112 - emergency
113 - police
115 - fire brigade
118 - first aid
US Embassy
Lungarno Vespucci, 38
50123 FIRENZE
Phone: (+39) 055.266.951
In Italy the standard voltage is 220-230V. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins (the latter grounded, the former not).
April Sunrise: 6:30am; Sunset: 8pm
Driving laws: Must drive with daytime running lights; Blue zones are paid parking but Sundays are free; White zones are free parking; Yellow zones are resident only; You have to display a clock with the time you arrived.
ITINERARY
Sat
10am: arrive; pick up car
12pm: drive 4hr to Lucca
5pm: check into Villa Del Papa
7pm: drive through Lucca center/walls
8pm: grocery shopping
9pm: dinner at La Piazza
Sun
11am: Lucca bike rental
3:30pm: Train to Florence
5pm: Walk around Duomo and Ponte Vecchio
6:30pm: Dinner at Toto
8pm: Train back to Lucca
Mon
10am: checkout
11am: Pisa tower
12pm Drive 1hr to Volterra
1pm: Amphitheater and cafe
2pm: San Gimignano
5:30pm: Check into Palazzo del Magnifico
7pm: Dinner at Osteria Mossa
Tue
8:30am: Breakfast at hotel
9:30am: Fontebranda Cistern
10:30am: Check out
11am: Duomo
12pm: Drive 1hr to Abbey San Galgano
2pm: Lunch at Antico Tempio
3:45pm: Bagni di Petriolo
4:30pm: Drive 1hr to Castiglione della Pescaia
5:30pm: Check into B&B Livia
8:30pm: Dinner at Hotel Miramare
Wed
8:30am: Breakfast
9:30am: Drive 2hr to Pitigliano
12:30pm: Hike Via Cava San Giuseppe
1pm: Walk around Sovana
1:30pm: Hildebrand Necropoli
4pm: Saturnia thermal baths
6pm: Drive 2hr back to hotel
8pm: Pic-Nic pizza takeout
Thu
9:30am: Breakfast and Check-out
10am: Drive 3.5hr to CT
2pm: Meet Paolo and check into Scorce Di Mare
5pm: Train to Monterosso
6pm: Hike 1.5hr to Vernazza
8pm: Train back to Riomaggiore
8:30pm: Dinner at Cocktail
Fri
11am: Walk through town
11:45am: Train to Manarola
12:45am: Bus to Volastra
1:15pm: Hike 1.5hr to Corniglia
3pm: Train to Monterosso
3:30pm: Beach
5:20pm: Train back to Riomaggiore
6:30pm: Train to Vernazza, dinner at Da Piva
8:45pm: Dessert at Ananaso Bar
9:24pm: Train back to Riomaggiore
Sat
10am: Check out
10:30am: Coffee/croissants at La Conchiglia
11:30am: Boat to Monterosso
12:30pm: Beach 3hr
3:30: Train back to Riomaggiore to get bags/car
4:30pm: Drive 4hr north
8pm: Check into Hotel Osteria Della Pista
Sun
7am: Breakfast and check out
7:15am: Drive 30min to MXP/ return car
10:20am: Flight home
LUCCA
Train to Florence:
There are hourly trains from Lucca to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station.
$10 ea way adults; kids ages 3 and under travel free on Italian trains
Normal (Regional) 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am; Return 4:10pm, 5:10pm, 6:10pm
This train has unreserved seating. Ticket is pre-validated, non-transferable and valid for up to 4 hours after the train's departure time (excluding Leonardo Express). No changes are allowed. Electronic regional tickets must be shown together with a valid identity document when requested by a staff member. Before departure, print the PDF attached to the purchase email or show it on your personal electronic device (PC, tablet, smartphone) to the conductor.
Parking: 199 spots, 1 euro/hour except at night where it's 1 euro from 8 to 8, max charge is 10 euro/day.FLORENCE
PISA
18€ Tower
9am-6pm
VOLTERRA
10:30 a.m. - 05:30 p.m. - €5 entrance
The Roman Theater in Volterra was built at the end of Ist century BC, during the Augustan period, consulship of Aulus Caecina Severus. It was built within the perimeter of the Etruscan/Roman defensive walls, against steep slope. Theater capacity is estimated on 2,800-3,500. The diameter of the cavea is 63m (210 ft.)
