Sightseeing Pisa and Lucca, Tuscany, Italy.

Despite being late April, the Tuscan weather was not kind overnight – relentless rain that seemed to never end. None the less, we made an early start for a day out in Pisa. We made use of Camping Lago Le Tamerici’s minibus that took us to the bus stop in nearby Coltano. The local bus was a few minutes late – possibly the reason the journey to Pisa was at high-speed. The bus was most unusual – about 10 metres long but only twelve seats. The remainder of the space was for standees! We were the only ones on board however, so this was not an issue. It matter not, we are on your way for sightseeing Pisa and Lucca

Arrival in Pisa just after half past eight and the city was very quiet. Our first stop was the famous Leaning Tower and the Square of Miracles. The cost to go to the top of the tower is presently 15 euro per person. Visitors are allocated a time slot. Noteworthy of a mention you may prebook your visit for a later time in the day. Visitors are only allowed a specified time at the tower in order to control the number of people up the tower at any one time.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa – the first of our sights for of the day.

It goes without saying that from atop the tower, there are superb views of the city. Here we can see the roof of the Basilica in the Square of Miracles.

Sightseeing Pisa and Lucca – view from the Leaning Tower

Looking towards the Tuscan hills.

Bus service from Pisa to Lucca

After an early lunch, we looked for the bus stop for services to Lucca. Unable to find the bus stop, I asked a policeman. Unfortunately, he could not hear me properly, so I invited myself into the back of his police van. It turned out the bus from Pisa to Lucca departed from a bus stop about 100 yards in the direction from where we had just come!

Sightseeing Pisa and Lucca – the coach from Pisa to Lucca

I then asked the tobacconist for the times of the bus – it was due at 11.55 – it was now just after 12, so we did not buy the tickets. (In Italy, it is common to buy tickets before boarding a bus – usually in a tobacconist’s shop. We have in the past bought bus tickets in a ladies underwear shop.) However, as we came out of the shop, the late running coach to Lucca was just arriving at the adjacent bus stop, so on we hopped, without a ticket.

The driver was very helpful and strangely enough, the tickets cost less than the price quoted in the tobacconist’s shop! We left Pisa and in no time at all, we were in Lucca. Lucca offers a sharp contrast to Pisa, with quaint streets and a generally calmer atmosphere.

The bell tower alongside the cathedral

This famous bell tower is adjacent to the Catedrale di San Martino (St Martin’s Cathedral) in Lucca.

Sightseeing Pisa and Lucca. Lucca offers a contrast to Pisa with quiet streets.

The bus from Lucca to Pisa was on time and once in Pisa we changed on to the local service to Coltano. The last leg of our journey was completed using the campsite’s minibus!

Sightseeing Pisa and Lucca – where to stay

I did have a look at the Area di Sosta in Pisa, but motorhomes were crammed in like sardines in a tin. The cost of the sosta is presently twelve euro per night. I was glad we had paid fifteen euro per night to be out in the countryside on a campsite will full facilities.

There are various motorhome parking places in Lucca.

Two tourists websites may be useful. Click here for Pisa and here for Lucca.