We (parents and 1 young adult son) will be in Cinque Terre for 3 nights, we then have 3 nights to do some other place and will end in Venice for 3 nights. After we leave CT we could rent a car in La Spezia and drive down to Sienna area for the 3 nights we have open and then leave car in Florence and take a train from Florence to Venice OR we could rent the car and drive toward Venice stopping somewhere in between for the 3 nights we have and then drop the car at Venice. Are there any towns that would be interesting enough to stay in for 3 nights between CT and Venice. I don't like to move too much. Also, does anyone know how long the drive would be from CT to Venice?
Posted by
Tulsa, OK
355 posts
The trains are so easy. My last trip to Italy, we even stopped off in Bologna for a few hours taking the train. I would leave as much time as possible for Venice. Siena is lovely also so I like your idea of time there before heading to Venice. You could even drop the car in Siena. We did that a few years ago. Traffic is a lot easier to manage in Siena than in Florence. You could then take a local train to Florence and catch the faster train to Venice.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
I really prefer arriving in Venice via train. If you arrive by car you will park in a non-descript lot outside the city. If you take the train in, you get off the train, walk out of the station doors and it's like walking into a movie! The beautiful buildings and canals are right in front of you - sort of like walking up to the Grand Canyon - you can't quite believe it's real when you first lay eyes on it!
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
711 posts
I also recommend train to Venice.
Posted by
Land of La
9342 posts
Train from Florence to Venice. Easy, comfortable. Nice 2 hour ride. Simply remember to stamp (validate) your tickets at the yellow boxes before boarding the train. Do hope you are staying at least a day in Florence, if not more. Fantastic city to explore. Agree with Anita, the moment you walk out of the Venice train station is memorable!