SAN GIMIGNANO
SIENA
If you are afraid of heights, you might not want to venture up the 88 meters (400 steps!) of the Torre del Mangia, but you'll miss a wonderful view.
10:30 - 19:00, €13 entrance; Free under 6
The oldest designs are those in the center near the entrance - the Wheel of Fortuneand the Sienese Wolf Surrounded by Symbols of Allied Cities, which dates back to 1369.
The single large monumental complex comprises the Cathedral, the Piccolomini Library, the Gate of Heaven, the Baptistry, the Crypt, the Museo dell'Opera, the Panorama from the Unfinished Façade, the Oratory of St. Bernardino and the Costone Gardens
There’s an underground labyrinth stretching over 25 kilometers that supplies water to all the springs and wells scattered around the city. This network of underground aqueducts is called the Bottini,from buctinus, a term used for the first time in 1226 to describe the barrel vaults of the tunnels, which are typically about 1.8 meters tall and a bit less than a meter wide. The aqueducts were mostly excavated from the 12th century through the 15th century to fix a water shortage, including one section called Fontanella that probably has Etruscan origins. Today, visitors can walk through these tunnels, where rainwater gets collected in the gorello (a small canal cut out of the walkway) that flows to the springs. There are two fundamental branches of the Bottini spanning two different levels. One is the main branch of Fontebranda (7.5 km), which brings water from Fontebecci and the Chiarenna branch (in the north of Siena) to Fontebranda and runs quite deep. The second principal branch is for the Fonte Gaia. It’s the longest one at 15.7 kilometers, and the shallowest, feeding into the spring in Piazza del Campo and other low altitude areas.
Abbazia di San Galgano is located in the beautiful Val de Merse just 35 km south of Siena and can be best reached by car; it is a trip that takes approximately 50 minutes. Drive towards Rosia, which is about 20 km south of Siena, take a right and then follow the signs. The monastery includes the enormous church without a roof. As a symbol of peace San Galgano embedded his sword in a stone, which can still be seen today.
The Petriolo thermal baths are located near Grosseto too, but along the Farma river in the Ombrone Valley, between the towns of Monticiano and Civitella Paganico in what is called the “upper Maremma”. Similar to Saturnia, the Petriolo hot springs were already known during Etruscans and Romans times, which further confirms the benefits of these sulfurous waters.
MONTEPULCIANO
CASTIGLIANO DELLA PESCAIA / MAREMMA
CASTIGLIANO DELLA PESCAIA / MAREMMA
Cascate di Mulino
Take advantage of the free entrance to the hot water springs called "Cascate di Mulino", located less than 6 km outside of the town of Saturnia and 3 km from the Terme di Saturnia Resort. The thermal waters have a temperature of 37.5 °C and therapeutic and relaxing properties. The Cascate del Mulino are probably the most famous natural springs in Tuscany. The waterfalls are made of several natural pools of warm thermal water, as well as a relaxing waterfall. They are open to the public and free throughout the entire year. There are no public changing rooms, so you may want to come dressed in your bathing suit. Most people come prepared with large towels. Parking is free but limited. There is one lot practically next door to the waterfalls, though happily enough it is not an eyesore while enjoying the thermal waters. Don’t park on the road – you’ll will get a fine. You’ll find the majestic gates to the Terme di Saturnia hotel just before the hot springs. A lot of people are confused by this, but just keep driving until the road curves to the right. The turn off is on that curve. If you see a petrol station, you’ve gone too far.
