Pisa

Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower, but there’s a whole lot more to this ancient city then dysfunctional architecture. You’ll be able to spend several pleasant days simply strolling through this little city and looking at all the beautifully preserved medieval buildings. However, despite the old buildings, Pisa feels like a vibrant young city, due to the presence of thousands of students who attend the University of Pisa.

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Segway Pisa Tour – Exploring a new city on foot can be really tiring, and you’ll miss out on plenty of sights if you’re zipping around in a car. But Italy Segway Tours offers a fun compromise – visitors get to explore the city on a Segway! You’ll be accompanied by a professional guide, who will take you on a three-hour tour around the city’s attractions while balanced on this electric, scooter-like device.

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Orto Botanico di Pisa – Visit this lush green garden if you feel like to escape from the crush of other tourists. The oldest university botanical garden in Europe, this surprisingly tranquil garden is right in the middle of the city, only a few minutes from the famous Leaning Tower. You’ll find a large collection of herb gardens, greenhouses, ponds and university buildings on its grounds. The old botany institute is also worth a look, if only for its quirky seashell-covered façade.

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Hotel Relais dell’Orologio – This luxurious little hotel is conveniently located a stone’s throw from the Leaning Tower and other sights – perfect for those of you who are eager to start exploring the city. Housed in a 14th-century building, many of the rooms still retain bits of their original features, such as little niches in the walls and exposed wooden beams set into the ceiling. The hotel’s garden restaurant is a romantic spot for a candle-lit dinner in the summer; it moves into the attic over the winter months to take advantage of the roaring fireplace. Room rates start from about £60.