banoffi

hi, I'll be in Florence in December and would like to visit both Pisa and Lucca in one day. I intend to see the tower in Pisa, and perhaps go cycling in Lucca.

What's the best way to do this in one day?

Should I take a train to Pisa - tour Pisa - train to Lucca, and from Lucca travel back to Florence, or Should i visit Lucca first, then back track to Pisa when it is less crowded (in the afternoon) to see the tower?

Any tips on how to purchase train tickets for this day trip would be appreciated too.

Thanks!

dreamon

It's many years since I'v been to Pisa but I would visit Lucca after Pisa so that you can spend the evening in Lucca. I would imagine that the main sites in Pisa would be busy any time of the day. You could head off early in the morning and return after dinner.

www.trenitalia.com will show you train tickets. I'd buy a ticket from the automated kiosks at the train station or the ticket office. There may be faster trains between Florence and Lucca in which case you'd save money buying ahead of time.

bvlenci

There are direct trains, and also buses, from Pisa to Lucca, so there's no need to go back to Florence. I would go to Pisa very early, to avoid the worst of the crowds, and then on to Lucca. The trains between these places are regional trains, which have no reserved seats, and are always the same price, so there's no need to buy tickets before you get to Italy. You can buy all the tickets at the station in Florence (Florence to Pisa, Pisa to Lucca, and Lucca to Florence). The tickets are not for a specific train, so you can be flexible with the timing.

Because they can be used on any train on the route (for up to two months), regional train tickets have to be stamped before you board the train, in little green, red, and white machine near the track, to prevent their being reused. Once they're stamped, they have to be used within a few hours. Failure to stamp a ticket brings a heavy fine (I think €50 if you pay on the spot, more if you don't).

banoffi

Thanks for the replies. From various websites i've read, it seems that the sunset will be at about just before 5 pm.

If I leave Florence at 9, I should get to Pisa by 10, and be done by 12 noon. Would that be a good time to head to Lucca for lunch, cycling, then leave Lucca at around 5 pm for Florence?

I hope there are bikes for rent in December in lucca - any idea? Thanks!

dreamon

I wouldn't timetable your day so much. Take it as it comes. There's little point going to either town if you don't have at least some time to enjoy them.

bvlenci

I agree. Print out some train timetables for the appropriate times of day from the http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...005817f90aRCRD website, and then play it by ear. You might want to leave Florence even earlier than 9, to avoid the crowds at the Leaning Tower. Ten is right at the time most of the tour buses are pulling up. I would go as early as you can possibly get away.

You don't need to leave Lucca at sunset, either. You can get around there without a flashlight!

banoffi

haha @ the flashlight point. Good to know.

I am traveling alone with 2 kids (10 and 12) and sometimes get paranoid about being lost or stranded.

we will play it by ear then, and hope for good weather.

Thanks all.

kybourbon

I would go to Lucca first as many things there close down in the afternoon. You can either take a train or the bus (Lazzi/Vai - across from the train station departs 8:15)to Lucca. The bus drops you at one of the old gates to the town. The train station is across the street from one of the old gates. They both take about the same amount of time and cost about the same (7-8€). Buses aren't as frequent.

Pg 37
http://www.vaibus.com/pdf/orari/EXTRAURB_001.pdf

You can catch a train from Lucca to Pisa S. Rossore station (closest station to the tower). Takes about 25 minutes (3-4€).

There might be more transport options later in the day back from Pisa than back from Lucca. Cost is similar for the trains.

You wouldn't have to be back before dark. The kids might enjoy seeing the tower lit up at night.

joannyc

I'd go to Lucca first and then onto Pisa (which is what I did do). Getting to Pisa later in the day will avoid more of the crowds. It also provides better lighting for photos if you arrive shortly before sunset. Or as kybourbon points out, the tower is lit after sunset.

banoffi

Thanks! Pisa at night sounds like a plan!

letsgeaux

We did this in a rental car. We drove from a villa near Florence to Lucca. We spent a few hours exploring the town and rode bikes around the ramparts. We drove to nearby Pisa in the late afternoon where we visited the Cathedral and hung around the Field of Miracles. This was a great way to spend the day. We have never been there at night but I would imagine that it would be a lot less crowded and a beautiful sight to see.

dreamon

There are a couple of towers to be climbed in Lucca, which kids of all ages seem to enjoy and offer great views over the town and surrounding country. Early dinner and gelato in Lucca or Pisa would be nice before jumping on a train 'home' to Florence.

bilboburgler

I'd get Lucca out of the way in the morning, ride the bikes in Lucca in the afternoon, an early supper and then train home.

Lucca is a maze of streets with walls all around, Pisa is waayyy long walking around and the field with the tower is a bit out on left field for me, let alone kids

bilboburgler

"I'd get Pisa out of the way in the morning"