Driving along the Italian Riviera
Sep 9th, 2010, 12:47 PM
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Driving along the Italian Riviera
Hi, and thanks in advance. Has anyone done coast/Italian Riviera drive from San Remo,heading inland nr Lucca? For June 2011, this is primariiy for scenic auto route between Provence (St Remy) and Tuscany (Vaggio). We'd make one overnight stop (suggestions for where?) but time to linger will unfortunately have to wait 'til another trip.Or should we just take train from Nice via Milan to Florence, then onward? All opinions and feedback gladly and eagerly welcome.
Sep 9th, 2010, 01:28 PM
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If you travel by train, Nice - Florence, you will travel through Genoa, not Milan. Usually you will change trains at Pisa Centrale for the short last leg to Florence.
Not sure how scenic you will find the coastal route by car as there are a lot of tunnels if you are using the autostrada, although the viaducts in between are quite spectacular in places. The view is enjoyed only by the passengers however as the pace of Italian driving demands the 100% attention of the driver at all times.
If driving, Villefranche or Menton would be pleasant spots for an overnight stop before crossing into Italy.
If Lucca is your ultimate destination, it is accessible by train from Pisa Centrale in under 30 mins.
Not sure how scenic you will find the coastal route by car as there are a lot of tunnels if you are using the autostrada, although the viaducts in between are quite spectacular in places. The view is enjoyed only by the passengers however as the pace of Italian driving demands the 100% attention of the driver at all times.
If driving, Villefranche or Menton would be pleasant spots for an overnight stop before crossing into Italy.
If Lucca is your ultimate destination, it is accessible by train from Pisa Centrale in under 30 mins.
Sep 10th, 2010, 01:32 PM
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Thank you, SeeDee and Bob, for the information and warning!! I had no idea about all the tunnels and the need to focus intensely on the road. Since I will be the driver, and going from bright sun to tunnels messes with my vision...the train it will be!!!!
This is why I LOVE Fodos Europe Forum. Thanks for sharing your knowledge !!
This is why I LOVE Fodos Europe Forum. Thanks for sharing your knowledge !!
Sep 11th, 2010, 05:32 AM
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If travelling by train gives you a spare night in your itinerary, you could take the onward local train from Genoa and spend a night in Monterosso in the Cinque Terre. In June the area will not be overrun with tourists and there are a multiplicity of variations between local train and ferry to see at least some of the five villages in 24 hours.
There is a train onwards to Pisa (under two hours) which gives you connections to both Lucca and Florence.
If you do make it to Monterosso, eat at Miky's!
There is a train onwards to Pisa (under two hours) which gives you connections to both Lucca and Florence.
If you do make it to Monterosso, eat at Miky's!
Sep 11th, 2010, 06:32 PM
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Thank you for the suggestion, SeeDee!! I'd been wondering about how to see CT, even briefly, on this trip. That extra stop makes lots of sense.
Darn, why do vacations from work have to be so brief??!!
Darn, why do vacations from work have to be so brief??!!
