Best route from Florence to SML & from SML to Rome?

We recently travelled from Florence to SML and went via Pisa. We wanted to see the Leaning Tower. We had one train to Pisa, and had seperate tickets for another train that was going directly from Pisa to Genoa. On your ticket you will see your train number. Using this number, you can check on the departure board (a yellow-ish sheet behind glass) telling you of every stop your train will make and from what track your train usually departs from. The overhead TV screens near the tracks where you can sit and wait will have exactly what track your train # will be coming in on. The train we chose stopped at the station in SML. Just check on the Trenitalia site for solutions from Florence to SML and choose the one that suits you best, if it's by the amount of travel time to get there or by the number of stops. The stops in these Ligurian towns are only for a couple of minutes, so you must know where you are and when your stop is coming up. We knew SML was the stop after Rapallo so we got up and had our bags by the doors when the train had pulled into Rapallo.
On a different trip to Italy, we went from Florence to Riamaggiore and had to switch trains in Viareggio and in La Spezia. We were going through Lucca and stopped there for the afternoon. The same would apply for your trip from SML to Rome. Put in your time of travel (eg. 0800) and it will give several trains. Choose one and go down to hit "details by ion" and it will give you train numbers, where they stop and you switch trains and how long your stop is in your transfer station. It looks like it's a 4.5-5.25 hour trip, depending on which train you choose. I hope this helps and may you have a wonderful trip!

Yes - that info is very helpful! We do have a Eurail pass - would that make any difference as to how we should plan things? How much time did you allow to see the tower in Pisa? And were you able to store your suitcase while you were in Pisa for a bit?

I'm not sue about the Eurorail part, maybe others could answer that. We bought our tickets point-to-point. I think we allowed 5 or 6 hours in Pisa, because we didn't want to be rushed. The best train to SML left at 1745 and we knew we wanted to stroll leisurely from the station to the tower and back, following RS's route in his guide book. I'm sure you could do everything in a 3-4 hour stopover, but we wanted to take our time. We also really enjoyed the Baptistry, hearing the guard's singing echo throughout was very memorable. We had booked our slot to climb the tower many weeks in advance so focused our stop around that time restraint. We did store our bags at the train station. I think it was 3 Euros per bag. The attendant takes a photocopy of your passport as proof of your ID when you return. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes or so when picking up in case of a lineup. When you face the station as you are standing at the tracks, walk to the right along track #1 past the police office and signs will direct you to turn the corner to the left to find the "left luggage" office. The sight of the tower when you round the corner and first see it will be one that you will never forget!

Thanks, James! We really hadn't thought of stopping at Pisa, but now are thinking that would be a great idea. Your directions will be very helpful (I need my visuals to help get my bearings). Also, thanks for the tips in navigating the Trenitalia site - very helpful! How was the walk up the tower?

Anne, There are numerous departures each day on that route, so it won't be difficult to get from Florence to S. Margherita Ligure. I briefly checked the Trenitalia website, and the train I'd use departs Firenze SMN at 10:28, arriving Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino at 13:37 (time 3H:09M, one change in Pisa Centrale). One of the trains is an Intercity, so reservations will probably be compulsory (included with the ticket). The trip from S. Margherita to Rome is also an easy one. The method I'd probably use would be a departure at 10:53, arriving La Spezia at 12:29. From there use the direct train to Rome departing at 13:07, arriving Roma Termini at 16:28. You can buy tickets either at the staffed ticket windows or automated Kiosks at Firenze SMN. If any of the tickets are for travel on Regionale trains, DON'T forget to validate! Happy travels!