On our way to Florence, Italy, we flew into the airport at Pisa and then took a bus into the city of Florence.

Both years we flew into Pisa, Italy and then transferred by bus to Florence.  Pisa is located about one hour west of Florence.  On the 2004 trip we got to stop off at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! 

Although it was only a quick stop en route to Florence, seeing the leaning tower was truly amazing.  The tower was built on a sandy soil base and it started to lean nearly immediately after construction began.  In 1995 the tower was 17.6 inches past vertical!!  It has undergone some straightening over the years and it is now open for visitors to climb to the top. It still leans drastically and it's an amazing sight!

The Leaning Tower may be the most recognizable building in the area called the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) but there is also a gorgeous Duomo as well as a Baptistry.  The scene of all these buildings in this fairly small area is breathtaking.