This will be our first trip to Italy. We will be based out of Florence but will also be visiting Rome and Venice. What other areas might we be able to reach by train that would give us a break from the cities/churches/museums?
We are traveling w/ our two sons- 10 and 14...
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
Most but not all the spots in Italy can be reached by some form of public transportation. Bus, train, ferry or a combination.
So the questions are:
How much time will you have?
Are you planning on visiting Rome and Venice as a day trip from Florence? Or will you be transferring your lodging there as well?
If you have plenty of time then you can venture a bit farther afield. If you don't have much time, then you may want to keep your other than city visits to spots on a fairly direct route between your major destinations.
Posted by
Richmond, Ky, USA
278 posts
michelle, consider some time in tuscany. There are several ciries accessible by train, with car rental offices nearby. With 4 travelers, a car makes allot of sense, and Tuscany by car on your time, and at your pace, is a great experience. My wife and I spent 6 days just driving from hilltown to hilltown, and enjoyed every one. They are all small, but each has it's own character. We stayed in Montepulciano, and loved it. Enjoy! Jeff
Posted by
OP
boston, ma, usa
160 posts
Thanks All! We will most likely be doing a day trip to Venice but will be spending 3-4 days in Rome. Interestingly, when I mentioned Cinque Terre to the Florence family we are house swapping with she laughed, said it was very "trendy" among Americans and that, given it is our first trip, we should save it for another time because it is a little tougher to reach.
I have read so many wonderful posts about it so am quite torn. Someone on another thread mentioned Orbetello (sp?)? Does anyone have any thoughts on that? She was not aware if trains went there but knew buses did.
As for the train/car.... we have also gone back and forth about that...