Flying into Pisa and out of Rome, what can I do in between?

Question

I am flying into Florence and travelling down to Rome and I have 10 days in total. Would anyone suggest places I could see close to either of these two cities or on the way south. Also would anyone recommend cheaper places to eat in the two cities as I have heard, as you would expect, that they are very expensive.

Thank you!!

Answer 1

Hi! I lived in Florence for the last year so I can definitely help you out with this. First off, go to Pisa-see the leaning tower, there's not so much to do but you have to get a picture pushing the leaning tower-it's classic!

You can visit Lucca and Siena, they're cute little towns about 45 mins from Florence by train, they have a lot of nice restaurants, not much to do but it's definitely something to see!

There is a TON to do in Florence.  Definitely climb to the top of the Duomo, the view is absolutely insane. Also, check out the Ufizi museum, Top of David, and just hang out by the ponte vecchio, it's gorgeous.

Venice is about 3 hours away from Florence by train so that would also make a good day trip.

As for cheap restaurants, you HAVE to have a kebab. They sound weird but they're amazing and around 4 euro, a cheap but great lunch.  Get them at the DonerKebab stands which are basically on every corner.

Restaurants:  Aqua Al Due is an amazing restaurant and reasonable price.  near Piazza della Signore call for reservations 055 384 170

Il Gatto E La Volpe* translates to the cat and the hat it's very cheap like 10 euro and AMAZING this is my favorite restaurant, get the spaghetti alla carbonara.  Via Ghibellina 151/r (just to the East of the Bargello) Make reserrvations though.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hello,

Florence is only an hour and a half away from Rome by train.  There really isn't anything in between them that you can see. While you are in Florence you can go visit Pisa which is very close.  Just outside of Rome you can visit Ostia Antica, which is the ancient sea port.  You can also visit Assisi very easily.  All of the destinations can be reached easily by public transportation.   If you want to go further south than Rome, Naples and Pompeii are about 2 hours away.  You can get to Naples in 1.5 hours and add another half hour to get to Pompeii.  This is a great day trip but you must start early to make a full day of it.  Check out the trenitalia website for the costs of the train.  

As for places to eat, you will find that if you go a block or two away from the touristy areas, down side streets and back roads, this is where the better, cheaper food is.  The tourist menus are okay, but the really good food is in the shops the locals go to.  These won't have an English menu.  If you are in a restaurant that has a menu written in English you will not get the best priced or tasting food.  Walk away from the touristy area and look for those small shops that don't advertise on the street.  They won't have a menu out from on a chalkboard.  These are the places you want to eat.  As for these cities being really expensive, you can get pizza and a soda or water for less than 8 euros.  Beer is actually less expensive than soda most of the time.  You can get a panini and a drink for less than 5 euros from the corner store if it is not right next to a tourist attraction.   You just have to look around and you will find the good places to eat.  

Donna