Italy is my absolute favorite place to travel. It’s overflowing with history and culture, and it’s got everything: mountains, volcanoes, the sea… And let’s not forget—the food is simply divine. Honestly, I’ve never once been served something in Italy I didn’t like or didn’t finish.
Besides all these amazing perks, Italy is super close to me here in Croatia—our lovely neighbor across the Adriatic Sea. Lucky for us, in the last two years Ryanair has introduced new and additional flights to Italy, so now there are tons of options to plan trips to this gorgeous destination.
This spring, there were some amazing ticket deals. Just imagine—my return flight from Zagreb to Pisa cost only €35.91! From Pisa, you can go wherever your heart desires in Tuscany. You can rent a car, or if you prefer trains, the railway station is just a 20-minute walk from the airport. It’s really easy to hop on a train to Florence or Cinque Terre (which were the most popular destinations among travelers at the station that day).
But when I arrived at the station, I decided to head first to the little town of Lucca. The next day I continued on to Siena, where I spent two days since I also wanted to visit the nearby San Gimignano. Finally, I saved Pisa for last.
I managed to see and experience everything I planned. I bought train tickets right there at the self-service machines at each station, and I booked accommodation spontaneously, day by day, without overplanning. It turned out to be a super relaxed, hedonistic, and even a bit of an active trip.
Lucca – A Tiny Town Surrounded by Renaissance Walls
The train from Pisa to Lucca cost me just €3.90. I was basically running away from the rain, and it was already late afternoon when I arrived at my accommodation (which cost €50.52 with breakfast included). I had just enough time to drop off my backpack and head into town for dinner. Luckily, the raincloud moved on right as I was enjoying my pasta and sipping on a craft beer.
The next morning was bright and sunny—perfect for exploring. I started by walking along Lucca’s old city walls. It took about an hour to do the full 4 km loop. You can also rent a bike or some other ride to circle the town, but I loved walking. Along the way, you get gorgeous views of the hills in the distance and the charming rooftops inside the walls.
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| Lucca – Piazza dell’Anfiteatro |
I also climbed the Guinigi Tower—entry was €8. It’s 45 meters tall, and there’s a little grove of trees growing right on top. The views from up there are absolutely spectacular.
The rest of the day, I wandered aimlessly through the streets, visiting the cathedral and a few churches, eating gelato, window-shopping, and just admiring the Renaissance buildings.
Lucca is definitely worth a visit—it has all the Tuscan and Italian charm, lots of cyclists, and none of the big-city crowds.
Siena – The Queen of Tuscany and the Adorable San Gimignano
Early the next morning, before most people were even awake, I hopped on the train from Lucca to Pisa, then changed in Empoli, and finally arrived in Siena. That train ticket was €17.60.
Accommodation for two nights cost me €120 (without breakfast), but there was a grocery store nearby, so I easily sorted out breakfast myself.
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| Siena Panorama view |
By the time the train neared Siena, it was getting crowded—people were standing in the aisles. When I got there, I went straight into town to see everything on my list.
Every step brought me closer to the heart of the city—Piazza del Campo—massive and stunning with all those orange bricks. I spent a while just people-watching. Some folks brought blankets and were hanging out right in the middle of the square.
Then I kept exploring—cathedral, churches, and more churches. Once again, rain caught up with me, so I made it back to my accommodation just before a downpour and called it a day early, since I had a morning trip planned to San Gimignano.
To reach San Gimignano by train from Siena you have to go to Poggibonsi, there you have to catch a bus across from the train station. There are direct buses from Siena too, but they only run once or twice a day, and the times didn’t suit my early schedule.
I arrived in San Gimignano ridiculously early—it was basically empty except for delivery trucks and a few street cleaners who gave me puzzled looks. But I came early on purpose—I wanted to do a longer hike down to the vineyards.
First, I found one of the only cafés open that early, had breakfast, and then set off on a circular route through the vineyards and back up to town. Turns out I was walking part of the famous Via Francigena pilgrimage route.
I hiked about 9 km, which took me almost 2 hours. Since I’d done all that by midday, I still made it back to Siena for lunch and had time to wander around until dinner.
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| San Gimignano hiking |
Pisa – The First and Last Stop
I saved Pisa for the end because I knew it would be the most crowded. Early in the morning, I checked into my accommodation (€40), conveniently near the train station (which also meant a short walk to the airport when it was time to leave). I didn’t mind walking 30 minutes to the city center.
As soon as I reached the Leaning Tower, I gave up on battling the sea of tourists. Seriously—busloads of people were pouring in. So instead, I decided to visit the Botanical Garden (€4) and then walk along the city walls (€5).
I started my walk at Torre di Legno, and the walls wrap all the way around, ending back at the Leaning Tower. Best decision ever—there was almost nobody around. Apparently, people aren’t as into walking as I am.
The views from up there were fantastic—you get a perfect look at the tower, cathedral, and baptistery. The whole walk is only about 3 km and takes around 45 minutes.
I noticed the sky getting dark again, so I ducked into Palazzo Blu (€3, discounted thanks to my wall ticket) just in time to avoid more rain. While browsing the gift shop, I spotted some little books by Bonaparte and the famous Decameron. I couldn’t help wondering—were those first editions?
My Tips for you
- Use your feet—walking is the best way to soak in the atmosphere and truly get to know a place.
- Absolutely try Gelato from Venchi—it’s delicious, generous, and could easily replace a meal.
- Restaurant in Lucca: In Pasta – Cibo e Convivio (vegan)
- Quick snack or breakfast in San Gimignano: Giardino Bistrot
- Restaurant in Siena: Tigella EMILIA
- Pastry shop in Pisa: Vecchio Pasticceria Siciliana
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