Going to Florence with my family in early Oct...anyone have any reconnendations on the following:

* restuarants
* hiking (5 mile loop would be great)
* day/overnight trips
* accessibility of the leaning tower in Pisa
* "don't misses"

Thanks in advance.

Hotels/Restaurants you find here:

http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/gbr/dyn/controller/HomePage

Florence is very "touristy", however, you have to see it. Next time I might stay in Fiesole a nice village near (on top) of Florence. In Florence I was living in Hotel Royal or so; old villa centrally located and I could park my car. Not expensive, nothing special, but O.K.

I have seen this tower in Pisa - not sure if it's worth the trip.
I can recommend a trip to the tuscany country side (San Giminiano or any other - the scenery is just beautiful!) and to Siena.

We just came back for Italy and recommended side trip would probably include Pisa and Sienna.

It is a 1 hour train ride from Florence to Pisa one-way, you only need to budget approx 3-4 hrs for this itinerary. It's something to do when it gets too hot in Florence.

Sienna is approx 1 1/2 by bus or train.

Do make an effort to go to Piazza Michaelangelo for a gorgeous view of Florence. Access by bus.