This is a must-do when in the area! Lots of little shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a really…read morenice feeling to be here, with a great view of the valley below. There are a few wineries nearby, 5-10 minute drive, to visit. Parking is located at the bottom of the hill, or you might be able to get one of the few spots near the gate.

We were lucky enough to see the cathedral in October when the floors were uncovered and it was…read moretruly a sight to see. Absolutely worth the visit and make sure to go to the top of the bell tower during your visit for a spectacular view and a great photo opportunity.

The interior of the cathedral is lovely, especially the marble floors and stained glass windows…read more There isn't any printed information or leaflets. They have an audio guide but you have to use your phone. I didn't have good reception on my mobile so I wasn't able to get any information about the church or art. I did really enjoy the crypt, so I am glad I got the ticket that included access to that.

Siena was one of our stops on our all day bus tour through Tuscany and I'm so happy it was!…read more We grabbed aperitivos and enjoyed the sun set while people watching. It's such a vibrant city center. Really fun place to relax after a long day.

Siena was a day trip we made from Florence, about 1:20 by train. I was still under the weather, not…read moreup to making the early train, so we had to make do with arriving in Siena by late morning. We were looking forward to Piazza del Campo, cited by our son as one of the highlights of his Italy trip, and we weren't disappointed. Piazza del Campo is a wide open, curving square, slanting downwards toward the historic City Hall, and is just beautiful. We joined the throngs of other tourists sitting/lying on the high part of the square people watching. Fortunately, a nearby Gelateria offered up our gelato du jour for people watching sustenance! We could have stayed here for hours... This was once an open field (hence, "Campo" or "field"), situated outside the city walls. The City Hall tower, which dominates the square, can be climbed by the ambitious. The City Hall also houses a Civic Museum. We spent most of the day strolling through Siena, a town with a truly medieval feel throughout. Many of the streets are fairly steep, and made things somewhat problematic for me as I was recovering from a knee injury. But I'm glad we were able to visit here, and if there's a next time would love to stay longer.

This spot is a must-see when in Lucca. It's actually an old roman amphitheatre and held up to…read more10'000 spectators back in its time. After the Roman downfall it wasn't used as such anymore and was falling apart partly. In the end being used just for salt storage. Luckily in the 19th Century it was being rebuilt to what it is today. The shape is still visible as are some parts of the old Amphitheatre. Now it's a lively spacious square with lots of restaurants and cafés and shops. Since 2006 together with the old town of Lucca part of the UNESCO world heritage. It's fun to have a walk around the Anfiteatro, sitting down and having a drink, watching the world go by. A beautiful spot.

Very pretty piazza surrounded by shops and cafes. There is even a vintage shop in the square (very…read moreoverpriced!) and places to buy traditional ceramics. Just take a rest at one of the many cafes and enjoy a glass of wine while you people watch-that's what i do!

The Piazza dei Miracoli, formally known as Piazza del Duomo, is located in central Pisa. It's…read morerecognized as an important center of medieval art and probably one of the finest architectural complexes. I'd say you won't miss this plaza if you're visiting Pisa.

A trip to Italy would not be complete without a stop in Pisa for the "Square of Miracles"!…read more We visited Pisa as a stopover on our Trenitalia trip back to Rome from Cinque Terre's Manarola. We only had about 4 hours in Pisa before we had to head back to our train, so we made our way directly toward the Piazza dei Miracoli - and it was awe inspiring! Such beauty and history to explore, in the Tower, Cathedral, the Baptistery, etc. Do not stick only to the Tower (and don't do the touristy photo op of "holding the tower up") I highly recommend going into the Cathedral and taking a walk around the inside. Beautiful artwork and architecture inside there. If you aren't able to climb the Campanile (leaning tower) - physically unable to, fear of heights, not enough time, etc - I still recommend this stop in Pisa. The Tower is beautiful from the outside too, if you aren't able to go inside/up, and the other buildings of the Piazza are worth the trip by themselves! One tip: you cannot see the Leaning Tower or any other of the Piazza dei Miracoli buildings by driving by or standing outside on the street. You have to go through a small marketplace of vendors to get to the archway entry. Once inside the entryway, that is where you will see the buildings you are looking for. Have fun!

An amazing piazza right near the tourist piazza that everyone goes to. Well worth the 5 minute…read morewalk to see such an iconic location.

The Puazza dei Cavalieri or Knights' Square' is a landmark and the 2nd main square of Pisa. This…read moresquare was the political center in medieval ages. In the 16th century the square became the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen. Now it is the main house of the Scuola Normale di Pisa, part of the University founded by Napoleon. The main building on the square is Palazzo della Carovana, the palace of the Knights of St. Stephen; formerly the Palace of the Elders. It was modernised in Renaissance style & decorated with graffiti. In front of the palace is the large statue of Cosimo I de Medici, who also designed the Palace of the Priors in 1603. The Palazzo dell'Orologio, which is referred to in Dante's Inferno is in another corner.

From the Middle Ages to the present day, Piazza della Signoria, between Piazza del Duomo and the…read moreArno River, is the beating heart of the historic center of Florence with its distinctive L-shape, which my partner, our friends, family member, and I visited in mid-September. Palazzo Vecchio, the traditional seat of the Florentine government, with its distinctive tower, is yet another symbol of the city. In front stands a copy of Michelangelo's David (the original can be seen at the Accademia Gallery). One of the most impressive squares we've ever seen! The piazza looks like an outdoor museum, full of iconic statues and history in every corner. One can't miss the Fountain of Neptune that was commissioned to celebrate a Medici marriage. It is a colossal statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea and the counterpart of the Greek god Poseidon. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively with both tourists and locals, perfect to enjoy both during the day and at night. Definitely a must-see in Florence!

Nice gathering place next to Ponte Vecchio. There's a beautiful fountain here and plenty of places…read moreto gather and dine. I love these Italian palazzos!