CINQUE TERRE (Five Lands in English): It is a scenic stretch of the Ligurian eastern coast leading to the boundary with Tuscany, extending for less than 20 km. Thanks to its location, Cinque Terre is a favourite Italian destination both for a one-day trip and longer stays. In fact, they are a must when visiting northern Tuscany. Cinque Terre has been declared Unesco World Heritage Site for its suggestive and uncontaminated territory, rich in history and natural beauty. The name Cinque Terre derives from five villages located at the foot of cliffs falling sheer to the sea. They are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Each of them has maintained the typical atmosphere of seaside small centres with coloured and towershaped houses along narrow streets, even though with their own peculiarities. Monterosso is the main resort with the greatest number of accommodations as well as the most extensive sandy beach of Cinque Terre. The only natural harbour of Cinque Terre is Vernazza, extended up the rocky spur immediately behind it. The Blue Guide 2013 of Legambiente, the Italian association promoting the environmental protection, has included it among the more characteristic villages of Cinque Terre.
To go there you need to take trains to Pisa and then La Spezia. From La Spezia there are several trains to reach the five small villages. Anyway, check the website of railway and the official website of Cinqueterre (also in English): www.cinqueterre.it/info.php
BOLOGNA: It is a very pretty town full of history. Here you will find the oldest university in Italy, as well
as many students, clubs and museums. Bologna is famous for its arcades that accompany almost all its
streets. To reach Bologna by train you have to go from Pistoia to Prato Centrale (15 minutes approx.) and
from Prato Centrale to Bologna Centrale (1 hour approx.). You can also go from Pistoia to Florence Santa
Maria Novella (40 minutes approx) and from there take a fast train to Bologna Centrale (35 minutes
approx.), but it’s much more expensive.
ROMA: Rome is a city that needs no introduction! From Pistoia there are 300 kilometers, the easiest way to go there is by car (but maybe you don’t have a car and the traffic could also be a problem!) and by train. To go by train you have to go from Pistoia to Firenze Santa Maria Novella and from there to Roma Termini, the main train station of Roma. A fast train (Frecciarossa / Frecciargento) takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and can be very expensive (about 40 euro one way), but there are many offers if you buy your ticket in advance. Otherwise you can take a slower train that will take you to Rome in 3 hours and 30 minutes for about 20 euro.
MILANO: the city of fashion! From Pistoia there are 300 kilometres, and, as for Roma, the easiest way
to go there is by bus and by train. To go by train you have to go from Pistoia to Firenze Santa Maria
Novella and from there to Milano Centrale, the main train station of Milano. A fast train (Frecciarossa/Frecciargento) takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and can be very expensive (about 50 euro one
way), but there are many offers if you buy your ticket in advance. There is only one slower train per day, at 8.19 that will take you to Milano in 3 hours and 56 minutes for about 33 euros. Check Baltour or Flixbus for buses.
VENEZIA: One of the most romantic city in Italy. From Pistoia there are 270 kilometres and, as for Roma and Milano, the easiest way to go there is by car and by train. To go by train there are two possibilities:
1) going from Pistoia to Firenze Santa Maria Novella and here, take a fast train (Frecciarossa/Frecciargento) that will take you in Venezia Santa Lucia (the central station of Venezia) in 2 hours for 45 euro (remember that you can find cheaper prices if you look for promotion on the website.
2) Going from Pistoia to Bologna Centrale (you have instruction above on how to arrive there) and in Bologna Centrale take a Regionale Veloce that will take you in Venezia Santa Lucia in 1 hour 57 minutes for 10,95 euro.
