Day Three – Tuscany 2015: Pisa and Lucca
A Day in Tuscany’s Treasures
Ah, Tuscany! That enchanting blend of rolling hills, historic towns, and mouth-watering cuisine. Our third day in this Italian paradise was dedicated to two gems: Pisa and Lucca. Buckle up, readers, because this tale involves winding roads, ancient towers, and a cheeky bit of car trouble.
The Road to Pisa
Pisa is about an hour’s drive from our campsite. Rather than zipping down the autoroute and paying tolls, we opted for the scenic route. Why rush through Tuscany when you can meander along its charming back roads? The journey was a picturesque parade of lush vineyards, rustic farmhouses, and those iconic cypress trees that seem to pierce the sky.
Finding the Leaning Tower
Parking in Pisa was a breeze. We found a spot on the edge of town for a mere €2 and set off on foot. With the throng of tourists guiding us like a human river, we wandered through the streets, following the whispers of excitement and the scent of fresh gelato.
Suddenly, there it was—the Piazza dei Miracoli, an open square bathed in golden sunshine, home to the basilica and the famous Leaning Tower. And let me tell you, we weren’t the only ones there. Hundreds of tourists were scattered across the square, all trying to get that perfect shot of themselves “holding up” the tower. Naturally, we joined in the fun. Who could resist?
A Hungry Adventurer in Pisa
Exploring under the blazing Tuscan sun is no small feat, and it wasn’t long before young Josh’s stomach started to rumble. His choice? McDonald’s. I know, I know. In the land of pasta and pizza, we ended up at a McDonald’s. But when hunger strikes, sometimes you just need a quick, familiar bite. At least it satisfied Josh’s cravings, and we were ready to continue our adventure.
The Lucca Labyrinth
Next on our itinerary was Lucca, an ancient walled city that promised narrow streets and historic charm. Little did we know, navigating Lucca’s streets by car would be a comedy of errors. I thought it a brilliant idea to drive straight through the city’s gates, right into the labyrinthine streets. Big mistake.
Lucca’s inner streets are a maze, and parking is strictly reserved for residents. After a few tense moments of trying to reverse out of tight corners and avoid curious onlookers, we managed to escape the maze without attracting too much attention from the local police. Phew!
Little was I to know that the Mayor of Lucca had spotted me in the city & eventually via Hertz Car Rental a parking fine appeared for the expensive sum of €160, so be warned.
We then parked just outside the city walls, where the parking was a steal at €2 for three hours. From there, we set off on foot to explore.
Strolling Through Lucca
Exploring Lucca by foot was a joy. The city’s narrow streets wound their way through ancient buildings, each turn revealing a new charming vista or hidden square. Lucca has an allure that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget. It quickly earned a spot on my list of favourite cities.
Dining Back at Camp
After a day of exploration and a fair amount of walking, we headed back to our campsite for a well-deserved meal. Dinner was a delight: a succulent swordfish steak for me, spaghetti for Michele, and a pizza for Joshua. The perfect ending to a day in Tuscany.
So there you have it, folks! A day of delights in Tuscany, filled with historic sites, minor mishaps, and delicious food. If you ever find yourself in this beautiful region, make sure to visit Pisa and Lucca—they’re worth every moment.
