Anyone done any train travel from Nice to Italy?
Feb 9th, 2002, 09:38 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Anyone done any train travel from Nice to Italy?
My family and I will be in the south of France for 3 weeks this summer. We plan on renting a car for part of the time. But we were also thinking about a trip to Florence for a day, if a fast train is available or if not, then an overnight trip, if possible. Anyone done this or have any suggestions? Info is greatly appreciated.
Feb 9th, 2002, 10:09 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
I've taken the train from Nice to San Remo, and on a another occasion to Milan - - but not straight to Florence.<BR><BR>Websites you need to know are:<BR><BR>www.raileurope.com<BR>www.sncf.com<BR> <BR>or<BR>www.fs-on-line.com<BR><BR>all three will give you the same bad news - - it's not fast ( 7 to 13 hours, with 2 to 3 train changes, uincluding a terrible middle of the night oconnection in Pisa, arriving in Florence at 5:25 am, if you take the overnighter) - - and moreover, I can virtually guarantee it's not even particularly scenic. From Nice to about Pisa, you spend much of the time tunnel, bridge, tunnel, bridge - - over 150 in all (if it matches the highway at all).<BR><BR>You actually could drive it in a day (in under 5 hours, I'd say - - consult www.viamichelin.com for details) - - but I'd recommend you stay a night or two.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>
Feb 9th, 2002, 10:46 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Dena,<BR>I'm sorry to say, Rex is pretty accurate with his info. I was a student in Florence, had no Friday classes & on occasions when I could skip (!) on a Monday, or it was a holiday, I'd nip up to Nice with my classmates on Thursday afternoons for the weekend. I don't recall having to change trains, but the 9-10 ride was NOT scenic & I don't recommend Florence as a day trip, either. Treat your family & at least spend a night or two.<BR><BR>Bon Voyage,<BR>BC
Feb 9th, 2002, 11:03 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
If you do decide to go by train, I think this would be your best bet:<BR><BR>Nice-Ventimiglia 8:04-8:50<BR>Ventimiglia-Pisa 9:25-13:31<BR>Pisa-Florence 14:18-15:20<BR><BR>Parts of this trip are quite scenic, in my opinion, at least if you're sitting on the right side of the train.<BR><BR>Then spend a night in Florence. Since you'll have seen the scenery once, return the second night by overnight train. Avoid switching in the middle of the night in Pisa by going first to Rome:<BR><BR>Florence-Rome 20:55-22:30<BR>Rome-Nice 23:15-9:50
