A friend and I are going to Italy for 3 weeks in July, and we are fortunate enough to have found out that Andrea Bocelli will be doing a concert in his home town while we are there. We will be based in Florence and need to get to Volterra, and plan to stay there for two nights for the concert. I have someone over there checking about a hotel, but wanted to see if anyone here had any suggestions for a hotel, and getting from Florence to Volterra as we won't have a car. The person over there suggested a cab, and the cost would be 85 euro each way, ouch! That is as much as I have seen for the hotel cost. Any suggestions as to transport or hotel would be greatly appreciated. We are in the process of getting tickets now, and this is a lifelong dream of mine to see him sing over there.
Posted by
Somonauk, Illinois, USA
400 posts
Hi Naomi, You could take the train from Florence but the nearest train station is in Saline di Volterra, a 30-minute bus ride away (8/day). In Volterra, buses come and go from Piazza Martiri della Liberta. There is virtually no bus service in or out of town on Sundays or holidays. Buses from Florence to Volterra (4/day, 2 hrs, change in Colle Val d'Elsa). Hope this helps.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
I stayed at Albergo Etruria in Volterra last year and would recommend it - www.albergoetruria.it. They have a nice garden with tables where you can have a picnic or just relax. Best and most economical way to get from Florence to Volterra is bus. You will need to change buses in Colle Val d'Elsa (different bus company), but that's not difficult as they're timed to meet. Buses leave Florence/arrive Volterra Mon-Sat at 07:10-9:30, 08:40-10:35 (not Sat), 13:40-15:35 and 17:10-18:15. On Sunday there's only one bus, 17:40-19:35. Buy tickets at Florence bus station. If they only sell tickets to Colle Val d'Elsa, there's a small square news stand across the street from the bus stop where you can buy tickets to Volterra.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32213 posts
Naomi,
What a wonderful opportunity to hear Andrea Bocelli in person! I have just one thought to add to the others - Italy will be busy in July, and I suspect other concert goers will be looking for lodgings also. You might want to get something reserved ASAP.
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Glen Allen, VA
88 posts
Thanks Ken for your response, and wanted to let you know that everything is already in the works. I have a place over there that is making the arrangements for the hotel and the tickets, and I will be able to pay everything with paypal, so it is extremely convenient. I am just keeping my fingers crossed about the tickets as they do go fast, but I hope that I am having an Italian working on it we get good seats. It is a lifelong dream to see him over there singing.
Caio, Naomi
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32213 posts
Naomi, Buon Viaggio!!!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
If it's an open air concert and you can find out the exact location, you might be lucky enough to find a room that looks out on the concert. Lots of these summer concerts are done in a main piazza, with hotel rooms opening onto the venue.