Clara in Germany!

Just a 30 minute train ride from Florence, Pisa is perfect for a weekend day-trip.  While this Tuscan city is famous for its uncanny leaning bell-tower, I will remember it for its funky university neighborhood, open-air bookstore, and truffle cream. Fennel-specked salami with black truffle cream. 4 euros at I Porci Comodi, located on Via l'Arancio, close to the University of Pisa and extremely family and young people friendly.  laFeltrinelli Librerie, an open air bookstore in the center of Pisa complete with a roof woven with branches and fresh blooming Iris.  Two college girls at Piazza dei Cavalieri Vibrant Pisa People Leaning Tower

The medieval Tuscan hill town of Siena is just an hour by train from Florence. Despite its small size, it is home to a bustling university and is one of Italy’s most visited cities.  You don’t really need a map in Siena, as most of the streets slant downward, acting as a natural people-funnel to the main Piazza del Campo.  The outskirts of the city are equally impressive, as the elevated position of Siena grants you a sprawling view of idyllic vineyards and countryside.  I only spent a few hours in the city, had lunch at the first place where I couldn’t hear any English, and headed back to Florence feeling completely satisfied. Slanted Streets Duomo of Siena. Duomo just means the biggest church in any given city Down down down Orange Paint Vineyards and playgrounds Piazza del Campo