We are planning a Tuscany getaway during our first trip to Italy (as a break from the big cities.) Coming from Florence, can anyone recommend the best way to get to Volterra via public transit (on a Saturday)? The train route looks too circuitous, and researching on the internet I can't seem to find exactly how close to Volterra it stops. Bus is probably better - which line? And, from there we are going to Rome. Can you recommend the best way to get to the train from Volterra?

Many, many thanks.
Mia

According to a guide book I've got it isn't easy. The closest train station is Saline di Volterra, which is 10km away; there is a bus from there to Volterra but apparently an infrequent and inconvenient one. There may be a direct bus from Florence to Volterra (four a day) - that might be better, perhaps.

To get to Rome, you can get a bus to Pisa (about 2 hours, not sure how frequent), and pick up the train there.

It might perhaps be worth e-mailing the local tourist office to ask for advice: either [email protected] or [email protected] .

Pickup a car from florence. Drive to Volterra. When you head out from Volterra, keep driving west and the mediterranean sea will explode in front of you. Catch the beautiful ancient roman road Via Aurelia which goes down along the fabulous coastline all the way to Rome.

I don't know how much of an abomination renting and driving a car is for you, but this will multiply your experience atleast 5 fold.

Mia - Yes - the train is a long way round and takes forever.

Your best option is bus via Colle Val d'Elsa. (CTP ooperate the Colle Val d'Elsa-Volterra leg as a connecting service with the service from Florence - so it's convenient)

You can find details on:

http://www.volterrateatro.it/allegati/autobus.pdf


From Volterra to Rome by public transport you would take the bus to CECINA - then train from there.

Fastest journey time from Volterra is approx. 3hrs 30' (IC train from Cecina).

For details see:

www.trenitalia.com

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Thank you so much. I'm now seriously considering the second response - renting a car. That actually sounds do-able, and worthwhile. I probably won't get to that part of the world very often, after all.

Thank you for all of the responses.
--Mia