Cinque Terre > Pisa > Lucca > Florence (in a day). Are we crazy to try?

If you get an early start, you should be able to get to Pisa in time to visit the Field of Miracles/Tower (though not much else) and do a few hours in Lucca before ending in Florence.

Three years ago, we took the early train from Florence to Pisa, visited, climbed the tower, took the after lunch train back to Florence and then the 2:15pm high speed train to Naples and then on to Sorrento! It wasn't that bad. We got to visit the Duomo, Baptistry, climb the tower and walk around the area. We didn't have any time for the town though.

sarah,

That trip is feasible but it's going to be a long day, especially as you'll be hauling luggage. A few thoughts.....

• The trip from Vernazza to Pisa Centrale will be 1.5 - 2 hours, with one change (depending on which trains you use).
• If you're planning to store your luggage in Pisa, you'll have to allow time for that, as well as Bus or Taxi to the Tower (and back). Allow some time to retrieve your luggage as well. The Pisa San Rossore station is closer to the tower, but has fewer train connections and no luggage storage.
• If you're planning to climb the Tower, I believe reservations are required.
• the trip from Pisa Centrale to Lucca will be about 30 minutes. AFAIK, there is no luggage storage in Lucca, so you'll have to haul your gear with you (which may be a bit of a nuisance).
• the trip from Lucca to Firenze SM Novella will be about 1H:20M to almost 2H, depending on train. There are some direct trains on that route and some with one change. Check the Trenitalia website for details.

Regarding purchase of tickets, the majority of trains on those routes will be Regionale trains, and it's best to purchase tickets for those when in Italy, either at a Kiosk or staffed ticket office (such as the one in Vernazza). There are no price breaks for advance purchase and pre-purchased tickets come with restrictions. However, one important point to note. You MUST validate locally purchased tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!

How long will you be in Firenze? It may be easier to take the train to Firenze and then see Pisa/Lucca as a daytrip, u encumbered by luggage.

Your plan is not crazy enough. But I'm crazier than you and I'm from Tuscany, so here is your truly crazy plan.

Depart the Cinque Terre (you don't say which village) as early as you can, take a train to Aulla (in the Lunigiana area) near La Spezia..
Use the Trenitalia website below for train timetable. You will have to change trains at La Spezia Centrale.
http://www.trenitalia.com/

Once in Aulla you will take the famous scenic train to Lucca through the Garfagnana valley (it's a historic scenic rail line). Note that the steam trains are used only on special occasions. Generally regular commuter trains are used. This year the line started to be served by the modern Swing commuter train.
The Aulla-Lucca timetable is below:
http://www.ferrovia-lucca-aulla.com/orari.html

After the amazingly beautiful train ride, alight the train at Lucca. There is no luggage storage inside the station, but the tourist center in the Station piazza does offer that baggage storage service (details below, under "services").
http://www.touristcenterlucca.com/index.php?lang=en#

Once you are done with Lucca, take the train to Pisa. Use the trenitalia website a eve for timetables. Pisa Centrale has a luggage storage. If you get off the train earlier at the Pisa San Rossore station, you are walking distance from the tower, but there is no storage for your luggage. The website for the luggage store at Pisa Centrale is below. They close at 21:00 hours, so make sure you retrieve your luggage before. There are trains to Florence until well past 10pm. One hour later you are in Florence.
http://www.depositobagaglipisa.it/

Roberto,

That's fantastic information on the Aulla - Lucca train! The scenery looks incredible (perhaps a bit like the Cento Valli Railway). That's one scenic route I wasn't aware of but will definitely put it on my list for a future trip.

If you stay in Florence, you can do day trips easily. Pisa is definitely worth it to me but I wouldn't want to be carrying any bags.

For what it is worth everything i read says Pisa is a waste of time. Not much there except a photo opp with a lopsided tower. I would spend my time elsewhere and not kill myself trying to get to it.

Pisa is probably best appreciated with time to escape Tourist Central at Campo dei Miracoli . While that infamous tower may be the big draw, the Baptistry and Duomo have been more captivating to others as well as the Camposanto, some old and interesting churches most tourists don't make time for, the National Museum of San Matteo, etc. It's a very old city with interesting history and architecture. I don't know as I'd go just for the Tower but I wouldn't call it a write-off either.

You know it will be whirlwind... you know it's a little crazy... but, you still want to do it! Or you wouldn't have asked. You will probably be exhausted and want to stay in a few places longer... but that's travel! It would be something I would do. It's tough to be close to all these wonderful places and not spend a crazy day or two seeing everything you can. Have fun!

You have lots of good advice. I'd do it! I do not think Pisa is a waste of time. I enjoyed seeing/climbing the tower but I really thought the baptistery was wonderful. We did Pisa and Lucca last year as a day trip from Florence.

I had actually by passed Pisa on many trips, till I took my 9 year old grandson... that was one of his requests (obviously because it is so well known) We really enjoyed doing the silly photo of him holding it up and one of my best memories is him sitting and sketching the tower in his journal. Others would look over his shoulder and admire his art. Later that week he made a painting of it:) That experience at Pisa was priceless...

I, for one, do NOT think that Pisa and the stripey buildings are a waste of time. I found the entire area, once I put all the amateur photographers out of my mind, and that is easy to do, beautiful.

I really like Roberto's plan and now have yet another reason to return to Lucca and take the train to the coast which bypasses Pisa. I hadn't heard of that one and have added it to the list....

Thanks, Roberto

Roberto,

We leave for Vernazza tomorrow and I think we may try your crazy plan on our way to Florence but skipping Pisa. I'd like to take the train from Vernazza > Aulla > Lucca > Florence. I have two questions for you:

1. How much time will we need in Lucca to enjoy a bike ride around the wall?

2. I am looking at tickets on http://www.trenitalia.com/ and it is not giving me an option for the Lucca > Florence route. Am I missing something?

Grazie!
Sarah

I am old and not really a biker but I did the wall in about 30-35 minutes. Last year I walked it early in the AM stopping along the way and it took me about 50 minutes. I think it is about 4km for the circuit so a bit less than 2.5 miles. (Sorry, metrically illiterate)