Inexpensive train (or bus) travel for groups in Italy

You are fortunate that most of the trains that go to Pisa, the CT and Siena from Florence are the Regionale (R) trains. These are the least expensive trains to ride. Lots of trains each day so don't fret about trains. Don't fret about seats either. No seat reservations permitted on the R trains. So its first on, first choice for the seats. About 18Euro round trip each for these trips.

A couple of thoughts that I can provide further information on. 1) a suggested 1-day visit to the CT. It's a long day but you can see 4 of the 5 towns and walk the easiest coastal trail between two of the towns. 2) A Grayline day trip from Florence to San Gimignano and Siena. The visit to SG is brief but you are in Siena for about 4 hours or so. Includes a guided tour in Siena. 52Euro per person. Nice air-conditioned buses.

Thank you so much Larry for the information. I think the cost is probably reasonable for a round trip fare. Do you know whethyer it is possible to break your trip by stoppinhg a couple hours inj Pisa and then boarding again to go on to the CT? Of course, the idea of a day card for several persons (like the Einfach-Raus) would be terrific and should enable a break in the trip if such a ticket exists. I have looked but found none. Thank you also for the advice regarding Siena. John

It is possible. But now, your streching the possibilities if you want to see Pisa AND the CT. First, your answer. If you have a ticket on the R train (not the ICPlus train), its an open ticket good for 60 days. The ticket defines point A to point B. In this case, its Florence to La Spezia Centrale or Riomaggiore (first CT town). Once you validate the open ticket, it changes from a 60-day open ticket to one that's good for 6 hours. Yes you can get off an R train at Pisa and then get back on a later train of similar class to your destination.

Next, if you want to see the leaning tower, expect a 2.0hr-2.5hr. visit. It's an hour just to walk in and walk out. It's at least another hour to see the tower, Duomo, baptistery and adjoining historical grounds. You can speed this up a bit by taking the city bus across the street from the train station or a taxi.

Next, your visit to the CT will be cut short because of your visit to Pisa. But, there are ways. CLICK HERE to see the early morning train schedule. If you depart early, you can get to Pisa really early before the tourist buses show up and the street vendors set up.

Now, you have a chance to see more of the CT. When you buy your ticket, buy it from Florence to Riomaggiore. Since you are getting off at Pisa your later train may stop at La Spezia Centrale or may even require a train change there. Riomaggiore is 8 minutes beyond La Spezia. Not much to see in La Spezia.

The reason for stopping at Riomaggiore, is to walk the trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola. It's flat, easy and takes about 25-30 minutes or longer if you stop and enjoy. Just walk down to the water. The trail begins on the right.

Once you are in Manarola, you can walk through the town to the train station and take the train to Monterosso. Or, if the ferry is running, you can take the ferry. It's slower but much more scenic. Have lunch in Manarola or Monterosso. Walk all around Monterosso. Then, take the train to Vernazza. Tour Vernazza. Then, take the train back to Florence.

It's a long day. In high season, the trains are very croweded. Not to worry. Just push yourself on. It's minutes between the towns. Its the way it is there.

No excuses for being too old. My wife and I are seniors and we've done all of this and more.

Italy doesn't offer a group ticket similar to the Einfach-Raus ticket, but they do offer discounts for groups of 10 or more people traveling together. The discount is 10% or 20% depending on the type of train and the day of the week. Check the Trenitalia website for details. If you don't find the group information quickly, search for "groups" and pick the "Traveling in groups ...." hit.