First time traveler, please review my itinerary in case I need to make changes

Are you traveling solo?

You have obviously spent significant energy researching your trip. Kudos!

I don't see how you can arrive at Rome airport at 8:15 and be on a 10:30am train.
You have passport control lines and checked luggage to retrieve .
The train from the airport to Rome Termini is almost an hour.
Your incoming plane could be late. Check Flight Aware to research the flight's dependability.

I hope I misread that part.

You will always remember your first trip to Europe. Safe travels!

Thank you for your response! The train is includes the one from the Rome airport to Rome termini, and then at 11:05 the train starts for the one from rome termini to Florence. Does that clarify? Should I still move my train tickets by a few more hours later? Thank you’! Also I will be traveling with my husband. We are both first time travelers.

head to Marco Polo airport to return my rental car by 8am and depart from the airport at 11:05am

You do realize you will need to be on the move by 430AM to assure having time to get there and refuel the car before turn in?

( Assuming you mean to travel from Cortina d Ampezzo to VCE)

From my hotel in cortina to the Marco Polo airport it say it’s less than a 2 hr drive. I assumed that I could leave at 5:45AM and arrive by 8am right as the rental car station opens.
How did you get 4:30am? Thank you

Getting the 10:23 departure from FCO with an planned arrival at 815 will require everything to run like the proverbial "Swiss watch".

Afternoon thunderstorms in Atlanta in July is not a rare event and could slow flight ops and have you getting to Rome a bit behind schedule. Just something you may wish to consider in your planning.

July 18 - arrive at Rome 8:15am take a train (booked 1st class) 10:30am-12:46pm from Rome to Florence.

This is ok if you bought a fully refundable train ticket (these are always the most expensive) in case the flight is delayed. Even as an experienced traveler I would give myself 4 hours to make train after my flight has arrived in Rome.

Your flight could be delayed causing you to miss the train. If you can afford for that to happen just be prepared to buy another ticket (these are always more expensive the day of) ; make yourself aware of the schedule of next trains from Roma Termini to Firenze.

From my hotel in cortina to the Marco Polo airport it say it’s less than a 2 hr drive. I assumed that I could leave at 5:45AM and arrive by 8am right as the rental car station opens.
How did you get 4:30am? Thank you

The below shows 1hr 50min to 2hr 30min Add for stopping for fuel and factoring in google's "optimism" and thus, if it were me, I would be moving by 430. You are certainly entitled to take a more optimistic view of the travel time if you wish.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/32043+Cortina+d'Ampezzo,+Province+of+Belluno,+Italy/Venice+Marco+Polo+Airport+(VCE),+Viale+Galileo+Galilei,+Venice,+Metropolitan+City+of+Venice,+Italy/@46.0153754,10.9357189,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m18!4m17!1m5!1m1!1s0x47783435d247033f:0xdd3c30437b92e42b!2m2!1d12.1358821!2d46.5378431!1m5!1m1!1s0x4779354dc4b50b81:0x23f1327198624899!2m2!1d12.3466295!2d45.5046844!2m3!6e0!7e2!8j1715315100!3e0?entry=ttu

(Regarding landing in Rome at 8:15 )Ok should I change my train from 10:30 to 11:30am? I believe my tickets have the ability to change the time.

(Regarding my rental car return from cortina to Venice airport ) Also, could you please help me plan and clarify on why I would leave at 4:30 if my drive is less than two hours?

Oh ok that makes sense for the rental car issue. I will make sure to refuel the night before and leave earlier than 6am, however the earliest I can drop off my rental car is 8am.

July 18 - arrive at Rome 8:15am take a train (booked 1st class)
10:30am-12:46pm from Rome to Florence. Check in hotel and allow rest
of the day to relax, enjoy foods and sleep early about 8/9pm.

Curious as to where you booked this? I don't see this particular schedule/train available on either Trenitalia or ItaloTreno on July 18. ( the 2 official train companies)
Are you using a third party reseller like TrainLine or ItaliaRail?

Anyway- the chance that you wil actually make this train are slim to none. And you know what they say about Slim!

Best advice is to just wait til you land to book your onward train tix. Sure it might cost a bit more but you won't take the chance of missing the train you've bought tix for- as in yours- highly likely. You can purchase the whole journey at the airport train station or use the Trenitalia App. (Register and set your account up before leaving home)

If possible change this to a train leaving Termini at more like 3 hours minimum post landing time.
Planes are often delayed coming from US.

July 24 - pickup rental car 8am at Marco Polo airport,

It's a pain and an expense to go all the way out to the airport. Pick up your car at Piazzale Roma or Mestre.
Your pick up and drop off locations can be different.

My hotel is in the actual Venice island off the canal.

Exactly where?

July 26 - head to Marco Polo airport to return my rental car by 8am
and depart from the airport at 11:05am. 3 hour Layover in Atlanta
Georgia. To my home / city airport.

I would be AT the Venice airport the night before this departure. Venice airport can be a crowded mess now due to cruise passengers. You must be there 3 hours prior. I would never take the chance of trying to get there on this early am. (Unless you are OK missing your flight and purchasing another). S*** happens. Accidents, traffic, constriction, detours, etc. I'd be a nervous wreck driving from that far away to catch that flight. You would have to get up by 4:30- on the road by 5:30 at the latest, refuse, find the drop off location, shuttle from there to the airport, etc
I would actually spend that last night in Venice- we can show you how get to airport in the am. This will be simple if you pick up/drop off car in Piazzale Roma or Mestre. That rental rate will likely be less expensive anyway- airports rentals are always more expensive.

