In late August we will be leaving Cinque Terre for Florence but wanted to make two stops along the way. One was to Lucca and the other to Pisa long enough to see the tower then be on our way. Which order should we do this in? We would like to be in Florence no later than 5 pm ish so we can catch the Accademia before it closes. We were thinking spending 2-3 hours in Lucca and only long enough in Pisa to see the Tower. Thanks for your help.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Start backwards with both combinations: what is the latest train you think would work to arrive in Florence from either Lucca or Pisa, with a reasonable margin for delay? Check the schedules for both Lucca to Florence or Pisa to Florence.
Then, look for trains going from Lucca to Pisa or Pisa to Lucca , with whatever time you think you'd want in Lucca or Pisa.
Finally, what are the trains like from Monterosso to Pisa or from Monterosso to Lucca?
I would guess starting in Pisa is the most likely to work out, though I would verify it anyway both ways.
From Pisa Centrale to the Field of Miracles (where the tower is) is about a 30-45 min walk each way, but there's also a local bus. Take a taxi I guess if you are pressed for time.
You'll also need to consider bag storage in Lucca (is there?) - I know there is at Pisa Centrale. If you take a taxi to the Field of Miracles and just want to SEE the tower, not climb it, you could just keep your bags with you there, take a few snapshots among the mobs of other tourists crowding the field, and then find the bus stop that will take you directly to Lucca near the field, instead of going all the way back to Pisa Centrale. But this strategy wouldn't make much sense if you have large bags, I guess.
Posted by
OP
72 posts
Thanks for the info - our plan was to try and catch something on the way to Florence whether it be Lucca, Siena, or and other suggestion. As for the Tower, your are correct - we will not be climbing the tower. My partner just wanted to set eyes on it and get a few pics before being on our way. We would like to try and make one more stop before arriving in Florence for the evening. (3 nights)
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Because your train will likely stop in Pisa anyway, stopping there is the easiest to squeeze in for a quick stop without stressing about the arrival time in Florence. If you walk from the train station one way to the tower, at least you'll see more of Pisa than the ultra-touristy and almost repulsive Field of Miracles (though it's certainly worth seeing the tower - was for me).