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Sunday travel--route from La Spezia, through Pisa (with time for quick run-out), ending up in Siena?

Posted by on

Hi,
I'm traveling with my study-abroad daughter this coming June. I think I have our itinerary routed with a minimum of switchbacks, but the travel day on June 8 has me confused: On 8 June, we're waking up in Vernazza before departing for Siena with, hopefully, an afternoon/early evening arrival later that day.

I'd appreciate advice on best route/mode of transport.

My biggest concern is the Sunday part. Can we take a bus from Florence to Siena on Sunday? (Having trouble understanding bus schedules.)

Backing up for big-picture question:
Is it fastest to route through Florence, via train, before switching to a bus to get to Siena? (I know that bus is better than train for ease of hoofing it to our 'downtown' destination of Albergo Bernini.) Or--because we'd like to build time into the schedule for a quick look at the tower in Pisa--does it work to skip Florence altogether and route through Pisa?

Thanks very much for your help!

Carol

Posted by
16563 posts

Forget the bus from Florence. Since you are coming from La Spezia/Pisa simply use the train. The route would be:

VERNAZZA-LA SPEZIA
change train at La Spezia
LA SPEZIA-PISA
Stop for short visit in :Pisa then take a train from Pisa to Florence (but get off at Empoli, before Florence)
PISA-EMPOLI
change train at Empoli
EMPOLI-SIENA
station is at bottom of hill, I suggest a taxi or bus to your hotel because it's a long walk.

Posted by
2 posts

Roberto, thank you! Your solution looks to be easiest/least expensive. Thanks for clearing the confusion.

May I ask an additional question, as you seem knowledgeable about the train system:
On any given regionale train, can you create your own stopover---step off at any stop along the way, and then resume travel to ultimate destination with whichever train you get on (within a 6 hour period of time, I think I read somewhere?) Or is each ticket specific to the exact itinerary you purchase? (e.g., If I purchase a ticket from Florence to La Spezia, am I expected to stay with the times printed on the ticket, or do conductors honor any times within a certain time range?)

Thanks again for the help.
Carol

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