Day Trips From Firenze - Prato, Pistoia or another town
Dec 11th, 2014, 01:23 PM
#1
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Day Trips From Firenze - Prato, Pistoia or another town
We will be in Firenze for 2 weeks in May. We've been to Lucca, Siena, and Pisa (as well as Fiesole) and want to do at least one day trip out by bus or train. We've not been to Prato or Pistoia and would appreciate any info -- especially the most convenient transportation. Thanks.
Dec 11th, 2014, 02:07 PM
#2
I enjoyed my day in Barga very much. Here's my report:
http://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/gallery-barga-italy
http://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/gallery-barga-italy
Dec 11th, 2014, 02:59 PM
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Train to Pistoia. The town has an interesting center.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7627066754871/ and subsequent pictures.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7627066754871/ and subsequent pictures.
Dec 11th, 2014, 04:27 PM
#5
We enjoyed an afternoon including lunch in Pistoia. Sant'Andrea is a lovely romansque church. Several of the piazza's are quite nice with interesting architecture. Can't help with the transportation as we went from Lucca.
We spent some time in Barga and while it was a nice town, virtually empty when we were there, I think I preferred Pistoia.
We spent some time in Barga and while it was a nice town, virtually empty when we were there, I think I preferred Pistoia.
Dec 12th, 2014, 09:29 AM
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Pistoia is very charming, and very small in feel. Most of the time it has no tourists at all. It has a lovely morning food market and I believe it has 3 slow food restaurants.
You might also consider Arezzo or Bologna, both of which are quite easy to get to from Florence. Bologna is really very different in appearance and feeling than any Tuscan town.
I have never been to Prato which has significant historic architecture (as least as much as Pistoia) and probably the best museum of textile craft In Italy. In recent years it has become notable for its very large population of Chinese immigrants and its fast-fashion shopping districts and Chinese restaurants. Chinese leather and fabric workers have actually been in Florence for centuries, but there has been a real leap in the numbers in the past 15 years. You are likely to be among the very few tourists there, but many people are fascinated to see this side of Italy, which is quite an important side, along with the Renaissance architecture. Prato is so close, you could actually go over after lunch one day and be back in time for cocktails.
You might also consider Arezzo or Bologna, both of which are quite easy to get to from Florence. Bologna is really very different in appearance and feeling than any Tuscan town.
I have never been to Prato which has significant historic architecture (as least as much as Pistoia) and probably the best museum of textile craft In Italy. In recent years it has become notable for its very large population of Chinese immigrants and its fast-fashion shopping districts and Chinese restaurants. Chinese leather and fabric workers have actually been in Florence for centuries, but there has been a real leap in the numbers in the past 15 years. You are likely to be among the very few tourists there, but many people are fascinated to see this side of Italy, which is quite an important side, along with the Renaissance architecture. Prato is so close, you could actually go over after lunch one day and be back in time for cocktails.
Dec 12th, 2014, 09:32 AM
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Dec 12th, 2014, 12:04 PM
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I day tripped from Florence to Bologna and to me Bologna is way way underestimated by folks - I rarely see anyone who is going there but this is a tremendous city to day trip to or of course stay in.
The centro storico (sp?) - historic city center is said to have more authentic medieval buildings than any city in Italy - it is also a culinary mecca.
Just an hour from Florence by frequent train.
The centro storico (sp?) - historic city center is said to have more authentic medieval buildings than any city in Italy - it is also a culinary mecca.
Just an hour from Florence by frequent train.
Dec 13th, 2014, 01:30 AM
#11
The centro storico (sp?) - historic city center is said to have more authentic medieval buildings than any city in Italy - it is also a culinary mecca>>
Bravo with the spelling, Pal; Bologna is another italian city towards the top of my list though I have to say that Turin has overtaken it slightly.
Bravo with the spelling, Pal; Bologna is another italian city towards the top of my list though I have to say that Turin has overtaken it slightly.
Dec 14th, 2014, 05:32 AM
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Thanks fellow Fodorites. Pistoia is moving to the top of the list for a leisurely day out from Firenze. And for others checking out this thread, we strongly agree that Bologna is wonderful and Arezzo is terrific -- and both under-appreciated.
