Never been to Italy. We'll be traveling by rental car from Cortona to Lucca with a stop in Florence. We'll leave Cortona by 9:00 and I want to be at the Uffizi around 13:00 for a 14:15 reservation. I want to avoid driving into Florence, so what do you think is the most efficient way to do this. After the gallery, we'll walk around a bit, head back to the car and leave for Lucca. It looks like the Pratignone Stazione might be the most convenient although it may be just a platform. Here is what I'm looking for: 1. A train station or bus stop to get public transportation close to the Uffizi from Florence's southwest side ( an area around A1 and A11). 2. A safe place to park the rental car for the day. We'll cram all the luggage in the trunk unless there is a better solution. 3. A station or bus stop where we could get some help if needed so we don't end up in San Marino. Thanks for your replies. Frank
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15269 posts
A1 freeway. Exit at Firenze Impruneta exit. Drive to Piazzale Michelangelo (free parking). It's an easy drive. Follow it on Google Maps. at Piazzale Michelangelo Take pictures with panorama of Florence (maybe visit San Miniato church next door). Walk down to Uffizi (20 min max) or take taxi. Visit Uffizi. Take taxi back up to Piazzale Michelangelo. Get in the car and drive back to Freeway entrance (Firenze Impruneta). Take direction to Bologna. 2 exits later (Firenze Nord) exit and follow directions to A-11 to Pisa/Viareggio. You will exit at Lucca along the A11 freeway.
Pratignone is a commuter station. There are not trains stopping outside rush hour and there are no services, it's just an empty platform. (no tickets sold either).
Posted by
west Chester, PA
370 posts
Frank If you are traveling from Florence to Lucca, why are you renting a car? Lucca is on the direct train line from Florence to Pisa, about 1 hour west. The train ride is beautiful, as you go through the section of Tuscany where they have extensive nurseries (for wholesaler retailers). It is gorgeous. Also, getting a car in Florence and driving anywhere is a very bad idea, the ZTL zones are restricted areas and issue very steep fines 6-8 months later. We are also going from Cortona to Lucca and we are just changing trains in Florence, but it would be easy to check luggage and roam the city. You will love Lucca. Let me know if you have any questions.
Posted by
OP
Oak Forest, Illinois, USA
4 posts
Roberto, This looks perfect. I was hoping someone would jump on this and give me some direction. Thank you. Frank
Posted by
OP
Oak Forest, Illinois, USA
4 posts
Maria, We're renting a car and traveling from FCO to San Giovanni Rotondo, then to Monte Sant'Angelo and then to Cortona (including a day trip to Sienna). We'll return the car to FCO before we conclude our travel in Rome for the last 4 days. I like to drive... We do plan on taking the train from Lucca to Florence the day following the one I spoke of in my original question. I have read that the bus is faster. Do you favor one over the other? Thank you for your response. Frank
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32224 posts
Frank, A few notes about driving in Italy..... It's important to note that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any CAA/AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases are provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information on driving in Italy. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy (especially Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! In some locations, parking tickets or having "The Boot" applied will also be a concern. A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. It's usually compulsory in Italy to accept the CDW offered by the rental firm. Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however this may not be valid in Italy. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. You may wish to download the car rental guide offered by Gemut. You'll also have to deal with tolls (Autostrada), parking and high fuel costs. Regarding Cortona, there's a car park part way up the hill, which I believe is FREE. From there you can get up to Piazza Garibaldi via two Escalators (or stairs if the Escalators aren't working). Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Oak Forest, Illinois, USA
4 posts
Ken, Thank you for all your important posts. I have read some of your previous posts to others and followed your advice. I have already booked the car/insurance/gps, obtained an IDP and will be parking in the same lot you mentioned as our hotel is near the escalators. I just hope I stay under the speed limit. Thanks again.
Posted by
west Chester, PA
370 posts
Frank I have never taken the bus from Lucca to Florence, just the train. I think it is very enjoyable. We take the train everywhere, as driving is extremely difficult. The hilltowns all have very limited parking, as you must remember, these are ancient towns that were built with only carts for transportation.
Also, please be very aware of any ZTL areas. I had 2 different sets of friends that went to Italy in August and both got tickets via mail 5 or 6 months later, very close to Christmas. The fines were very high!