Take advantage of the free entrance to the hot water springs called "Cascate di Mulino", located less than 6 km outside of the town of Saturnia and 3 km from the Terme di Saturnia Resort. The thermal waters have a temperature of 37.5 °C and therapeutic and relaxing properties. The Cascate del Mulino are probably the most famous natural springs in Tuscany. The waterfalls are made of several natural pools of warm thermal water, as well as a relaxing waterfall. They are open to the public and free throughout the entire year. There are no public changing rooms, so you may want to come dressed in your bathing suit. Most people come prepared with large towels. Parking is free but limited. There is one lot practically next door to the waterfalls, though happily enough it is not an eyesore while enjoying the thermal waters. Don’t park on the road – you’ll will get a fine. You’ll find the majestic gates to the Terme di Saturnia hotel just before the hot springs. A lot of people are confused by this, but just keep driving until the road curves to the right. The turn off is on that curve. If you see a petrol station, you’ve gone too far.
Sovana, Sorano, Pitigliano
Vie Cave, the "sunken roads" carved out by the Etruscans during the Bronze age.
Monday-Friday: 10am-3pm and Saturday and Sunday: 10am -6pm
The current price of entrance is 5 euro.
Sorano
Your visit falls naturally into two distinct parts: the Orsini Fortress, and the old village itself. Inside the village there is a labyrinth of alleys and staircases staircases that ascend and descend in meandering streets and give the village a unique medieval feeling.
CINQUE TERRE
Air temps: 60s-F
Water temps: 50s-F
Hiking
Entrance fees are charged to walk between the towns and use the "pulmino" shuttles within towns. The €7,50 Cinque Terre Card is good for one day of hiking (€14,50/2 days, Free under 4)
Hikes: http://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre
https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes
Treno MS card
The Cinque Terre Card Train includes all the above services and also allows unlimited train travel on the Levanto - Cinque Terre - La Spezia line (on regional trains in 2° class).
1 day Cinque Terre Train Card € 16 - Until midnight of the day of validation
2 days Cinque Terre Train Card € 29 - Until midnight of the day after validation
3 days Cinque Terre Train Card € 41 - Until midnight 2 days after validation
Under 4 is FREE
Before using a card, the user's name must be written on the back. Cards must be shown to inspectors together with a valid identity document. Cards must be stamped at Trenitalia's stamping machines when taking the first train ride.
http://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/cinque-terre-card
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/page.php?id=158
Train schedule: http://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/cinque-terre-timetable
Note, train cars will end up in tunnels and you have to walk back to the station; Pull/twist doors open manually, they will not automatically open. There are WCs at the train stations but it's a good idea to bring your own TP.
Bus Routes
Riomaggiore – Monesteroli – Biassa – Telegrafo
Manarola – Groppo – Cantina – Volastra
Corniglia Stazione (railway station) – Corniglia paese (center of the village)
Vernazza – Sant. Reggio – Drignana – Fornacchi – S. Bernardino – Murro – Vernazzola
Monterosso – Santuario di Soviore
Cost included with the CT card. €2,50 from the bus; €1,50 from Information office
They may not run midday 12-4pm, and don't run on a set schedule.
It is nice to walk down from the Telegrafo to Riomaggiore. Another great option is taking the bus from Manarola to Volastra, then hiking from Volastra to Corniglia. You could also take the bus from Vernazza or Monterosso up to the sanctuaries and walk down from there. From Vernazza, just take a roundtrip with the bus to enjoy the great views. The view of Vernazza from the top of the hill is one of my favourites in all of the Cinque Terre. Although the drivers generally stop at the lookout point for a quick photo stop, it's always better to ask them. The buses are usually used by locals living further up the hills.
http://cinqueterre-travel.com/getting_there/bus/
Boat (2017 schedule): http://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/boat-excursions
last boat ~ 5pm
Monterosso
Monterosso has a long sandy beach situated in the new part of the village. This is the perfect place if you are looking for a traditional beach with sand and umbrellas. You can either choose to pay for an umbrella and a chair or settle in a free area with your own towel. Along the promenade you'll find restaurants, pubs and ice-cream shops. To reach the beach take the train that goes between the Cinque Terre villages and you'll find the beach right in front of the train station in Monterosso. The old town beach is situated where also the trail to Vernazza starts. It's a sandy beach near the boats rental area and is divided into public and private zones. From the train station turn left and walk along the promenade in direction old town, pass the tunnel and you'll see the beach on your right side. 10 minutes walk.
There is an open market on Thursdays.
