Hello
Trying to do a day trip from Florence Italy to the castle - La Rocchetta Mattei and then go on to see the ancient city La Scola. Looking for the quickest option without renting a car. Do I have to go from Florence to Bologna and then on to Riola Station where I walk 15 minutes up to La Rocchetta Mattei? Or, could I take a train from Florence to Pistoia Station and then either take a bus or perhaps a taxi? And then once at La Rocchetta is it possible to take a taxi to La Scola or is there an easy bus? Very confused. All help making this work would be very appreciated. Also, any suggestions for places to eat or things to do in La Scola before we head back.
Posted by
872 posts
"Do I have to go from Florence to Bologna and then on to Riola Station where I walk 15 minutes up to La Rocchetta Mattei?"
Yes, about 1 km from the station; La Scola about 5.5 kms from there. Train time a little under 2 hours, so double that and add a couple more hours for the 4 trips to and from stations.
For tickets get the Trenitalia app.
Posted by
Vignola, Modena, Italy
564 posts
For the Rocchetta Mattei you are right: go by train to Riola station and then you walk to the castle. Riola train station is on the line Bologna - Porretta: unfortunately there isn't a direct connection to Pistoia, so the fastest route is Florence - Bologna - Riola.
La Scola is a very nice hamlet, but tricky to be reached by public transport. A car is much better. Of course a taxi from Rocchetta Mattei to La Scola and back is doable, but probably will be expensive because easily the taxi will arrive from Bologna.
Maybe a solution could be train to Bologna, then a car-with-driver for the half day of the two visit (less expensive than from Pistoia).