Italy and France tour by train

San Gimignano is not connected by rail, the nearest train station is in Poggibonsi. What I could think of is to take the train from Milan to Florence, then either take the bus or the train to Poggibonsi, then change the bus to San Gimignano.

I took your information and put it in the website "Rome to Rio". This is a helpful website for gathering information about possible transportation links. It said that you would take the train from Milano Centrale to Fierenze SMN (Florence), change trains there and go to Poggibonsi-San Gimingnano station. From there it suggested a short bus ride to final destination, but said you plan to rent a car here(?).

The website for purchasing tickets is https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

Try Milan Centrale to Pisa
Rent your car there for SG
return car to Pisa then train to Nice via Genoa

Hi Karen,

3) What is the best train station to go to near Nice?
Gare de Nice-Ville, and there is a handy tram to take you straight down to the water. My hotel was in the Massena area, and I was very happy with it.

4) Should we rent a car in Nice to see the surrounding area, or just rely on public transport?
The trains & buses are so handy and inexpensive, and it’s an area where it’s easier to not have a car. I took the train to Menton, and a bus back to Monaco & Nice. Another day I took the bus to see the Villa Rothschild. There’s lots of options by public transportation.

Thank you for all the suggestions! So we can rent a car in either Florence or Plaza, then drive to San Gimignano. Is it better to buy train tickets for all these legs in advance? I read Rick Steves saying sometimes it’s easier to buy them on the spot. 🤔 Also would really like to go to Cinque Terra on a day trip, maybe on the way to Nice?