Is Montecatini Alto a doable day trip from Florance? I saw someone mention it on the Graffiti Wall and it looks like a wonderful low-key escape from traffic and museums to small town atmosphere. How does it compare to Pistoia which is close to Florence, non touristy and supposed to have great local food" While I'm asking, we plan of visiting Ostia from Rome as a countryside break from the city. Any other Rome day-trip suggestions for the countryside minded?
Posted by
London, UK
480 posts
Went there last year when in Montecatini Terme (MT) for three days. There was a funicular going up to Montecatini Alto (MA). We went for the morning, a sweet medieval village had a gelato and returned. Wouldn't say it warrants a day and going out of your way. MT has 2 train stations that are on the route from Florence to Lucca - would expect it to take less than an hour from Florence, can't remember exactly. The funicular is at least a mile (maybe 2) from the train stations and uphill. (We were staying in an hotel very near the funicular.)
Posted by
Shenandoah
10 posts
Montecatini Alto is a great trip from Florence. But the furnicular to get from Montecatini to MA is a bit of a hike. Make sure to have lunch there and don't miss the Church (make sure to watch the "animated" tableau). We stayed in Montecatini a few years ago for 2 weeks and visited MA several times (with different visitors).
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
Ah, one of my favorite little hill towns in Italy. Out of the way, not visited much. Fun place. But small, you can see it all and do it all quickly. We went up for dinner and had a great time. Pistoia is much bigger. If you go to Montecatini Alto figure to do more in that day. Day trip from Rome, Hadrian's Villa is good. A town I simply love is Tivoli. It is beyond Hadrian's Villa a little ways but there are two villas there too. Try it. After Ostia drive up the coast a ways and enjoy some towns most people don't see. PS: Call Peak Travel in Salem, ask Laurie V if she can get in contact with Carlo. He knows all about MA, and MTerme, both worth visting.
Posted by
Callaway, VA, US
107 posts
Is there a bus from the train station to the furnicular?
Posted by
Baytown, Texas, US
1 posts
Ive stayed in Montecatini several times over the past 10 years, one of my favorite towns in Italy. Easy walk from one place to another. It is a small town, so not a lot of tourist or gypsy salesman to worry about. There is a fresh pasta shop that makes an incredible lasagna, made fresh daily, and they will cook it for you to take away. Easy access to Florence / Lucca / Pisa by rail too. Feel free to send me a note if you want to know more.