Maddy

We are traveling on Saturday, 6 May, leaving from either Levanto, Monterosso or perhaps Vernazza in the Cinque Terre to Florence. According to the FS website an 8:23 a.m. train from Levanto can connect either with a train in Viareggio, or in another stop, a different train from Pisa Centrale – both ending up in Florence within 10 minutes of each other, but with shorter (~10 min) or longer (~30 min) transfer times. What is the difference between the two routes as far as where they pass through (I am first time visitor to Italy)? Would it be worth the risk of having to run with luggage to catch train via Viareggio vs. via Pisa? <BR> <BR>Also we fly into Genoa several days earlier and need to get to train station for Levanto. Should we also purchase Florence and later tickets at the train station there, or will we be fine dealing with stations in any of the Cinque Terre towns? <BR> <BR>P.S. Can anyone tell me what the designation "Green Tain" under Services means? <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help. <BR>Maddy <BR>

Mshaw

Maddy, <BR> I am planning a Fall trip to Italy. We will be traveling by train also. Do you have Rick Steves book?He has a very good explanation of the different trains,routes, and available passes.The Viareggio train might be more scenic as it follows the coast....but it also might stop at every single little town...Pisa seems more direct.Check out the Steves book...Maggie

Paulo

As you may have figured out, Maddy, the train from Levanto (8:23) stops at Monterosso (8:27), Riomaggiore (8:36), La Spezia, Sarzana, Carrara, Massa Maritima, Forti dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, Viareggio (9:34) and Pisa (9:51). From Levanto to Viareggio it runs close to the coast and then it bends inland. <BR> <BR>The train from Viareggio (9:40) to Florence runs through Lucca, Altopascio, Pescia, Montecatini, Pistoia, Prato and Sesto. The tracks run more or less parallel to the A11 Autostrada. <BR> <BR>The train from Pisa (10:26) to Florence runs through Pontedera and Empoli. The tracks run more or less parallel to the Via Pisana (no toll highway connecting Florence to Pisa), which runs south of of the A11. <BR> <BR>I've never taken a train in this area, so I don't exactly know what's the panorama out of the windows. But I've driven both routes quite a few times. The northern route runs through a rural/industrial region and the southern route through an essencially rural region. I would say it's just about a toss up! <BR> <BR>Regarding transfers, you shouldn't worry. If you decide to do it in Viareggio, 6 minutes is way enough (small train station and tracks may be side by side). <BR> <BR>"Treno Verde" means "Ecological Train"! If I'm not wrong, the Treno Verde is a program that aims to increase the population's consciousness toward the environment. It appears that these trains are equipped with instrumentation to measure noise and atmospheric pollution in real time, there are cars with displays on the subject and discussions are developped during the trip ... but I wouldn't bet my life on this <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR>

Paulo

Oops ... you don't need to worry about reservations in Genoa ... Do it where you find it more convenient. For any of these two options you should be ok if you reserve the day before. For travel on the main trunks I would reserve a couple of days in advance. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR>

Maddy

Thanks for the information and reassuring advice. The "green train" sounds like an interesting idea. Think we will toss a coin about the transfers/connections to Florence! I am really getting excited about the whole adventure. <BR> <BR>Maddy