The Pisa Experience
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Port
Portovenere, Italy
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$120
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Journey to Pisa, site of the famous Leaning Tower. This historic university town on the Arno River was an important naval base in Roman times and, by the 11th century, Pisa rivaled Genoa, Amalfi and Venice as a maritime superpower. Pisa's trade with Africa brought Arabian scientific and artistic influences to Italy, seen in the town's architecture.
Leaving the coach in Pisa, you will walk for 15 to 20 minutes to Piazza dei Miracoli -- the Field of Miracles. Step inside the 900-year-old marble cathedral, featuring its distinctive striped black-and-white Romanesque architecture — a possible Muslim influence. Within the cathedral are ancient columns on both sides of the nave, as well as a gilded Renaissance coffered ceiling. The pulpit was designed by Pisano and is decorated with scenes from the New Testament. The beautiful bronze lamp is said to have inspired Galileo's idea of the pendulum as it swung back and forth.
The marble-clad circular baptistery is also notable for its unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The baptismal font here is large enough for full immersion.
Next, you will view from the outside the unmistakable Leaning Tower — the bell tower of the nearby cathedral. The marshy ground beneath the foundation could not support the weight of the tower, which began tilting as builders reached the fourth floor. Despite numerous and sometimes bizarre schemes, the tower continued to lean a little more each year and was recently found to be some 16 feet out of plumb. Current corrective efforts are extensive, and the results become apparent during your visit. Galileo used the tower for his famous gravity experiments.
Enjoy some free time before walking back to the parking area and driving back to Portovenere.
Please note: This excursion does not enter the Leaning Tower. Traffic regulations may not permit your coach to enter central Portovenere; a free city bus shuttle service will transport you from the coach parking area to the town center. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. Headsets missing after the tour incur a fee. Wear comfortable walking shoes.