We just booked an agriturismo outside of Sienna. We will then eventually head over to the Cinque Terra. I'm thinking that the fastest way to go will be from Florence to CT via train (and not from Sienna to CT..feel free to correct). My following question is based on this assumption. My question is that my husband really wants to visit a drum factory in Pistoia and I would like for it to happen on his actual birthday. On his actual birthday, we'll be based just right out of Siena and will have a car. I've read that from Siena to Pistoiait's it is a 1.5 hr drive. I just don't know if it makes sense to do that drive while we are stationed in Siena...OR...if it makes more sense to do it later, when we are headed for the CT. Is Pistoia on the train route from Florence to CT? If it's out of the way, I'll just drive there from Siena. If it's a stop on the (hopefully fast) train route, then visiting the factory will just have to wait a couple of days. Thanks so much. =-) Jenny
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Seattle, WA
17435 posts
Pistoia is on the way between Florence and Cinque Terre if you go by way of Viareggio, instead of through Pisa. Either route involves at least one regional train (from Florence) in addition to the IC (fast) train, which would go from Pisa to La Spezia or Viareggio to La Spezia. At La Spezia you will change to another regional train for Cinque Terre. The one thing you wnat to check, if you go this way, is that there is baggage storage (locker or a counter for storage) at Pistoia. Also check the location of the drum factory to make sure you can rech it easily. Is it right in town? or maybe a bit outside of town? BTW, we've done the drive up from Siena, going to Pisa rather than Pistoia, but the route is similar. You would have to use the autostrada to make it in 1.5 hours, and hope for no traffic.