Vernazza
In the harbour of Vernazza there is a small sandy beach where you can take a swim and there are also flat rocks that are great for sunning. The natural harbor surrounding the beach allows the water to remain calm and creates a great place to protect the local's fishing boats. From the railway station go along the main village street in direction harbour, 2 minutes walk.
There is a stony beach on the east side of the village. From the main village street turn left through the "cave", 2 minutes walk.
VERNAZZA - CORNIGLIA
Difficulty: average
Length: 4 km
Duration: 1,5h – 2h
The footpath leaves from Vernazza, and reaches in few minutes the second tower of the fortifications. The ascent continues not too much steeply until the viewpoint Punta Palma (208 metres above sea level). The path continues with a succession of not difficult ups and downs overlooking the beach of Guvano immersed in cultivated fields, olive groves, vineyards and flowery meadows. Continuing on this trail you will after an easy slope reach the town of Corniglia, the smallest of the five villages. Corniglia lays on a small cape, 100 metres above the sea.
Corniglia
Cliff-top; no beach
Difficulty: easy
Length: 1,5 km
Duration: 30 minutes
The famous Via dell’Amore, "Lover’s Lane", is closed indefinitely.
Riomaggiore
In Riomaggiore there is a public beach of boulders with crystal water east of the village.
From the railway station follow the tunnel and the sign to "marina". Visit the lovely harbour and take the stairs to the left and it will wind around to the ferry dock. Just past there and you will reach the stony beach.
Alternative scenic path:
https://cinqueterreinsider.com/2017/08/23/take-a-detour-on-the-terzo-binario-in-riomaggiore/
At Riomaggiore’s train station, make your way to the second platform (binario 2); you’ll have to use the underpass.
Once you are on the second platform, walk south towards the end of the platform.
Just before entering the tunnel, you’ll see a metal gate on the right (this should be open unless there are rough seas).
Parking at Riomaggiore: https://cinqueterreinsider.com/2017/04/04/the-2017-payment-parking-situation-in-riomaggiore/
To park at the upper part of the village, there may be police to check your hotel reservation.
PORTOVENERE
Doria Castle
Bike trail from Levanto to Bonassola
The charming bathing resort of Bonassola has one of the most extensive beaches in Liguria. The beach is mainly sandy, mixed with small pebbles and the crystal clear blue water invites to swimming and snorkeling. There are three private zones with bars where you can hire deck chairs and umbrellas. There are also two large open public areas where you can put your own umbrella.
You can reach Bonassola with train from the Cinque Terre (5 minutes from Monterosso) or you can walk from Levanto through the tunnels. From the trains station you will reach the beach in only 2 minutes.
Bike Rentals
(1 day: from 10 euro, 40% reduction if you rent for a half day). The rental points are closed for lunch from 1 pm to 3 pm.
ELBA
Ferry Piombino to Portoferraio
22€ passengers; 35€ car each way = 55€ each way
1 hour crossing
TO: 10:45am, 1:45pm, 4:45pm, 8pm
FROM: 6:05am, 9:15am, 12:15pm, 3:15pm, 6:45pm
Sandy beaches on the east coast; €5 parking, byo umbrella
Your visit falls naturally into two distinct parts: the Orsini Fortress, and the old village itself. Inside the village there is a labyrinth of alleys and staircases staircases that ascend and descend in meandering streets and give the village a unique medieval feeling.
CINQUE TERRE
Air temps: 60s-F
Water temps: 50s-F
Hiking
Entrance fees are charged to walk between the towns and use the "pulmino" shuttles within towns. The €7,50 Cinque Terre Card is good for one day of hiking (€14,50/2 days, Free under 4)
Hikes: http://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre
https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes
Treno MS card
The Cinque Terre Card Train includes all the above services and also allows unlimited train travel on the Levanto - Cinque Terre - La Spezia line (on regional trains in 2° class).
