A Day Trip to Remember: Our Journey to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Have you ever made a spur-of-the-moment decision to check something off your bucket list? That's exactly what we did when Eli and I found ourselves in Florence with a day to spare. The Leaning Tower of Pisa was calling Eli's name, and who were we to ignore such a beckoning?
Our adventure began with a short cab ride from our hotel to the train station. The anticipation was palpable. Booking our train tickets online via the Trenitalia website was a breeze, costing us about 9 Euros per adult and 5 Euros for the kiddo. The train ride was snug and uneventful, just under an hour on a regional line where the seating policy is first-come, first-served. It was nothing to write home about comfort-wise, but it was perfectly fine for our short jaunt.
Beautiful scenery everywhere!
Upon arriving at Pisa Centrale Station, we embarked on a leisurely 25-minute stroll through the quaint city towards our destination. And there it was, nestled unexpectedly amidst the cityscape, the iconic Tower of Pisa. Despite the crowds, the sight of it through Eli's eyes was something special. The disappointment of not being able to climb the tower due to age restrictions couldn't dampen Eli's spirits. We settled for snapping those quintessential tilt-pretending photos instead, which was a hoot.
Post sightseeing, we indulged in some local cuisine — pizza, of course. It was a straightforward, no-frills meal but satisfying all the same. Eli's day was made perfect with a gelato in hand as we meandered back to the station, the slightly cloudy sky mercifully holding back its rain.
Bottom Line
Our day trip to Pisa was a reminder that sometimes it's the simple experiences that leave the most enduring impressions. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of those things I think is a “one and done” - we probably would not make The joy of fulfilling a bucket list wish, the ease of travel, and the charm of exploring a new city proved to be the perfect blend for a memorable day out. So, if you find yourself near Pisa with time to spare, take the leap. It's a straightforward adventure that's sure to leave you with a smile, especially if you're lucky enough to share it with someone as enthusiastic as Eli.