I took the train from France to Italy to spend Christmas in Pisa end of last year, sitting some cats, walking the medieval streets, drinking aperol. Pisa, as a place, never really existed in my mind, although always existed in my mind. And, when I was there, you hardly saw a tourist in the centre, although they were there in hoards, getting their cute snaps at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The town was small, charming, walkable and, ah, so much delicious affordable Italian cuisine. & a great base for exploring Tuscany or taking the train to Florence (more videos to come on this).