1 day Cinque Terre Train Card € 16 - Until midnight of the day of validation
2 days Cinque Terre Train Card € 29 - Until midnight of the day after validation
3 days Cinque Terre Train Card € 41 - Until midnight 2 days after validation
Under 4 is FREE
Before using a card, the user's name must be written on the back. Cards must be shown to inspectors together with a valid identity document. Cards must be stamped at Trenitalia's stamping machines when taking the first train ride.
http://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/cinque-terre-card
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/page.php?id=158
Note, train cars will end up in tunnels and you have to walk back to the station; Pull/twist doors open manually, they will not automatically open. There are WCs at the train stations but it's a good idea to bring your own TP.
Bus Routes
Riomaggiore – Monesteroli – Biassa – Telegrafo
Manarola – Groppo – Cantina – Volastra
Corniglia Stazione (railway station) – Corniglia paese (center of the village)
Vernazza – Sant. Reggio – Drignana – Fornacchi – S. Bernardino – Murro – Vernazzola
Monterosso – Santuario di Soviore
Cost included with the CT card. €2,50 from the bus; €1,50 from Information office
They may not run midday 12-4pm, and don't run on a set schedule.
It is nice to walk down from the Telegrafo to Riomaggiore. Another great option is taking the bus from Manarola to Volastra, then hiking from Volastra to Corniglia. You could also take the bus from Vernazza or Monterosso up to the sanctuaries and walk down from there. From Vernazza, just take a roundtrip with the bus to enjoy the great views. The view of Vernazza from the top of the hill is one of my favourites in all of the Cinque Terre. Although the drivers generally stop at the lookout point for a quick photo stop, it's always better to ask them. The buses are usually used by locals living further up the hills.
http://cinqueterre-travel.com/getting_there/bus/
last boat ~ 5pm
Monterosso has a long sandy beach situated in the new part of the village. This is the perfect place if you are looking for a traditional beach with sand and umbrellas. You can either choose to pay for an umbrella and a chair or settle in a free area with your own towel. Along the promenade you'll find restaurants, pubs and ice-cream shops. To reach the beach take the train that goes between the Cinque Terre villages and you'll find the beach right in front of the train station in Monterosso. The old town beach is situated where also the trail to Vernazza starts. It's a sandy beach near the boats rental area and is divided into public and private zones. From the train station turn left and walk along the promenade in direction old town, pass the tunnel and you'll see the beach on your right side. 10 minutes walk.
There is an open market on Thursdays.
MONTEROSSO - VERNAZZA
Difficulty: average
Length: 3,5 km
Duration: 1,5 h
The footpath, marked in white and red, leaves from the eastern part of the old town of Monterosso. Take the small pedestrian road leading to the Hotel Porto Roca. The path begins with a long staircase crossing vineyards and citrus orchards. The footpath continues flat, but in some parts it is very narrow and without protection on the side of sea. Some parts are broad and peaceful, and you can always enjoy a wonderful panorama over the sea. The footpath passes on an antique stone-bridge, which is really worth a picture. When the trail begins to go down, the view of Vernazza is really breathless. The path continues to go down among olive trees and cultivated fields, then it enters into the town along the small lanes and ends in the small harbour of Vernazza.
Difficulty: average
Length: 3,5 km
Duration: 1,5 h
The footpath, marked in white and red, leaves from the eastern part of the old town of Monterosso. Take the small pedestrian road leading to the Hotel Porto Roca. The path begins with a long staircase crossing vineyards and citrus orchards. The footpath continues flat, but in some parts it is very narrow and without protection on the side of sea. Some parts are broad and peaceful, and you can always enjoy a wonderful panorama over the sea. The footpath passes on an antique stone-bridge, which is really worth a picture. When the trail begins to go down, the view of Vernazza is really breathless. The path continues to go down among olive trees and cultivated fields, then it enters into the town along the small lanes and ends in the small harbour of Vernazza.
In the harbour of Vernazza there is a small sandy beach where you can take a swim and there are also flat rocks that are great for sunning. The natural harbor surrounding the beach allows the water to remain calm and creates a great place to protect the local's fishing boats. From the railway station go along the main village street in direction harbour, 2 minutes walk.
