Trying to set a train route loop but not sure which way to do it.
Will be coming from Padua and want to see Florence, Cinque Terre, Parma, Modena, Bologna.
Any advice on direction of travel, or train tips? Have about 7-8 days at the end of month long trip to do this leg of the journey.
Thanks,
kat
You want to go to five places in 7-8 days? Where do you need to end up to fly out of Italy?
Parma and Modena are easy daytrips from Bologna. Three nights in Bologna should work well. Split the rest of the time between Florence and Cinque Terre, or drop something.
Go Padua to Florence to Cinque Terra. Heading back, take the regional train from La Spezia to Parma (8:10 am current schedule). Store your bags at Parma station and you'll have the rest of the day in Parma. You can get another regional train at 8:30 pm for the 1 hour trip to Bologna. Hit Modena as a day trip from Bologna, just a 27 minute jaunt on the regional trains.