Pinocchio

Pinocchio was written by Italian writer Carlo Lorenzini who is from Florence.  There were entire stores who sold nothing but hand carved Pinocchio's and lots of Pinocchio souvenirs for sale throughout the city.

Camposanto Monumentale

Pisa's Field of Miracles also contains an monumental cemetery.

Pisa and The Field of Miracles

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Cathedral and Leaning Tower

The Baptistry and the Cathedral

San Gimignano: A Fortified City

Tuscan Countryside

Hotel Santa Maria Novella

While we were in Italy, we stayed at the Hotel Santa Maria Novella.  It was very nice - thank you business travel!  It also gets great reviews on Trip Advisor.

The hotel is centrally located - just blocks from the Duomo and and train station.  Everything seemed just a 10 minute walk away at most.  The staff was extremely nice and were genuinely happy to hear of our daily activities and that we were enjoying our trip.

The hotel is located on the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella where the Church of Santa Maria Novella is located.

Simple but elegant rooms.

Beautiful marble bathroom.  Erica liked the always heated towel rack the best.

And of course, there was a bidet.

Dining on the Piazza San Lorenzo

View of the Duomo from the Campanile

Climbed 441 steps to the top of the Campanile this morning. 360 degree views, including a close up of the Duomo next door.