VERNAZZA - CORNIGLIA
Difficulty: average
Length: 4 km
Duration: 1,5h – 2h
The footpath leaves from Vernazza, and reaches in few minutes the second tower of the fortifications. The ascent continues not too much steeply until the viewpoint Punta Palma (208 metres above sea level). The path continues with a succession of not difficult ups and downs overlooking the beach of Guvano immersed in cultivated fields, olive groves, vineyards and flowery meadows. Continuing on this trail you will after an easy slope reach the town of Corniglia, the smallest of the five villages. Corniglia lays on a small cape, 100 metres above the sea.
Cliff-top; no beach
CORNIGLIA - MANAROLA
Difficulty: easy
Length: 3 km
Duration: 1 h
Take the stairs (377 steps) down to the raiway station of Corniglia and continue the path following the railway lines. The path continues almost flatly and you will reach the bungalows of the Holiday Village Europa, a bar and a beach with rocks which invite you to have a bath. Once arrived at the characteristic cemetery follow the path and you will reach the picnic area from where you have a wonderful view over the houses and the wonderful port of Manarola. A tunnel will lead you to the railway station.
TRAIL from Volastra down to Corniglia, 506, 586, 587 (previous names: 6, 6D, 7A)
Manarola
Although there is no traditional beach in Manarola, there is a beautiful harbour area that have the best deep-water swimming around. A ladder up the rocks and a shower are provided for those who love a little adventuresome swimming. From the train station proceed in direction harbour, 3 minutes walk.
MANAROLA - RIOMAGGIOREDifficulty: easy
Length: 3 km
Duration: 1 h
Take the stairs (377 steps) down to the raiway station of Corniglia and continue the path following the railway lines. The path continues almost flatly and you will reach the bungalows of the Holiday Village Europa, a bar and a beach with rocks which invite you to have a bath. Once arrived at the characteristic cemetery follow the path and you will reach the picnic area from where you have a wonderful view over the houses and the wonderful port of Manarola. A tunnel will lead you to the railway station.
Although there is no traditional beach in Manarola, there is a beautiful harbour area that have the best deep-water swimming around. A ladder up the rocks and a shower are provided for those who love a little adventuresome swimming. From the train station proceed in direction harbour, 3 minutes walk.
Difficulty: easy
Length: 1,5 km
Duration: 30 minutes
The famous Via dell’Amore, "Lover’s Lane", is closed indefinitely.
In Riomaggiore there is a public beach of boulders with crystal water east of the village.
From the railway station follow the tunnel and the sign to "marina". Visit the lovely harbour and take the stairs to the left and it will wind around to the ferry dock. Just past there and you will reach the stony beach.
https://cinqueterreinsider.com/2017/08/23/take-a-detour-on-the-terzo-binario-in-riomaggiore/
At Riomaggiore’s train station, make your way to the second platform (binario 2); you’ll have to use the underpass.
Once you are on the second platform, walk south towards the end of the platform.
Just before entering the tunnel, you’ll see a metal gate on the right (this should be open unless there are rough seas).
Parking at Riomaggiore: https://cinqueterreinsider.com/2017/04/04/the-2017-payment-parking-situation-in-riomaggiore/
To park at the upper part of the village, there may be police to check your hotel reservation.
PORTOVENERE
Bike trail from Levanto to Bonassola
The charming bathing resort of Bonassola has one of the most extensive beaches in Liguria. The beach is mainly sandy, mixed with small pebbles and the crystal clear blue water invites to swimming and snorkeling. There are three private zones with bars where you can hire deck chairs and umbrellas. There are also two large open public areas where you can put your own umbrella.
You can reach Bonassola with train from the Cinque Terre (5 minutes from Monterosso) or you can walk from Levanto through the tunnels. From the trains station you will reach the beach in only 2 minutes.
(1 day: from 10 euro, 40% reduction if you rent for a half day). The rental points are closed for lunch from 1 pm to 3 pm.
ELBA
Ferry Piombino to Portoferraio
22€ passengers; 35€ car each way = 55€ each way
1 hour crossing
TO: 10:45am, 1:45pm, 4:45pm, 8pm
FROM: 6:05am, 9:15am, 12:15pm, 3:15pm, 6:45pm
Sandy beaches on the east coast; €5 parking, byo umbrella
