We're spending 3 nights in CT, and wondering if a day trip to Pisa/Lucca would be worthwhile from there, rather than using one of our 3 "Florence days" to travel there. I can't find train travel times from LaSpezia to Pisa, I imagine its around an hour by train? Any tips or thoughts?
Posted by
Hendersonville, NC
247 posts
It's about 1.5 hrs from La Spazia to Pisa. Not bad, you also might think about the towns of Levanto, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino or Portovenere as different places to see. It is possible to stop in Pisa on the way to Florence and not back track, depending how long you wanted to stay... Happy travels
Posted by
Florence, OR, US
267 posts
If I recall (it's been a year and a half since I was there), it took us about 45 minutes to get from Lucca to Pisa, and then about 1.5 hr to get from Pisa to Riomaggiore.
Of course, it's all about what you want out of your trip; what's most important to you; but in my opinion, taking a day out of your CT itinerary to see Pisa/Lucca would be better. Florence is big, lots of stuff to do and see, with bigger crowds and traffic to deal with than the CT, Pisa, Lucca. You'll probably need the time in Florence.
Have fun!
Posted by
OP
Miami Shores, FL, USA
48 posts
Thanks guys for the ideas. I never thought about going north (Portofino, etc) but that might be something to try. I think no matter what I'd rather not take a day away from Florence since our time there will be short. Thanks!
Posted by
OP
Miami Shores, FL, USA
48 posts
one more question-if we get off the train for a few hours in Pisa, on the trip from CT to Florence, do we need 2 separate tickets, is there a change fee or
does the ticket allow you to get off and on?
Posted by
Florence, OR, US
267 posts
If I recall, on regional trains (the "slow" trains) you have 6 hours from the time you stamp it (validate it) till it expires. I THINK you can hop on and off, as long as it's in that 6 hour window. But I'm not sure, so wait for someone else to input!
Also, the train station and the tower are a ways apart. You'll need to take a bus from the train station to it, and back. Get Rick Steves' Italy guide and read that section on "Pisa" to know exactly what bus to take, etc.
Posted by
OP
Miami Shores, FL, USA
48 posts
Thanks Robyn, and I think it might not be an issue because we got the Saver passes for Italy, which gives us 4 days of train travel within the 2 months time frame. That MAY include getting off and on trains the same day but I'll have to check on that.Thanks for the great tips!