We have an opportunity to stay in a home in Pisa. Would this be a good base for 1-2 weeks in the spring?

If you are staying for free, then go for it. You will need to hire a car to explore Tuscany properly.

ditto: Yes, If your stay is free! ~~~ Pisas is a pretty good location...to Cinque Terre, Tuscany and LOADS of places. It is however kind of a bustling, traffic filled, touristy, CITY..but for a free base it'd be fine. Renting a car would also be the best/only solution. though some people would say there is major train station in Pisa and easy to get around that part of Italy taking the train.

Not the best geography to see much of Tuscany, but free is free---go for it.

thanks! this is helpful.