The 14th Century Romanesque Leaning Tower is, of course, Pisa's main attraction (it has 294 stairs). Unfortunately, tourists are no longer allowed to climb the tower, which, in our opinion, was half the fun. (Walking around the sloping top of the tower was not for the vertigo inclined.) A fortification project has succeeded in halting the increase in inclination, but it is uncertain when the tower will re-open. While in Pisa (pop. 104,000), also visit the Romanesque cathedral, the Camposanto Cemetery and the Campo dei Miracoli (a large, grassy square next to the tower). Should time permit, stop at the 16th Century church and Palazzo dei Cavalieri, the piazza and the National Museum of San Matteo (excellent collection of 12th through 15th Century art). We also suggest taking a taxi to the Church of San Michele degli Scalzi to see the other leaning tower of Pisa; completed in the 13th century, this seldom-visited tower is worth a look, even though it's not as impressive as the famous one. Pisa is also fun just to walk around. The city is very compact, with many narrow streets and a great ambiance; we suggest seeing it on a day trip from Florence, perhaps in combination with Lucca, just 13 mi/21 km northeast. Another possible stop is Pistoia, which has a cathedral and baptistery in the Pisan-Romanesque style and the Ceppo Hospital (L'Ospedale de Ceppo), which has a brightly painted terra-cotta frieze. If you want to see it all in one day, get up very earl. 40 mi/64 km west of Florence.

Camelot International have a number of high quality hotels and apartments that you may wish to view. All the properties are available for you to book through the internet at very compettitive prices and all bookings over three nights will receive a free copy of the "Cities of Europe" CD.