Archive for the Pisa category
Wednesday, Mar 7th, 2007
Categories: Pisa
We had four appointments today but we need to meet with the staff at the Royal Victoria Hotel where we were staying. We had a meeting at around 9 with Elisabetta who was the manager of the hotel.
She has worked there for over 15 years so she was the perfect person to tell us all about its vast history and culture. The hotel has been within the same family for over 160 years which is in fact impressive and intriguing, the place is filled with beautiful antique furniture and plenty of Italian charm.
The staff at the hotel were truly professional and very helpful which was great as we needed help to find our way around the city. Breakfast at the hotel is fantastic which a wide variety of cereals and fruit available its really excellent value for money.
This was our last day to visit properties in Pisa as we were heading back to London early on Friday morning.
That day we’ve visited Hotel Repubblica Marinara which indeed looks like Holiday Inn this place was really brand new and located in the industrial part of Pisa, definitely a place to recommend for business people, they do offer fantastic rates throughout the year which would suit the budget travellers wallet, Michele Guest House was similar to Arcobaleno BandB it was a bit funny because the owner was very proud of his photography printed on the bathroom tiles, then we went to Hotel la Pace which was one of the very standard and it’s excellent their category and lastly Hotel Moderno, it is perhaps the best property which is situated in one of the best spots. Within walking distance of the main station and the airport it’s ideal. The rooms are clean, tidy and basic but are tastefully decorated and the owners of the hotel are incredibly warm and welcoming.
Each property again was of the highest quality and absolutely worth every penny for guests who would like to stay in Pisa.
After loads of walking and talking Phil and I went for a couple of slices of Pizza at the local Pizzeria before going back to the tower to buy couple of souvenirs and again take some pictures of the Tower on a different angle, although the weather was not as good as like on our first day, we were still able to take some good shots.
We got back to the hotel and packed our things ready for the early start on Friday morning. Following this we went back to the local bar and enjoyed a couple of glasses of local wine and beer, along with the wonderful Apertivo on offer at the bar.
In bed by 23:00 we were exhausted having walked the length of Pisa several times over. It was a wonderful trip! Pisa is a city I would highly recommend visiting, even if only for a day whilst staying in Florence the tower is well worth a visit.
Wednesday, Mar 7th, 2007
Categories: Pisa
Day two of the property visits meant we were to go and see the following hotels. Some of these properties were situated a little outside of the centre so we travelled to these by bus.
We had organised to visit Hotel La Torre, Hotel Astor, Centro Storico Bed and Breakfast as well as La Mimosa Bed and Breakfast which was a bit far away from the city centre, but the first three properties were in the very middle of the city.
Each and every one of these properties kept to the same great standard we had come to expect for all the properties we had in Pisa. All were incredibly clean and tidy with plenty of storage and all were in walking distance of the tower and other tourist attractions. Granted some properties were a little more expensive than others but you would most certainly be getting your moneys worth when staying there as they were brilliantly decorated and filled with a wonderful Italian style and atmosphere.
After our appointments Phil and I went back to the hotel for a little siesta before going out for a couple of drinks and dinner. We had walked a substantial amount during the day so were pretty worn out.
Having had a massive lunch we met up at around 20:00 for a couple of drinks at the local bar which was literally just a 2 minute walk from our hotel. We sat enjoying the local cuisine while having a few drinks. By about 10:30 we were a little tipsy and very tired so we decided to head back to the hotel.
Wednesday, Mar 7th, 2007
Categories: Pisa
We started the day with a substantial continental breakfast at the hotel. In the past few trips I had been on there had been nothing but grey skies and endless rain but on this particular day the weather couldn’t have been better. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and it was incredibly warm for the time of year. After breakfast Phil and I went to the nearest kiosk and bought a Pisa map, planned our trip and started the short walk to our first appointment.
Situated just a short while away from the leaning tower of Pisa is Hotel Villa Primavera, the place was actually pretty and neat and has also an annex across the road which it’s on different category, along with this hotel we visited Hotel Villa Kinzica which is literally directly next to the leaning tower of Pisa, we’ve checked one of rooms and from there you’ll see an awesome view of the tower, Village Torre Pendente was quite far from the city centre, considering it’s actually a camping site, the owner was very generous as he gave us ride going to our next appointment, Arcobaleno BandB is actually apartment units converted into B&B and lastly on that day was Hotel di Stefano which some part of it were still under refurbishment, but it’s for sure a place to look after because of the interior design, as a matter of fact their breakfast room was really appealing because it looks like a tavern.
All properties were fantastic, all of them are family businesses, each offer real value for money and even those that were so called out of the city centre were still in walking distance of the tower. Pisa is a small city so walking from A to B is always possible. There is a regular bus service that runs throughout the city as well as buses too and from the airport which run about every 10 minutes.
During the day we had a bit of spare time in between some of the appointments so considering the weather was so perfect we decided that day to visit the leaning tower of Pisa. I had been told it was spectacular but I don’t think words can really describe how remarkable it is. When I first caught sight of the whole structure I couldn’t believe my eyes. It sits at such an angle I am surprised it’s still standing at all. With the blazing sun casting shadows on the intricate details which cover the tower it really was a sight to behold.
After having had a good look around the tower we took a break on the lush green lawns that surround it. There were plenty of people relaxing in the sun; it really was a gorgeous day. The entire area is bustling with people as there are little kiosks spread all around for tourists to buy little mementos and kitsch little sculptures of the famous tower.
As we lay there we noticed our tummies beginning to rumble, not surprising really considering there was a hot dog stand in arms reach of where we were lying.
We bought a couple of hotdogs, some drinks and enjoyed them in the warm sunshine while we marvelled at the tower and its brilliance.
After lunch we continued onto our next appointments. On a whole everyone in Pisa was particularly friendly and helpful which made trying to find our different appointments a lot easier.
By the end of the day we were exhausted. We went back to the little kebab shop we had visited the night before to get a bite to eat and then headed to bed quite early.
Wednesday, Mar 7th, 2007
Categories: Pisa
This is to be the last trip for a while. Having visited a large number of our top European destinations its time for a well deserved break from travelling.
Phil and I had a five thirty flight to catch on Monday afternoon so as per usual we flew out from Stansted Airport. The flight was on time and getting to Pisa went off without a hitch.
We arrived in Pisa shortly before nine in the evening. We were trying to make our way to the Royal Victoria Hotel which is situated right next to the river in Pisa but the regular buses took a very round about route to get there so we took a taxi which cost us 8 Euros.
The weather in Pisa was substantially warmer than London, on our arrival it was 14 degrees. We checked into our hotel and dropped off our bags then popped out to grab a bite to eat at a local kebab shop. The food was surprisingly good.
Phil and I each had our own en-suite room at the hotel. The rooms were beautiful! With substantial storage space and fascinating old fashioned Tuscan décor and some amazing views of the river. It was a superb choice of accommodation.
