Help! Planning Assistance for Florence, Lucca, Pisa and Cinque Terre

In cases like this where backtracking is involved, I usually prefer to get to the furthest point and work my way back. So after staying in Florence for a few days I'd train to CT and stay for 2 nights. Then train to Lucca and stay 2 nights. You could see Pisa as a stop over enroute to Lucca, storing your luggage at the station for the few hours you would be there, or do it as a day trip. My inclination would be the first option. Since you can easily train from Lucca to Siena, I'd keep it simple and do that.

Hi Neighbor to the North (assuming you mean Victoria, BC, and not the Australian state of Victoria);

I see you had a trip planned to Italy for May 2020 which of course you had to cancel. On that trip you had 2 nights each in Venice, Florence, and Siena, with 3 nights in Cinque Terre, and short visits to Pisa and Lucca on the way between Florence and CT. Then you had a Tuscany tour of some sort, followed by a longer stay in Rome.

Some people said 3 nights in CT was too long, and that overall you had too much moving around. Personally, I think 3 nights in CT can be wonderful if the small seaside village experience appeals to you, and you enjoy hiking. Also if you stay someplace that is not overrun with tourists like Vernazza (we stayed in Manarola and hated to leave after 2 nights).

So you have changed your plans a bit, with maybe a 3-night stay in Lucca, with visits to Pisa and CT from there. My advice is that Cinque Terre does not work as a day trip if you really want to enjoy the place. Morning and evening, when the day-trippers are not around, are best. And if you want to walk any of the trails, you should devote more than just a daytrip to this area. And as for Lucca as a base for 3 nights, while we enjoyed Lucca during our 2-night stay, it was the least-favorite stop of our trip. We spend 2 nights there in a nice little apartment, and it was fine, as were the restaurants we chose for meals. But it was very hot in late summer, and there is little or no green space or shade within the city walls. We did enjoy riding bikes on the walls, but otherwise the town lacked the charm and ambiance that we have found elsewhere in Italy.

Our trip was a graduation trip for our two daughters, one graduating from high school and one for college. It was in June. We skipped Venice that trip because it is our favorite city in Italy and I do not care to go there in summer. Of the places you plan to see, we visited Florence, Lucca, Cinque Terre, and Siena. All were 2-night stays except Siena, where we stayed outside the city at an agriturismo that had 5 lovely swimming pools which were great in the heat, but we had only an afternoon and evening in Siena so I regretted that. I would happily go back to Siena as the town is so beautiful..

We rented a car for 2 days just to go to Siena so I cannot help with your bus/train question. Otherwise we traveled exclusively by train, and we went to other places you do not have in your plan, but that was our trip. This one is yours, so you need to match it to your hopes and wishes.

It would help to know when this trip will be, how many people are going, and what your interests are, as well as lodging budget and preferences.

Cheers, and I hope you are doing well up there in Victoria. We love Vancouver Island and can’t wait to return.

Hi,

I agree entirely with CJean's "backtracking" theory: I, too, would start at the farthest point and work your way back. From Florence to CT is about a 3.5 hour train ride, and you travel through Pisa so there's going to be some backtracking involved. If it were me, I'd go from Florence to CT for 2-3 days first. (While in the CT, if you have time and if the five CT villages are too crowded, I'd consider taking the boat/ferry to Porto Venere as that was less crowded. It's really beautiful, too.).

From CT, I'd travel to Lucca for 1-2 nights and then spend one night/do a day trip in Pisa. I think there's a bit more to do and see in Lucca than in Pisa, and Lucca is prettier. Don't get me wrong, Pisa is lovely, with nice squares, some nice churches, and nice river views, but the main attraction is the Leaning Tower.

Then from Pisa, I'd take the train to Sienna.

Best of luck

We didn't find Pisa worth much time. We LOVED Florence and it deserves lots of time. We did 2 day trips out of Florence with a company called 'WalkAboutFlorence' --- we did their 'Best of Tuscany' Tour which took us to Siena, Pisa, and SanG along with an amazing lunch. We also did their 'Chianti Wine and Food Safari Tour' which took us to the wineries of Tuscany, lots to learn and see and a great lunch. Check out their website for details. We also researched them on TripAdvisor for reviews and photos - but it's best to book directly on the website and not on TripAdvisor which uses a 3rd party booking company. They were 2 of some of our favorite days in Italy. We saw and learned so much and didn't have to deal with the stress of trains/renting a car -- plus, the bus was super nice and we passed amazing scenery both days. walkaboutflorence.com

Venice is also spectacular and deserves at least 4 full days in my opinion. We did take the Vaporatto to Burano one day.

Sounds like you have a great trip going. Remember that CT has a rainy season. We have been. Last time we went to Italy, we went in Oct and that is a rainy time for that area, so we substituted Sorrento and Amalfi over CT and it is worth it on your NEXT trip over.

I agree with John Adams on Pisa. I think it is a great base location for train day trips, but outside of the Tower, I thought it was shabby. A lot of street merchants hawking trinkets, beggars and such.

Unless Cinque Terre is a "must see" for you, I would skip it this trip. Outside of hiking (and sometimes trails are closed) it has become an overly crowded touristy location for cruise ships and land tourists. As an alternative you could consider a boat tour from La Spezia to Monterosso and back. You will have an excellent view of the five villages without the crowds. I believe CT has lost its charm. However, if it is a must see, you will need 2 full days to see all 5 villages leisurely.

Spend at least 2-3 nights in Florence. IMO, one of the best cities in Italy. Lucca is very much a more desirable city to stay in and a day trip to Pisa to see the Tower is easy. Then head to Siena to explore a very unique city before taking your wine tour. Rent your car as you are leaving the city. No need for a car while staying in Siena. Enjoy.

