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10 Day Trip to Italy

We are 3 travelers. My daughter (30), sister (68) and myself (64) We would like to leave Philadelphia on a direct flight to Rome on the night of August 31st. Arrive in Rome on 09/01/13. We would like to stay 3 days in Rome, then travel by train to Florence and spend 2 days in Florence and then go to stay in Sorrento for 3 nights and back to either Naples or Rome to catch a plane back to Philadelphia. We do not want to rent a car as none of us want to drive in Italy. I am not clear about the train service. In addition, when I tried to get a direct flight home to Philly, (my sister wants a direct flight) it would leave Rome at 6:35 a.m. When I tried to find out how to get to Rome very early in the a.m. they told me the trains would not be running at around 4:00 a.m. Also, I called a taxi service and they wanted a lot of money (additional charge they call in the middle of the night) was added on, etc. I would like to fly home on Sept.10th as early as possible. If possible, I would like a suggestion on how to get to the airport for an early flight. In addition, any suggestions on places to dine in Rome (where the locals go and not expensive) and in Florence, and in Sorrento?
Thankyou.

Posted by
5 posts

Thank you Roberto for all of the helpful info. Our trip home would be a 6:35 a.m. flight and it would be on Sept. 10th. That was trying to arrange the trip thru European Destination. They have some later flights but they have at least 1 stop or some 2-3 stops. That would be about 13-18 hrs. and my sister would not be ok with that.
She has a few health issues.

Posted by
5 posts

You may be right but that was the shortest flight back to Philadelphia.

Posted by
15043 posts

The only non stop flight to Rome FCO from Philadelphia PHL is with US Airways. The flight back from FCO to PHL currently departs FCO at 11:40 am in the morning, not at 6:35. Haven't checked the timetable in September, but it wont' be that different. Generally non stop flights back to the US don't leave from Rome before 9:00am. The first one is in fact the Alitalia flight to Miami, which leaves at 9:25am. If they told you you must leave at 6;35, it means you are going to some other European hub first before flying back to PHL. I presume it's Lisbon with TAP Portugal, which has a codeshare agreement with US Air and in fact has a codeshare flight leaving Rome for Lisbon around that time. From Rome downtown to the airport it's a 30 min. taxi ride, the cost is approximately 50 euro. Three people traveling together are better off taking a taxi since 3 train tickets (train ticket is 14 euro per person one way) would cost just as much as a taxi ride and you have the hassle of getting to the station and carrying your luggage on board.

Posted by
5 posts

Does anyone have any suggestions on places to dine in Rome where the locals go. also, any places to dine in Sorrento or close by?
Would like any suggestions that you could give to my sister and I who are first time travelers to Italy. Thank you, Diana

Posted by
32173 posts

Diana, The route you've mentioned is not the most efficient, as it involves some "backtracking". That means you'll be spending more of your very short 10 days in getting between destinations. You might also consider starting your trip in Florence, although flight options are limited to Florence so that will probably mean a change of planes at a "hub" airport such as Amsterdam or Frankfurt. As you're planning on traveling by train or other public transit during the trip, there are some potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of in Italy. If you need more information, post another note. For suggestions on restaurants "where the locals go", I'd suggest asking the staff at your hotel. That's a method I frequently use, and have never had a bad recommendation. You could also check the Italy 2013 Guidebook for listings of good restaurants. The Guidebook would be an excellent resource to pack along! It also has good information on dining in Italy. Meals are usually served in several courses, and if you order the "full meal deal", it can get expensive very quickly. Good luck with your planning!

Posted by
115 posts

As you're planning on traveling by train or other public transit during the trip, there are some potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of in Italy. If you need more information, post another note.
What does this mean?

Posted by
32173 posts

@Liz, When using Regionale trains which don't require reservations, it's VERY IMPORTANT to validate (time & date stamp) the tickets prior to boarding the train. This includes the Leonardo Express which travels from the airport to Roma Termini. The validation (Convalida) machine will either be bright yellow or blue & gray, with a small digital display on the front. These are usually easy to find and located close to the tracks. If the machine is out of order, writing the time & date on the ticket may be acceptable (ask the Conductor as soon as possible). Those caught with unvalidated tickets may be fined on the spot! The fines start at €50 per person and if not paid on the spot, they DOUBLE and increase from there! The same fines apply to those travelling via Bus in Rome and other places (in that case, validation machines are often located on the Bus). Conductors are now carrying portable debit/credit card Terminals, so payment of fines WILL be easily accomplished one way or the other. Those travelling on the "premium" trains such as the Freccia (high speed) trains MUST have a valid reservation or again may be fined on the spot! These fines also start at €50 per person, in addition to the cost of the reservation, which is currently ~€10 PP. Reservations on these trains are compulsory and are specific to a particular train and departure time. It's NOT POSSIBLE to simply buy a ticket with reservations and then board any train. The ticket or reservation will specify the train number (ie: ES 9718), so it's important to verify that before boarding. Cheers!

Posted by
5 posts

Thank you so much for all of your help! I will be purchasing a Italy guidebook. In addition, we will consult the staff at the hotels for local dining information.
And again, thank you for the information regarding the rail system. Diana