AIRPORT WATCH

Irish Times journalist Deirdre McQuillan shares tips on travelling on from Galileo Galilei International Airport in Pisa

"Ryanair travellers to Pisa from Dublin and intending to head to Florence or other Italian destinations take note: it is worth opting to overnight in Pisa because the flight arrives at nearly midnight.

The airport, however, is very close to the city and is serviced by a short train connection to the central station in Pisa (or alternatively, a €13 taxi ride).

"The NH Spanish hotel chain has just opened their latest addition, called Jolly Cavalieri, in a modern building across the road from the central train station.

"I've stayed in an NH in Madrid and found it well designed, modern and efficient. Although bedrooms are small, bathrooms are spacious, with excellent toiletries.

"According to the website of NH (00-39-050-43290, www.nh-hotels.it) rooms in Pisa start from €80 and average €l82. But when I visited the 100-room hotel in early July, it was fully booked and quoting €160 for a double and €107 for a single including breakfast.

"It was only a little more expensive than the Hotel Alessandro Della Spina (www.hoteldellaspina.it), where I stayed. Despite getting number-one status on Trip Advisor, I found it rather soulless, with a very disappointing breakfast.

"Another tip for those travelling by train from Pisa to Florence: in both cities, the stations are packed, with long queues for tickets. Save yourself this by buying tickets from machines, but be sure to have the correct amount. The machines don't issue change, just credit slips, which must be honoured in the station in which they are bought."

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times