Our road trip started in Florence where we picked up our rental car, an Opel Corsa. We left the city and had to make sure not to enter the ZTL zone. These zones are only accessible by car for its inhabitants and entering will give a hefty fine.
I had big plans for our stay in Tuscany. I expected gorgeous sunny weather and wanted to use these days to go rafting and making good use of our swimming pool. I also booked a cute agrituristica (hotel) in the countryside of Tuscany, that would be our base to explore the surroundings.
Unfortunately we unknowingly made enemies with the weather Gods. During our stay we were struck with rain and thunder. So it was time for a plan B.
Day #1
The day that we drove from Florence was the worst; 50 millimeters of rain poured from the sky that day. We drove to Livorno for a nice lunch at Old Wild West; an American Old Western style restaurant that served us some tasty burgers. In the afternoon the skies cleared up and we took a walk on the Terrazza Mascagni; a boulevard with all black and white tiles.
Walking on the Terrazza Mascagni
Hamburger for lunch at Old Wild West
Day #2
In the morning we visited Pisa and its famous leaning tower. We took the typical touristy perspective photo and moved on. Pisa was exactly as I expected; besides the leaning tower there’s not much to do. So we moved on to Lucca, a cute old town filled with small streets and shops. At this time it was 1 PM and the shops were about to close, luckily the restaurants weren’t.
Standing in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The drive back to our hotel was a pretty one through the hills of Tuscany.
Day #3
More rain? Really? What have we done to anger you my Lord? Let’s go hide in a shopping mall. In the afternoon the sun came through and we had a nice walk in the National Park Migliarino San Rossore. A peaceful forest full with pine trees, where we even spotted some deer (all thanks to Wendy’s hunter instincts).
Pines trees in National Park Migliarino San Rossore
Tomorrow we’re heading towards Cinque Terre.
