A big THANKYOU to all those who responded to my first message.
We were wondering if staying in Lucca, Siena or even Florence would be the best scenario for our trip in January. Also, if we might be OK catching public transportation to the Pisa airport and being there by 4.30 am. Thanks again everyone.

If you search on these cities names, you will find multiple postings about them. All have pros and cons. Personally, I love Lucca - it is a small and exceptionally pleasant town.It also has the advantage of being only 20 minutes from Pisa by train.

Siena is also lovely, although larger and with many tourists at times. It is a good base to explore Southern Tuscany (San Gimignano, Montalcino, Montepulciano etc) - but is a long way from Pisa by public transport (Train to Empoli, change for Pisa - about 2h30).

Florence is big, crowded, confusing but also magnificent - an hour to Pisa by bus or train.

I think you may have real difficulty getting to the Airport by 4:30 if you are reliant on public transport.

Tim

Lou Anne, refresh my memory? How many nights do you have? And you're not renting a car, correct?

Hi Kim and thanks for your help.
We arrive the evening of January 9th and depart the Pisa airport at 7am on the 13th.
Thanks also to all who have responded.
Lou Anne.

And oh, no car!!

I think I'd stay with Pisa or Lucca, easy train trips from each to the other, and easy trip to Florence, Pistoia, Montecatini if you like. The reason I'd stay is you really only have three days. And on the night of the 12th, you'll probably want to stay in Pisa anyway since you need to be at the airport so early.

I'd check out Gloria's notes on Pisa. Then if you want you can always visit Lucca one day from there, and Florence another. At least this way you minimize your actually packing/unpacking and/or moving around.

Hi,
please, remember that the airport opens at 5. Before then it is closed, so there is no point in being there before that time.

Thank you, thank you and thank you everyone.