Train or bus from Siena to CT?
 

My 14-year old daughter and I will be spending 2 nights in Siena, then 2 nights in CT/Manarola (we're planning to try the Ostello 5 Terre hostel in Manarola because she wants a hostel experience-anyone been there?), then back to Siena to pick up a car for 6 days in Tuscany at an agritourism place near Siena. I'm looking for suggestions on transportation from Siena to CT and then back to Siena-train or bus? Also any ideas for fun day trips while we have our car?<BR><BR>Many thanks,<BR><BR>Christy

If you leave Siena by train in the morning (departures at 7:35, 8:52 and 10:59) the trip will take almost 4 hours, with changes in Empoli, Pisa and La Spezia. No bus service from Siena to the CT.<BR><BR>With 6 days to spare there´s an awful lot you may visit: a day in Chianti (Castello di Brolio, Gaiole, Radda, Castellina); a couple days to explore Montalcino, St. Antimo, Monte Olivetto Maggiore, Pienza & Montepulciano; a day for San G. & Volterra; a day in Assisi and surroundings ...

Hello,<BR>We have a similar itinerary. We plan to spend two nights in Florence, travel to Cinque Terre and stay there for two nights (well, actually Santa Margherita Ligure for two nights) and return back to Florence for the remaining 4 nights. <BR>Does anyone have any idea as to whether we can buy/reserve our train tickets before we head out to Italy? If so, where can I purchase them? Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! <BR>By the way, we'll be there in mid-May, so hopefully there's still time to buy or reserve tickets.<BR>Thanks!<BR>M.

Reservations are not necessary. Anyway, there is no seat reservation service on most trains between Florence and the CT.

Christy,<BR>we've just been to Manarola, had 4 nights there. Great little spot, the hostel is right at the top of town (didn't stay there). If you arrive by train, walk through the tunnel to the town, up the hill (only one road so you can't get lost) and keep walking until you see a large green building on your left, behind the church. Unfortunately for light sleepers the bells toll all night. <BR><BR>I think most trains stop at La Spezia then you change to a local train that runs pretty often to the CT villages. We bought a Cinque Terre card (1, 3 or 7 days) that allows you to hop and off the trains and also to hike the trails. You have to pay to hike as it's a national park. Cost about 12 euro for a 3 day pass and well worth it.<BR><BR>Santa Margherita Ligure is lovely, great waterfront area with restaurants etc. About an hour by train from SML to the CT villages.<BR>Kay

Stayed in Manarola last Oct. at da Baranin,which is just up the hill a short ways from the hostel. We got locked out of our apt. late one night and went up to the hostel to see if we could somehow get someone to unlock our door. The people at the hostel were wonderful, very friendly and very helpful. They made some calls and the owner of the apt. came about 30 min. later with our key. It looked like a great atmosphere there and, if I was a few years younger, I wouldn't hesitate staying there. It looked like fun.