You have some good advice from others. I just want to make one additional point.

I think it is far preferable to visit Siena before Florence.

The reason is in terms of an appreciation of history. Siena and Florence were both great medieval powers and rivals in the first half of the 14th century. Then came the plague in 1348. Florence recovered and went on to transform itself into the supreme Renaissance center. Siena died.

Seeing Siena first will give you a picture of what Florence might have been like at an earlier point in its history.

I'm a history buff, so this kind of thing is fascinating to me. Maybe it isn't that important to you, but I do think it's worth a consideration.

Enjoy your trip!

In 4 trips to Italy, we have never been to Pisa because we have no interest in the tower. However, if you like churches, I've read that there are some beautiful churches, so I hope to go to Pisa to see those on a future trip.

Two nights is one full day -- places like Florence need several nights to even scratch the surface -- and every time you move bases you lose much of a day and you have the problem of what to do with your stuff while you travel about. I'd give Florence 4 nights minimum. I would give the CT two nights for one full day on the trail. We did this 35 years ago before the AMerican. tourist onslaught created by Rick Steves -- it was enchanting. Lst time we visited it was very touristy and while still a beautiful area, not the thrill it was when we were the only Americans, literally, on the trail. There were a dozen Germans and that was it -- no tourist tat.

Pisa can easily be visited on your way to Florence from the CT. Stow your bags at the station, check out the field of miracles and be on your way. Luca needs two nights for one full day but could also be a day trip from Florence which is how we did it. We got there early, walked the walls, climbed the tower, had lunch in a lovely square, headed back to Florence for the evening.

I like to arrange as few one or two night stops as possible -- punctuating them with a week here or there.

We did almost the exact trip a few years ago, except we did not visit Siena on that trip. Took train from Venice to Florence for 4 nights, then 2 nights in Lucca (small town, can see a lot in one full day. Then travel to Pisa check bags at train station, bus to Tower, return (allow about 2 hours is enough) and take the train to CT. Use CT as a mini vacation to just relax, take walks - hike if you like, 2 or 3 days depending on your time. As someone said, the evenings in Italian towns are the best time to be there and this holds true for Lucca and any of the CT towns (we liked Vernazza best). You can then take the train from CT/La Spezia to Sienna. From Siena you can arrange a car and take your tour. (Roberto does great tours that meet in Siena if you want to be able to drink and not have to drive). This worked great for us.

Day 1. Fly into Venice ** (sleep Venice )
Day 2. Venice (sleep Venice )
Day 3. Venice to Florence TRAIN 2hr 10 min (sleep Florence)
Day 4. Florence (sleep Florence)
Day 5. Florence to Pisa TRAIN 1 hr Pisa to Lucca TRAIN 27 min. Lucca to CT TRAIN 2 hrs (arrive late sleep in CT)
Day 6. Cinque Terre ** (sleep CT )
Day 7. Cinque Terre (sleep CT )
Day 8. CT to Siena TRAIN 3 hrs. 21 minutes (sleep Siena)
Day 9. Siena ** (sleep Siena)
Day 10. Heart of Tuscany Drive RENT CAR Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino (sleep Siena)
*Day 11. Siena to Rome BUS 2 hr 55 min. (Sleep Rome) Walking tour
Day 12. Rome (sleep Rome) Caesar shuffle colosseum to the forum then over Capioline hill to the Pantheon Go Piazza del Pololo to the Spanish steps
*Day 13. Rome ** to Pompeii TRAIN 2 HR 24 MIN *** Pompeii to Rome TRAIN 2 hr 24 min (sleep Rome)
Day 14. Rome Vatican City (sleep Rome)
Day 15. Rome Borghese Gallery National Museum of Rome Trevi Fountain (sleep Rome)
Day 16. Rome to airport – Home

Found this in your previous post. Is this still the trip you are trying to do? I think you are trying to cram 5 quarts into a gallon jug.

If CT is a 'must', I suggest just one night there. Florence could use more time. If 3 nights in CT is what you want, I would go there directly from Venice and then work southbound.

If doing Pompeii as a day trip is another 'must', I would do it the day before the flight home. Doing the Vatican the day after the dash to Pompeii looks like a very challenging/tiring schedule.

That is my $0.02

ADD-EDIT--- For an 'ancient Roman city' experience, look at Ostia Antica, to save some wear & tear on yourself

I think you are trying to cram 5 quarts into a gallon jug
Exactly my thoughts!

Thank you all so much for your invaluable information regarding my itinerary questions. Having people who have been there and done that, who understand and offer informed decisions is one of the best perks of this forum. Thanks again.

hey hey laurie
joe32f is right on. you are planning too much with too many places to see. you will spend too much time checking out of hotel, getting to train/bus station time on train or bus to next city, checking into next hotel. remember checkin time is between 2-3pm unless you have early checkin, baggage storage available. don't cram too much into a day or so to see someplace then back to packing and on train again, not seeing city with day trips planned. tuscany is a large area of florence.
how many days is your tuscany wine tour by car? do you have an IDP for all drivers from AAA, read up on it for renting car in italy and a designated driver for tour? where do you plan to rent car, in siena? know about driving with laws and rules, ZTL's (no driving in city centers), signage in italian, parking areas and costs, room for passengers and luggage
always keep a map of area, you can use rome2rio to check which routes you prefer, trenitalia for times of trains, use italian names for stations, pack light to carry/lift bags on trains and hotels that you climb stairs/steps up to rooms if no elevator/lift.
not trying to be dolores downer, lots to think about when planning a trip, want you to be prepared and have a great fun time.
aloha