Greetings! I am staying in Ferrara with friends. My BF & I want to play day-trips to Venice, Florence and Rome over the 6 days, May 27 thru June 1st, spending each night back at her home in Ferrara, if at all possible. But one night's hotel may be necessary I realize. Your experienced tips would be greatly appreciated. If we have to rent a car, will do...or if train is recommended, please advise. If you need any further clarification from me, just ask. Grazie, Gail.
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
If you buy train tickets well in advance, you can save quite a bit of money.
First to Venice. That is easy because the trains are frequent and always the same price. 9.05 EUR per person each way. They are Regionale and it is 1 1/2 hours to Venice. Go whenever you want.
To Florence, it is about 69 EUR for both you round trip if you buy several months in advance. It is 127 EUR if you buy day of travel. Advance tickets at these prices are nonrefundable and you must travel on the exact trains on the ticket, just like airline tickets.
To Rome, definitely stay over one night. It is about 90 EUR round trip with advance tickets. Day of travel, it is 263 EUR round trip for 2.
So those 2 trips are 159 EUR bought in advance, 390 EUR spur of the moment. You could buy a 3 day Eurail Pass for 260 EUR equivalent, but you would have to buy a 10 EUR seat reservation each way. That is 80 EUR seat reservations, so about 340 EUR total.
Now you know the savings of planning ahead.
PS- You'd be a lot better off exploring the great close by cities of Ravenna, Bologna, Padua. Less time spent riding trains and more time and money to do it.
Posted by
8460 posts
With only six days, going out of Ferrara, I would save Rome (still my favorite city in Europe) for another trip. Do Venice and Florence well and enjoy yourself. Also, consider staying in Florence. Hotels are not expensive there. Check out the Hotel Balesteri.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Gracie! For taking the time to respond. Great advice re buying advance tickets, Sam.