We loved the Field of Miracles. It was an outdoor break from crowded museums and Italian streets. Like you I felt that this might be my only chance to see the Leaning Tower.

The vendors are off to the side of the area. No one bothered us around the structures.

Most people do the Ninja strike and move on. We reserved the tower climb ahead of time and everyone is impressed that we 59 yr olds made the climb (it wasn't that hard).

We took a 1 hr train from Florence to Pisa, hit the tower and Doumo then caught a train to Siena about 1 hr and 45 min. Returning to Florence the same day by bus.

SaturdayGirl if you are planning to drive a hire car in Pisa then see my post Driving in Pisa - Traffic offense. We did just what you plan to do and as you will see from my post it could end up costing you a large fine. So do take care. I will have to pay the fine but I will do what I can to make sure they dont catch out others. Also see blogfromitaly.wordpress.com about 'speeding fines in Italy' especially Pisa. It is quite a serious problem.

Hi Saturdaygirl, The main Piazza (where the leaning tower is) is a marvel of architecture. To be blunt - if you are interested in "ninja strikes" perhaps you should stick to Detroit!!. Italy is the land of relaxation and you can get 'photos' off the internet. If you do not take time to relax then Italy will not have much meaning for you. If you are just pressed for time there is a great cafe on the edge of the piazza where you can sit with a beverage and enjoy the view (and take photos!!). Ciao

I say it is worth it to drive in and "Ninja Strike" the field of miracles. Plan a small town lunch stop on the way, spend an hour or so at the field and boogie out. It is crowded, but memorable.

Drake

Whoever told you that about Pisa obviously did not take the time to look around and appreciate the city. Pisa is charming. Many people just visit the Campo and nothing else and get no idea what Pisa is really like. It is a real lived in tuscan city with a friendly attractive population, and a warm atmosphere. But I don't care, myself, whether other people go there or not. The less visitors, the more pleasure and peace there is for those that do spend time there.

We had a late flight out of Pisa and so spent the day there after parking at the airport. This might be a idea for you to avoid problems of driving in Pisa. the airport carpark was really cheap (5 euros for 5 hours) and is straight off the dual carriageway from Florence. the buses run very reguarly from the airport to the Field of Miracles (about 10-15 mins) and it is definatly worth a visit. All of the buildings are spectacular. It was a beautiful day when we went and I wished I had taken a picnic as the atmoshere - particulalry at the baptistry end - was so lovely and relaxed ans the view amazing.

irishrover is right. Pisa is a lovely town. I got lost walking to the train station and got the chance to have a stroll around the place.

I did Pisa with Luca on the same day. Only a 0.5-1.0 hr bus ride between the two. Luca is sooooo pretty. It's everything I imagine a medieval Tuscan town should be. (Being from Australia we don't have places like this!)

This might be a silly question, but I have never heard of the Field of Miracles. What is it?

Hi LauraTexan

The field of miracles or Campo dei Miracoli is the Piazza where the Leaning Tower,the Duomo,the Camposanto & The Baptistery are located.

Thank you KCH for seconding my view of Pisa.

LauraTexan. The Field of Miracles, the Campo di Miracoli, is the area where the Duomo, Baptistery and Campanile (Leaning Tower) is located. It is so special because it is in a huge open area so there are no other buildings obstructing the view of their beauty.

It is a little tainted by the stalls selling all sorts of tat on the southern side, but if you stand with your back to them, or visit in the evening when they are closed up, you can still appreciate the splendour of the Campo