We began with a drive from Florence to Pisa, home of the Leaning Tower of Pisa but so much more - most travelers miss the other sights in the 'Field of Miracles' but they are missing a treat. Our guide Ulrich took us on a swift tour of all 4 monuments, including the Cathedral itself (the Duomo), the Baptistry, the cemetery (Campo Santo) & finishing with the Leaning Tower.
Then we were all able to enjoy our precious tickets & climb to the very top of the Leaning Tower - a truly memorable experience that offered spectacular views over the town below & countryside beyond.
After free time for lunch, shopping, or more sightseeing, we returned to our bus & drive the short distance to Lucca, a far less touristy town than the others we've seen so far & a welcome experience. We strolled the city walls, visited the fascinating Piazza Anfiteatro, saw the Torre de Ore & Torre Guinigi, then split up for free time in Piazza San Michele.
Many of the group choose to join a mass bike rental & ride around the city's ramparts, a 2.5 mile loop that took around 26 minutes to complete - lots of fun. There was still plenty of time to enjoy gelato, coffee, or pastries, to shop for souvenirs, or to visit a Leonardo DaVinci exhibit.
Back in Florence this evening we enjoyed a hearty meal of cured meats, a 'Tuscan bean stew', & pasta. Then we burned it off with a walk visit to St. Mark's Church for our evening opera concert, all finished off with excellent gelato. A great end to a busy but fun day.
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