On the train.
Pisa train station
It took about an hour to get there, and we each had a coffee and a pastry across the street from the station (it's become a habit). The infamous tower is 1.7 km (just over a mile) from the station so we took a city bus which was easy since the bus station is right beside the train station. They also allowed you to tap your credit card to pay, so it was all very convenient. We were also checked by ticket inspectors--which had me nervous since the machine did not issue us a ticket--but the inspector was able to scan my card to determine payment. I didn't know they could do that. Then (since we obviously look like tourists) she helpfully told us that we were at the stop for the tower.
Approaching the tower. The baptistry and cathedral are first along the walkway.
Fe "holding" the tower
Both of us and the tower
Looking back from the way we entered
We did not climb the tower or go into the cathedral and baptistry--a ticket that combined all three was 28 EUR (about 30 USD) per person--since we'd climbed many towers and seen quite a few cathedrals on this trip already.
Outside this complex was an area for souvenir sellers which also had a McDonald's:
Pisa McDonald's
The souvenir area with a view of the old city wall.
Of course, there is more to Pisa than the tower so we decided to walk back to the station.
View over the Arno River
Piazza Vittorio Emanuel II
Carousel in the square
We finally got back to the station and rode back to Florence. I'll admit I napped on the trip--but I was startled awake by another ticket inspector. I am glad we remembered to validate our train tickets before boarding since I think the fine is a couple hundred euros. I've read that a lot of tourists get caught making that mistake, so consider this your PSA.
No comments:
Post a Comment