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FCO to Barga Gallicano or Lucca?

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We are going to stay at the Renaissance in Lucca- Via Giovanni Pascoli, Castelvecchio Pascoli, Barga, LU, Italy 55051.

Looking for tips on how to get from FCO to the resort on a Wednesday morning after an overnight flight from the US. We have thought of trains to Pisa or Lucca and then another train to Barga-Gallicano, or renting a car and driving. This will be our first time in Italy, so we’re wondering what the drive would be like. If trains are recommended, which ones?

From the resort we will be going to Petritolli. We have the option to go back to Rome and take a chartered bus, but are also open to going from the resort to Petritolli on our own, so would appreciate any suggestions on how to do so. Or is it easiest to go back to Rome and take the bus?

This part of the trip is supposed to be relaxing and not go-go-go touristy traveling, but we would be grateful for any recommendations for non-touristy(not crowded/busy) places to eat or things to do in the local area.

Thank you all in advance for any suggestions!

Posted by
11723 posts

renting a car and driving

From FCO it looks to be a 250 mile trip taking 4.5+ hours. Definitely not a good idea after an overnight flight.

Is it too late to get a flight that lands in Pisa or Florence and then get a car service to take you?

Has the resort had any suggestions?

Posted by
4 posts

“I'm going on the assumption that all of your bookings are unrefundable and your destinations cannot be changed at this point and that you don't have the money for private drivers and helicopters..”

Love this! No, no money for helicopters…LOL. We agree too long to drive after an overnight flight. And, the drive to Petritolli seemed overwhelming too, so we are looking at other places to stay or flights to Pisa or Florence. Luckily our travel plans are still flexible, we asked after friends recommended the resort and looking at maps.

Thanks for confirming our concerns.

Posted by
15829 posts

I have no idea where Petritolli is. Is it a town that doesn’t exist? Or did you mean Petritoli (one L only) in the Marche). That would be a looong way from the Garfagnana valley.
But I do know where the Renaissance resort is. For that you need a rental car, unless you are willing to spend hundreds of $$ every day for a private chauffeur. It’s mostly freeway, however I wouldn’t drive 5 hours after a transatlantic flight, since I can’t sleep on a plane. If you need to be there on the same day you fly in, I would take a train to Lucca (actually you need more than one) and, if you get there still at a decent hour, I would rent a car in Lucca. From Lucca to the Renaissance is less than one hour and maybe you might be able to drive a short distance while jet lagged. Alternatively you could get a taxi or a private driver to take you up there from Lucca and then rent a car the next day. It’s almost 50 km from Lucca to the Renaissance however, so it’s going to be at least 80€.

Posted by
2378 posts

hey hey alexoff4
totally agree with the "local" posters from the florence/tuscany area. they give great info
just know if you are renting a car in italy, get your IDP (AAA.com/IDP) for all drivers. read up about what's needed and a great map
have you driven in itlay and know the signs/laws to read up on.
look up private drivers/guides, keep names/numbers/websites close by that may help you out, knowing you may be staying away from public transporation. look at dates/times/which station/length of trip & transfers to get out of you all inclusive resort. i would not consider after a long flight on driving that far with jet lag, it's REAL!!! plus not fair to others on the road.
aloha

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks Everyone.

We do have our IDPs, but don’t want to drive ourselves after an overnight flight, so we will train to Lucca or fly into Pisa or find another place to go for that time.

Yes, my apologies, spell check keeps changing Petritoli to Petritolli!

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