My husband and I are going on a cruise and have an extra 5 1/2 days in Italy afterwards this November. We are starting in Rome and then have to go to Civitavecchia for the cruise. After, we thought we
My husband and I are going on a cruise and have an extra 5 1/2 days in Italy afterwards this November. We are starting in Rome and then have to go to Civitavecchia for the cruise. After, we thought we would go Civitavecchia to Venice and Florence. (Not sure the order). In total it will be 4 train trips (I think). What is the most inexpensive way to do this? Pay per ticket?
Are we trying to cram too much into 5 1/2 days? Should we choose alternate destination(s)?
Where does your flight home leave from? If Rome, I think you're pushing it to travel to both Florence and Venice, which are at the opposite end of the country. If you flying home from northern Italy, it makes more sense.
The cost won't differ appreciably if you just buy tickets on walk-up - which has the advantage of allowing flexibility, if it takes longer to get off the ship than you anticipate or if you decide to stay a few hours more or less somewhere.
To look at train schedules to make your own determination about whether you're trying to do too much, look at the German rail site, which works for all countries and is easier to use than the trenitalia site. I'd suggest two days in Florence and three in Venice, unless you are a big Renaissance art fan, in which case I'd reverse that. I suggest traveling between Florence and Rome in the evening, rather than wasting precious sightseeing hours on the train. Daylight hours are short in November, so maximize your time out and about while you've got 'em!
If you are flying out of Rome, make sure you stay in Rome your last night. You don't want to plan on traveling back the same day, in case a train malfunction, impromptu strike (not uncommon in Italy), or other snag delays your return.
The biggest question (as Road Crazy asked) where are you flying home from? It is correct there's not much price difference to fly home from a different airport (i.e. Venice) you just may have a layover.
If you are flying home from Rome I would probably take the train straight to Venice (about 4 hours). I spend 2 days there this past august and thought it was a good amount of time. I went to Murano, it's worth seeing the glassblowing in my opinion, and there are some great little shops, and a lot less crowds! Then take the train from Venice to Florence for 2-3 days. Just use your time wisely. I went to the Accademia to see the statue of David at about 4:30 pm one day and walked right into the museum (I've heard the lines in the morning are outrageous). And climbing the Duomo (while a little crowded and hectic) was breathtaking and well worth it!
Then take the train back to Rome. I agree getting to Rome the night before you leave on your flight. (train from Venice to Florence was about 2 hours and 30 min. And the train from Florence to Rome was about 1 hour and 30 min).
Of course if you fly home from Venice start in Florence and end in Venice.
OH, and for whatever reason the website for the train does not work to purchase tickets online (atleast as of August 2008). Every hotel in Italy confirmed this too. It wasn't a big deal just showing up at the station and purchasing tickets on their E-ticket machines, although we had to wait about 1 hour to catch a train from Florence to Rome since they booked up quickly. I've heard you can use local travel agents to book tickets while in Italy, or you may just have to wait at the station that extra little bit.
