Uncovering the Hidden Gems: A Day Trip to the Pisa Canda Festival

Pisa is more than just its iconic Leaning Tower. Each year, it comes alive during the Pisa Canda Festival, a celebration that merges history, art, and local culture into a vibrant experience. This festival not only highlights the talents of local artisans but also offers visitors an exciting way to discover the city's hidden treasures. Get ready for a day of artistic discovery, musical performances, and delicious food.

The Heart of the Pisa Canda Festival

The Pisa Canda Festival showcases the artistic spirit of the city. Typically held in late spring, the event transforms Pisa's streets into lively stages where local musicians and artists share their talents. In 2022, over 100 local artists participated, with around 10,000 attendees enjoying the performances. Visitors can expect everything from folk music to contemporary dance, giving a flavor of Italy's diverse cultural scene.

The festival is adorned with colorful decorations, and the enticing aromas of local dishes waft through the air. This is a chance to interact with the local community and gain insights into their traditions, making it a truly immersive experience.

Festival-goers enjoying live street performances at Pisa Canda Festival.

Planning Your Day Trip

To make the most of your visit to the Pisa Canda Festival, an organized itinerary is essential. Start your day early to take advantage of everything the festival offers.

Morning: Arrival and Exploring Pisa

When you arrive in Pisa, take time to admire the city's historical architecture, especially the iconic Leaning Tower. The best time to visit is early morning, when the Piazza dei Miracoli is quieter, allowing for stunning photos without throngs of tourists.

Meander through Pisa's charming streets, filled with shops and cafes. Stop by a local café for a morning espresso paired with a brioche, a light, sweet pastry that will energize you for the day's adventure.

Afternoon: Festival Highlights

As the festival picks up momentum, immerse yourself in the local art and performances. One must-see aspect is the street performances. For instance, you might catch a group of musicians playing traditional Tuscan songs or dancers performing intricate folk routines. These acts capture the essence of the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

Keep an eye on the festival schedule; many performances are lined up throughout the day. Among them, colorful parades featuring traditional costumes can be a visual feast, showcasing the history and spirit of the local community. In 2022, for example, more than 15 different parades entertained spectators, each themed to honor specific regional traditions.

Artist passionately painting during the Pisa Canda Festival.

Culinary Delights

Don't forget to indulge in the festival's incredible food offerings. The Pisa Canda Festival typically features a bustling food market, where you can savor various Tuscan specialties. One local dish to try is Pici, a handmade pasta that pairs wonderfully with a glass of Chianti, a popular local wine. According to food critics, sampling local dishes during cultural festivals can enhance your overall experience by 30 percent, making it more memorable and enjoyable.

Also, street food vendors offer delicious bites, such as porchetta (slow-roasted pork) and sweet cantucci (almond cookies), perfect for snacking as you wander.

Evening: Reflection and Relaxation

As the day winds down and the sun sets, the festival transforms into a magical nighttime spectacle. The atmosphere shifts with colorful lights illuminating the streets. This is the ideal moment to find a cozy spot to settle and enjoy live music performances. The city takes on a different charm at night, making it a perfect time for reflection.

Spend your evening mixing with locals and fellow festival-goers. Engagement with street musicians can provide insights into the regional music culture, and you may even get the chance to join in on some local dances, embodying the spirit of the festival.

Illuminated city skyline of Pisa during evening festival celebrations.

Your Enriching Day at the Festival

A day at the Pisa Canda Festival presents an opportunity to explore art, culture, and food like never before. Whether you enjoy the performances, appreciate local art, or savor culinary delights, there is something for everyone.

Planning ahead is crucial to ensure you fully embrace what the festival has to offer. Meanwhile, don’t forget to leave time for wandering through Pisa's charming streets to discover its hidden gems. You will leave with unforgettable memories of a city that thrives on creativity and community spirit. Prepare to share your delightful experiences with all who will listen!

Milan: Fashion Capital of Italy

Milan has always been seen as one of the must visit cities in Europe. In addition to being the Fashion capital of Italy, Milan is renowned as a city full of color, history and culture.

High Tech Information Counter

I was impressed by how colorful and futuristic the airport is as we landed in Milan International Airport. Instead of humans on standby at the counter, a webcam enabled video conferencing device was put in place instead. (June 2015)

Funky Bus Ticket Counter

Boring is never the middle name for the city of Milan. Her colorful nature is reflected clearly even in the airport. Instead of the conventional plain old ticket counter, the bus ticket counter is made in the shape of a bus.

Bus from the Airport to the City

For a simple fare of 5 Euro, enjoy a hassle free ride from the airport to Milan City Center. Not only are the buses comfortable and clean, the frequency of the buses is very decent as well.

Traditional Versus Modern Transport

While retaining the traditional tram as part of her unique heritage, modern looking cars like this fully electric single seat automobile is a common sight as well.

Famous Architectures in Milan

Duomo di Milano

Renowned as the biggest church in Italy, Duomo di Milano was the site whereby Napoleon was crowned King of Italy in the 17th century.

Arch of Peace Arco della Pace

Arc de Triomphe was initially built with the intention for Napoleon to pass through it when he came from Paris to Milan over the Simplon Pass. However, Napoleon fell before the completion of the Arc. The arc was abandoned and was later completed in 1838 and renamed as Arch of Peace Arco della Pace to commemorate European peace of 1815.

Art Display Everywhere

Vegetable Carving

Oil Painting

Giant Bubble Play

Giant Sewing Machine

Harp Playing

Dinning in a Traditional Italian Restaurant

We have always made it a point to hunt for local delights, local style. Here are some guide finding a local dining.

1) You will not be able to read the menu (not in english)

2) You will only see locals in the dining

3) everyone will stare at you wondering why you are in the dining

4) Authentic local delights selling at 3/4 or even half the pricing in commercialized restaurant

Origin of Gelato

Many have flown to Italy without knowing that Gelato originates in Italy. Sicily is known to a lot as the birthplace of gelato because during the Middle Ages. The habit of mixing fruit juices and ice were brought to Italy by the Moors resulted in making Italian Sorbetto. Other than the rich milk and fresh fruits, the smoothness of the Gelato in Italy are to die for.

Rather than flying from city to city, a train ride is always recommended. In addition to taking your from city center to city center, the hassle of travelling from the city to the airport and 2 hour pre-flight check-in is eliminated as well. However, one major consideration to keep in mind when planning your itinerary is that Italy is famous for delays in their public transportation. Always give yourself plenty of buffer time in between train rides or risk missing your connecting train.

Verona, home of Romeo & Juliet

Verona is a city in northern Italy’s Veneto region, with a medieval old town built between the meandering Adige River. It’s renowned for the artistic heritage and several annual fairs, shows, and operas. The city is also famous for the famous theatre, the "Arena" and the play"Romeo and Juliet."

Inter-City Train Station

Oldish balcony for enjoying breakfast and tea break in accommodation

The Arena

The Arena is an ancient Roman Amphitheater built in AD30 and is used for large scale opera and performances. The Arena will be used as the closing ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare's famous play Romeo and Juliet is set in the city of Verona. A museum was even built on-site for tourist to understand as well as experience the setting of the play.

The balcony which Juliet stood on was replicated on the facade of the museum building

Juliet's bed

Streets of Verona

A walk through the streets of Verona is like walking back in time to ancient Roman town during the 1st BC.

Arena staffs in Roman soldier costume

Horse Meat Noodle

Renting an economy car for a road trip is ideal with the small roads in Verona

Beautiful Scenery on the drive to Lake Garda

Turquoise blue lake

Dragon structure in one of the lake towns

Final town along Lake Garda, Town Torbole