Subject: Firenze Hotel and Pisa
I only spent two days in Firenze (day trips) so I can't tell you a lot. However, we did walk to and from the train station and we walked along Via Nazionale looking for our brand Internet shop. It is an area with tons of small hotels, facilities for travellers such as launderettes. You would be close to the street market (San Lorenzo, I think) and some museums. But Via Nazionale itself is not a restful location!

About Pisa - still closed for people to go up, I am sure. However, that is not the main sight. It took my breath away when we walked around the wall to see the whole Campo dei Miracoli (Cathedral Square). We joked that it looked like a master builder's yard with buildings still waiting to be placed. Although in fact, they are carefully sited and work together gloriously. We visited the Baptistry, (beautiful view from the top), the cemetery (wonderful frescoes - Triumph of Death - you need to look for the little room where it is located), and the cathedral.

We were also impressed by Pisa itself, a famous university city. Gallileo taught there! Isn't it amazing! And the city is energetic and atmospheric. I would recommend walking past the tacky souvenir stalls when you are finished with the monuments and walk towards the river through the old town.

Frances