After weeks of cruising through Italy, we thought it time for an update on our favourite region (sorry for the delay!)
Tuscany Tales: Pisa, Florence, Cinque Terre & a Lucca Surprise
After weeks of moving around at camper-speed, Tuscany was where we finally slowed down a little. The van and I parked up in Pisa for most of the time (a safe campervan spot with space to breathe), and from there we took our time dipping into the region’s highlights. Between reunions, city heat, and some serious gelato research, this leg of the trip was equal parts chaotic and charming.
Pisa – Reunions & Relaxing
Our Tuscan base was Pisa, where I met up with my auntie for some much-needed family time. While she explored the Leaning Tower and other famous sights, Bonnie and I held down the fort - enjoying shady walks, café breaks, and the slow rhythm of van life. Sometimes travel isn’t about ticking every sight; it’s about slowing down, sharing stories, and finding the best shady bench.
Florence – Art, Arches & a Lot of Ice Cream
Florence swept us up with its grandeur—cathedrals soaring into the sky, statues around every corner, and streets buzzing with energy. Yes, it was hot (the kind of hot that makes you hunt for the nearest gelato shop on repeat- highly recommend the chocolate, melon, and lemon), but it was worth it just to soak in the atmosphere. The city feels like a living museum, and every time we turned a corner there was something beautiful to admire.
Travelling with Bonnie made things a bit more of a juggle - the police gently reminded me to keep her out of the sun - but it also slowed me down enough to notice the smaller details: shady courtyards, quiet side streets, and the joy of people-watching with a cold drink in hand. Florence is big and bold, and despite the heat, it definitely left its mark.
Cinque Terre – Cliffs, Colours & Coastal Magic
Cinque Terre was busy, yes, but also breathtaking. The pastel villages clinging to cliffs above the sparkling Ligurian Sea were even more beautiful in real life than in the photos. We hopped between a couple of the towns, wandered narrow lanes, and admired views that looked like they belonged on a postcard.
The highlight came in Manarola, where we slipped into the turquoise water for a swim right by the harbour. Floating in the sea with colourful houses stacked above and cliffs all around was pure magic - one of those travel moments you know you’ll remember forever. Bonnie supervised from the shore, keeping a very serious eye on me as if I’d lost my mind for voluntarily jumping into water.
Crowds aside, there were plenty of quiet corners to find if you looked for them. It was the kind of place that makes you stop, sigh happily, and remember how lucky you are to be there.
Lucca – The Hidden Gem
Our Tuscan tour ended with a surprise: Lucca. I hadn’t expected much, but it ended up being a highlight. We stayed right on the city walls, which double as a huge pedestrian and cycle path circling the town. Naturally, I rented a bike, popped Bonnie in a little basket set-up, and we rode the circuit with the biggest grins on our faces. Lucca felt relaxed, charming, and somehow less chaotic than the rest - like Tuscany’s best-kept secret.
🌻 Travel Tips for Tuscany with a Camper & a Dog
Base yourself somewhere safe: Pisa worked perfectly as a hub. Campervan spots in cities can be limited, so find one central spot and use public transport or day trips instead.
Beat the heat: Florence and Cinque Terre are stunning but hot in summer. Plan your sightseeing for mornings or evenings, and always carry water and shade for pups.
Cinque Terre hack: Trains between the villages are quick and easy, and if you can, pack your swimsuit - Manarola is perfect for a refreshing dip.
Don’t skip Lucca: The city walls alone are worth it - flat, shady, and perfect for cycling with a dog.
Food tip: Gelato is essential research. The smaller, family-run places often scoop the most memorable flavours.
Final Thoughts: Tuscany, in Slow Motion
This stretch of the trip wasn’t about racing from landmark to landmark-it was about balancing family time, dog-friendly exploring, and coping with a summer heatwave in true Tuscan style (aka lots of shade and even more gelato). Florence dazzled, Cinque Terre sparkled, Pisa grounded us, and Lucca quietly stole the show.
Bonnie agrees. Especially about the gelato.