It seems that everybody advises against Pisa. However, my kids (9 and 11) think they want to the tower. Is it worth it, or should we skip it? Any other suggestions that kids might enjoy? We'll be about 4 days in the area.

For sure it's worth it to see the tower once in your lifetime and if your kids want to see it, I would take them. From Pisa you can easily drive to Lucca which is a charming walled medieval city or you could take the kids to one of the beach towns---Viareggio probably the best to see how Italian kids spend their summers. I'm assuming it'll be summer? There's also an area called the Garfagnana near Barga that is similar to Big Sur (without the ocean) and has facilities for horseback riding and hiking. That might be of interest to them. Beautiful country and one cave that you can explore. It's not that Pisa is not a good destination, it's just not worth spending a night there. A couple hours will be great, however. Enjoy.

I think Pisa is definitely worth it if only for the historical impact that Galileo's accomplishments with the law of falling bodies from the top of the tower and the law of the pendulum from the Basicalla next to it.

Tower of Pisa won't be reopened until June 17th and I bet the crowds will be horrendous the first few weks. I think its worth the trip too,, especially if your kids have specifacally asked to seee it. shows they've been reading up and planning ,, too. Congratulations!Now that I typed 17th I can't remember it may be the 15th

if you get there go to the bapistry. in the next building. its noted for its acoustics-especially if some of the locals will sing. best pa system you will ever hear.the rest of the town is a tourist trap. if you go to viareggio take a day trip to carrara and the marble mines

I thought the tower was kind of neat. If your kids are going to be good soldiers about seeing things in Italy that don't interest them, maybe they deserve the treat of seing the tower. It would be a shame if they had to go home and feel that they missed something.

HI--Pisa is definitely worth the trip. The Campo dei Miracoli (I think that's its official name) with its green lawn and wedding cake buildings is one of the lovliest in Italy (in my opinion)--just stand with your back to the tacky souvenir stands! The tower is neat, the interior of the Basilica is impressive, you can climb up into the dome of the baptistry for great views (and it also has impressive acoustics,)the Camposanto is worth visiting and there's a spot where you can walk a small section of the city walls. Also, I'm not sure if they're open to the public yet, but they were excavating some Roman ships last time I was there--ask at the tourist office about it. <BR> <BR>I think most people go to Pisa, see the tower and leave. I found it to be an unpretentious city with friendly people--just leave the tower area and explore! <BR> <BR>Have a great time! <BR>Patti <BR>

Thanks a lot for your replies. So, Pisa is definitely on. Does anybody know of any nice farm places in the area (with pool) where we could stay for four days? They should be convenient for short trips (not all day). <BR>Thank you!

Your kids will enjoy the novelty and the opportunity (once again) to go to the top. Unfortunately, this novelty masks the outstanding Pisan Romanesque Architecture of the Tower, the Baptitry and the Duomo. It incorporates for the first time (1th century), Moorish Architectural influences (for example, the striping) which, later, became prominent in Cathederals throughout Tuscany. <BR> <BR>While the immediate area around the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) is indeed tourist tacky, once you cross the River Arno you will find a delightful little City with Pisani going about the task of dailey living. You will find great shops, good restaurants and wonderful Paste (pastry shops). With kids, try Matteo, a little trattoria populated by locals with very good spaghetti and meat sauce among other Italian standards. A wander through the City is certainly worth while. If you have the time, go. You won't be sorry.

Dear I ngrid, We stayed recently in Pisa,It is worth going. I can tell you more precise information if you wish. <BR>Waring, do not eat at Da Bruno Trattoria they are listed in several travel books, but they are there to scam tourists off. Only explanation is that they must have changed owners, <BR>...............There are many tourists in Pisa, besides de tower there are serveral nice interesting places to visit, but I would stay there one night. <BR>Have a great trip. <BR> <BR>May be the tower doesn t last forever in that peculiar position so if your children wish to see it, it is a good reason to go. <BR> <BR>When we were there all hotels were full due to a congress, so it seemed imposible to find a reasonably nice place, by change we found a 2 star hotel Villa Primavera, with free parking and very clean, confortable, and at waling distance from the tower, and the rate was very very good. Graziella

Going up the tower is a unique experience. (if you are able to run up it as I did years ago, it is even better!) DO it if you can. ALso be sure to see the baptistry and the chuch

Wasn't there a recent news report that said the tower won't be open to visitors until November?

Ingrid, <BR>Definitely go! <BR>we are doing a daytrip from Rome as the children really expressed an interest. <BR>(10 and 13) <BR>How can any historic city in Italy be a waste of time? <BR>And as others have said, there is more to Pisa than the Torre. <BR>As we will be going south of Rome for our 2nd part of the trip, getting up "north "will be fun for us. <BR> <BR>I do hope the Torre opens in june, we will be going up the last wek , June, crowds, be darned! <BR>

According to a recent article int he washington Post, the tower won't be ope until sometime in November. Sorry!