Train Pisa → Genoa

Fix your slanted view of Pisa You've seen the pictures of tourists, who come to Pisa to have their arms "push" the Leaning Tower back into place. Once photo is taken, some climb the 294-step spiral staircase to the belfry. And then, that's it. The hoards leave having seen something from their "bucket list," and head back on the train to the rest of the Tuscany region. It's probably because it's so easy to get here. Just over an hour away from Florence, you hop out of the train station and you can be in the center of Pisa within minutes. But don't just run to the tower. There's plenty more here that will ring your bell. The city has nearly 90,000 residents – so there's "life" to Pisa, especially because of its great university and one of Italy's top schools. Since 1343, the curriculum has focused on "big" ideas: science, engineering, aerospace. Seeing that the city is also birthplace to the great astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilei, this makes complete sense – even if his madcap idea about the Earth revolving around the sun did not Miracles do happen, and the world came around to the scholar's scientific discoveries (although a little late for Galileo). You too can be surrounded by a miracle – at the Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Piazza del Duomo. This is actually the compound next to the tippy tower and includes the Cathedral, Baptistry and the Camposanto Monumentale (monumental cemetary.) The entire square is a UNESCO heritage site, and is considered a main center for medieval art in the world. Learn more about Pisa

Dreams of pesto and possibility Genoa, the capital of the Liguria region, is where you'll find the real Italy. Where nonna talks with her hands and laundry is still hung out to dry on Juliet-style balconies. Playing second or even third fiddle to the boot's bigger gems of Venice, Florence and Rome, Genoa's charms lie in the elegantly dilapidated narrow lanes where the everyday mundane takes place. Genoa is home to two main train stations with connections to cities near and far. Milan can be reached in just about 90 minutes; Turinin less than two hours. Rome is approximately five hours away. The city is incredibly accessible, and yet, many don't stop and see what's being missed. Travel with ease using a Eurail Italy Pass. The Genovese are a proud people – and for good reason. The city's glory days long behind, they can still cling to once being the most important maritime center during the Roman Empire. Within the old medieval walls, much hasn't changed since Genovese ships launched raids on the Venetians. Today, the port is lined with shops, cafes and boulevards along the water where you can daydream of exploration. Probably like Christopher Columbus did when he was growing up here in Genoa. The town is permeated with the explorer's memory. You can even visit his supposed childhood home, a small ivy-clad house, just outside the Porta Soprana. Genoa isn't without its architectural gems. There are plenty of palazzos on parade in between the alleyways. On Via Garibaldi, Genoa's most beautiful street, the 16th century Palazzo Bianco houses an outstanding collection of Genoese art. At the Palazzo Rosso, Carravaggio's Ecce Homo (Man of Sorrows) can be viewed. The Palazzo Ducale, where the Dukes of Genoa used to live, also contains important masterpieces. The Palazzo Reale was used by the kings of Savoy and has an ornate 17th century interior. With its prominent seaside location, it makes sense that you'd find Europe's biggest aquarium. Over a million landlubbers visit this water wonderland each year. Next door is the Porto Antico, an entertainment area with museums, movie theaters, cafés and also a beautiful promenade along the sea. It's a beautiful spot to stop for a bite and taste Liguria's most mouth-watering import – pesto. Crafted of olive oil, garlic, pine nuts and basil, top off a pile of penne with this delicious sauce. Another must try is a basket of focaccia bread, which also originated here. Topped with olive oil, salt and a little bit of white wine, this is a simple, delectable treat. Just like the rest of Genoa. Paolo Coelho wrote, "Among the marvels of Italy, it will take some digging to find the beauties of Genoa, but it is worth visiting." This is the simple wonder of traveling; walking through a maze of streets, discovering its true taste. Genoa can be a little salty around the edges, but with time, you'll find the sweetness within. Learn more about Genoa