humour as well as artistic ones!

What would I use for my profile pic on facebook if I didnt take funny pics when travelling??? ;)

Jamikins

You've missed a huge storm in a small teacup.

Or is it a small storm in....

Just all part of the friendly community we have here.

OMG

I have just seen your profile piccie?

Your insane!

Or sane....as the case maybe.

hahahaha - I know, I just cant stop myself from posting crazy/insane shots of myself on social media networks!

Fodors is quite tame, not even my face! You should see my facebook profile, I think it is currently me posing on a cliff in cinque terre! CRAZY I tell you :)

Wish I had a big cup.

Well said St Cirq !
Do you suppose she may go away now?

I need some ideas on what we see in Pisa before flying to Barcelona.

We travel by train from Monterosso to Pisa.
We fly to Barcelona at 6:30pm.

How far is the train station from Pisa tower?

How long do we need to stroll around the Pisa tower before going to the airport?

Would you recommend something else to take my kids to?
I'm traveling with a 23, 15, 11 y/o kids.

Thanks,
Mia

No Bob, on past experience it is going to get a whole lot worse.

oh dear, didnt mean to cause a big war. Sorry.
I am going to try to get two extra nights at the Ravizza in siena and then we could just rent a car in siena and do a day trip to pisa and lucca from there!

Griffy, I promise, its not you.

I'm starting to wonder if we need some kind of intervention. You know, where a bunch of loving family members get together and confront a person about problem, in the most constructive way possible. Hate the sin but not the sinner, and all that .... The lounge might be a good place.

We have been in the trenches for years and in the words of the great General Allenby, this is a side show of a side show. Not your fault at all Griffy.

I don't feel that Lucca is a day trip, it is a lovely, lovely place. In fact one of my favourite in Italy but there is no wow factor site/sight. To me it is a place to relax and just sink into, it has a great pace. It does combine well with Pisa though.

Thanks for ignoring my post.
I guess bitching about Zeppolle is what Fodor's is intended for.

I am going to try to get two extra nights at the Ravizza in siena and then we could just rent a car in siena and do a day trip to pisa and lucca from there!>>

to get back to the point, [but thanks, St. Cirq for the big smile you put on my face] siena is not the best place from which to do a day trip to Pisa or Lucca. According to viamichelin.it it's about 1 hour 50 mins drive to Lucca, and another 20 mins onto Pisa. [and their time estimates tend to be on the ungenerous side].

I'm not saying not to do it, but it could be a long day. definitely try to fit it into your Florence itinerary if you can.

PS - griffy - YOU didn't start the war. it's been rumbling for a looooong time, with many scurmishes and the odd bit of open warfare. but we love each other really. [well, most of us do].

Pooky - you will get more responses if you start your own thread...tagging onto other huge threads sometimes makes it easy to miss one (especially when there is controversy on the thread). It's nothing personal! And no need to be sarcastic, you will also get more helpful responses by playing nice :)