tuscany towns
 

Would one day to go to Pisa, Lucca and San Gimignano be a good idea? Is there enough to do/see for a family with teenagers?

Would taxi be the best to get around to each of the towns towns?

(I arrive in Livorno initially)

You're kidding, right? This is what used to be known as a troll?

Any 2 of these would make for a very full day. They are not exactly a 10-minute drive apart. Do not be fooled by distances on the map -- if there is no autostrada connecting them you will be on local roads with traffic.

There is plenty to do/see in both Pisa and San Gim. I haven't been to Lucca so can't say. If there are 4 of you a taxi will not be very comfortable. Why don't you rent a car? The driving is not difficult for the most part, and you can take your time and explore a bit as you like.

I loved Lucca and San Gim, did not get to Pisa, but glanced at the leaning tower from the autoroute....  Definitely limit yourself to 2 towns only. Possibly someone would know if trains connect these towns, or your hotel could arrange transportation for you.
We spent one full day in both towns, from 1 to 9 p.m. approximately.

We met some Londoners in San Gim last year. We had spend a few hours there and sain we were off to Siena (by car. The husband said, "Oh, yes you Americans have to rush from place to place." Made me think. Anyway. Pisa and Lucca are on the train line to and from Florence. You don't need a car or taxi for either. Then the next day rent a car and go to San Gim.

Hi Ray,

Ann has a good plan.

Ooops,

Just remembered. You have to be back in Livorno at 6:00 PM. It's 15 min Livorno/Pisa and 1/2 hr Pisa/Lucca.

You can do these two in your one day.

Good post, Ann. We should copy that Londoner's quote and carry it w/us to remind us to slow down and savor. Last summer I spent two hours in the bamboo garden on Isole di Brissago listening to the click-click of the fronds in the breeze. But I was by myself with no one else to satisfy and I was using public transportation. I have a feeling that Americans who drive might feel tempted to squeeze more stuff into each day. And then, too, ray is going with teenagers. Forgive me for thinking they might want to be on the move. J.

What is the best way to get from Pisa to Lucca?

Is the drive from Livorno to Pisa and Pisa to Lucca pretty Tuscany countryside or is Livorno to San Gimignano better?

I'm still trying to decide which cities to go to in day. Any other suggestions for towns?