ACTIVITIES

PISA

Distance: 31km / 35 min

The photo with the most famous of the leaning towers is a must, but Pisa is much more than that. Just mention the entire Campo dei Miracoli with the Baptistery and the Cathedral, and of course the medieval old town. The center is also animated by numerous bars and restaurants inserted in a frame of Romanesque buildings, Gothic churches and Renaissance squares.
Pisa, an easy city to walk around, is crossed by the Arno river, along whose banks there are elegant noble palaces and medieval churches such as the small Santa Maria della Spina. Corso Italia, the elegant and pedestrian artery of the city, is the main shopping street.

Most visitors arrive between April and October.
In particular for:

• LUMINARA DI SAN RANIERI , patron of Pisa - (June 16) the city is entirely lit by candles and fireworks are followed by a street party and the Palio rowing of San Ranieri (June 17).

• GIOCO DEL PONTE, on the last Sunday of June - a game between teams dressed in 16th century costumes, to control the Ponte di Mezzo

LIVORNO

Distance: 34 km / 35 min

Livorno is an Italian port city on the west coast of Tuscany. It is known for its fish specialties, the Renaissance fortifications and the modern port for cruise ships. The central Terrazza Mascagni, an avenue along the sea with a checkerboard floor, is the main meeting point of the city. The ramparts of the 16th century Fortezza Vecchia overlook the harbor and open onto the Venezia Nuova district of Livorno.

Nearby are the octagonal baroque church with the dome of Santa Caterina and the Fortezza Nuova, a Medici fortress transformed into a park. The Four Moors Monument is a Renaissance statue of Grand Duke Ferdinand I surrounded by four chained Moors.

Most visitors arrive between April and August.
In particular for:

• PALIO MARINARO in July, which includes the historic regatta

• VENICE EFFECT in July and August, which brings various outdoor cultural events to the city district of Venezia Nuova, full of canals.

FLORENCE

Distance: 80km / 70 min

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. One of the most famous places is the Duomo, the cathedral with a tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi and Giotto's bell tower. The Accademia Gallery displays Michelangelo's David sculpture while in the Uffizi Gallery there are Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation.

Another architectural gem is the Ponte Vecchio, a stone arched pedestrian bridge that dates back to the Middle Ages and houses many jewelry stores.

The busiest period is from April to July.
In particular:

• PATRON OF THE CITY, SAN GIOVANNI (24 June), historical parades and an exciting game of Renaissance-style HISTORICAL FOOTBALL take place in Piazza Santa Croce.

• Easter Sunday (with variable dates) is celebrated with fireworks placed on a decorated cart in front of the Duomo.

SIENA

Distance: 116 km / 97 min

Siena stands out for its medieval brick buildings. Piazza del Campo, the central square with a characteristic fan shape, is home to the Palazzo Pubblico (the Gothic-style town hall) and Torre del Mangia, a slender XIV century tower from whose white battlements you can enjoy a wonderful view. The seventeen historic districts (the city districts) extend all around right from the square.

Inside the Palazzo Pubblico, the Civic Museum displays medieval frescoes and paintings by well-known Sienese artists. Near the main square, the majestic Siena Cathedral, made of marble, houses sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo. Steep and winding cobblestone streets are lined with refined delicatessens, bakeries, clothing stores and cozy trattorias. Local specialties include pici, a thick hand-rolled pasta, and panforte, a spiced fruit cake.

Most visitors arrive between April and October.
In particular:

• PALIO DI SIENA - It takes place twice a year on July 2nd and August 16th. Dating back to medieval times, in the horse race, the districts compete against each other on the occasion of the Palio, and is characterized by colorful costume parades, the Palio is an ancient institution of centuries .. In these two months the city also hosts many outdoor jazz concerts.

SAINT GIMIGNANO

Distance: 60 km / 65 min

San Gimignano is a hill town in Tuscany located south-west of Florence. Famous above all because of its 14 medieval towers that create a truly incredible panorama. The historic center of San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the Duomo, the Palazzo Comunale, the Pinacoteca, Torre Grossa and the ruins of the Montestaffoli fortress. The village of San Gimignano is also renowned for the excellent quality of its local white wine: the Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Surrounded by 13th century walls, the centerpiece of its historic center is Piazza della Cisterna, a triangular square lined with medieval houses. . In the skyline of medieval towers, the stone Torre Grossa stands out. The Duomo of San Gimignano is a 12th century church where you can admire the frescoes by Ghirlandaio in the Santa Fina chapel.

The period of greatest turnout is from April to October.
In particular:

• The carnival (late January-February) is celebrated with a parade in traditional costume.

• The Procession of the Holy Cross (in March or April) takes place in the streets of the historic center on Good Friday.

• The Ferie delle Messi in June, the medieval harvest festival, offers a sumptuous show with re-enactments.

LUCCA

Distance: 66 km / 54 min

Lucca is a city known for the Renaissance city walls that surround the historic center and the cobbled streets. The wide tree-lined walks on top of these 16th and 17th century ramparts are very popular, on foot and by bicycle. The birthplace of the great composer Giacomo Puccini is now a museum.

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, oval in shape, is built on the pre-existing site of a Roman amphitheater. The cathedral of San Martino, the Duomo of Lucca, has Pisan Romanesque exteriors and an imposing bell tower. The basilica of San Frediano houses a 13th century gold mosaic on its facade, while Palazzo Pfanner is known for its elaborate Baroque gardens. Of the more than 100 towers that were originally located inside the city, only a few remain, including the Guinigi Tower, dating back to the 14th century and with the top surmounted by oaks, and the Torre delle Ore.

The period of greatest turnout is from July to August

In particular:

• LUCCA SUMMER FESTIVAL (in July) when internationally renowned musicians come to play for the.

• PUCCINI FESTIVAL (from July to August at Torre del Lago) celebrates the works of the renowned composer from Lucca.

• LUCCA COMICS & GAMES (October-November), with pavilions and events scattered throughout the city, is one of the largest game and comic book festivals in the world.