Is there any way you can add a night or 2? Even 1 night would help.

I wouldn’t want to change the plans I have made so far with flights and hotel stays.
The earliest I can book my rental car is 8am to the Venice Marco Polo airport, and my flight leaves at 11:05am. I bought travel insurance with delta and I am hoping that will cover me if by any chance I have to miss the flight. But as long as I leave early enough to make it by 8am, I will have an entire 3 rest of my hours to prepare for my flight back home.

Yes, I booked my train ticket with Trenitalia. It is two separate tickets. One with a regular train and one with a high speed train, the regional says 10:23 to 10:55, and the second train says time termini to Florence 11:10-12:46. I cannot get a refund of 28 euros or chance my tickets for the first train, but I can change and edit my tickets for my second high speed train. Should I not make it in time, yes I will have to purchase new train tickets to get from Rome airport to Rome termini, but I won’t have to purchase new tickets for the frecciarossa.

I will make sure to refuel the night before

Not sure how that solves anything. After driving ~100 miles the car will need to be refueled when you get to Venice.

Putting Cortina after Florence and finishing in Venice cleans up some logistical issues.

Are plans still amenable to changes?

i would probably be able to see if I could rearrange that, but I’ve already got everything booked. The simplest thing I can think of is to remove a stay on my second night at the Dolomites and stay in Venice that last night, to avoid that. But I have to check in my car at 8am, the rental car place doesn’t open any sooner. We tried to do that with a delta expert
That would just mean I would have less time in the Dolomites and have to come back to Venice instead of being able to enjoy a full day.

I bought travel insurance with delta and I am hoping that will cover
me if by any chance I have to miss the flight. But as long as I leave
early enough to make it by 8am, I will have an entire 3 rest of my
hours to prepare for my flight back home.

Read your travel insurance docs very carefully.
I don't think missing your flight because you started out too far away or there was an accident will be an acceptable reason to file a claim and be awarded a settlement. I could be mistaken.
You won't have 3 hours to "prepare for your flight" you will first be in the check in/check baggage line- that could take an hour, then you will be in the security line- that could take an hour, then you will be in the passport control line/exiting Schengen- that could take an hour.
There is a reason the airlines tell you to be there 3 hours preflight.

Not trying to be Debbie Downer just giving you a realistic picture of international travel. YOU have to be realistic in your expectations.

Yes, I booked my train ticket with Trenitalia. It is two separate
tickets. One with a regular train and one with a high speed train, the
regional says 10:23 to 10:55,

This first leg is the Leonardo Express. I am pretty sure you can board any train on this route up to 4 hours past that 10:23 departure with the ticket you have.
This is a regional train.

but I can change and edit my tickets for my second high speed train.

Change this to a departure about 12 noon or later. You can alway fill the time getting lunch and coffee at Termini.

but I’ve already got everything booked.
Are these bookings non refundable?

We tried to do that with a delta expert

Do you mean your car is booked thru Delta? Not sure if there is any expertise there but YMMV.

I wouldn’t want to change the plans I have made so far with flights
and hotel stays.

If it made the whole plan easier, less stressful and less risky- I sure would.

Putting Cortina after Florence and finishing in Venice cleans up some
logistical issues.

This is what I would try to do:

Florence 3 nights

Train to Mestre (1 stop before Venezia S Lucia) pick up car- drive to Cortina
(No Need to drive all the way from Florence- not a scenic drive for the most part anyway)

( You already have this train ticket- see if you can change to earlier in the day- get off in Mestre)

Cortina 2 nights
Drive back to Mestre- drop car
Short train ride to Venice- 1 stop- (no need to buy in advance- regional train can't sell out, price never changes)
Venice 3 nights
Depart from Venice 11 am.

Lesson is-you should always be IN your departure city the night before your flight.

Thank you. So I think I won’t have to worry much about the train to Florence. Either way, I will get there.

So is everyone saying everything looks good so far except the day of July 26th? Would it help if I buy a hotel room closer to the Venice airport on the night of the 25th?
As I said earlier, the rental car place doesn’t open until 8am. I have read online from others that the rental car is not a long process to drop off at the VCE airport. I would have from about 8:30am to 11:05am to make my flight. So are you saying I have a high chance of missing my flight? Thank you

For my tickets from time to Florence, I will leave it as is for now and change it when I am already in the airport and if I feel like I need more time. Or will that not work?

So you won’t be disappointed… the beach experience you want in the Cinque Terre is in Monterosso and is small not like beaches in the U.S.

Also, I was told by the airport 3 hours is enough time. If I arrive at the airport at let’s say 7am, would I be able to get some of those things done ahead of time and have my rental car on a standby until 8am? Does this make sense at all?

It appears the car rentals are open until 1159PM

You could spend your last full day in Cortina and drive to Venice in the evening, drop off the car before closing and stay at a hotel near the airport.

All you miss in Cortina is sleeping and you eliminate an ugly early start to your departure day and the risk of missing your flight.

Thank you. Your post about doing Florence, then cortina, then Venice makes sense to me. However I am paying all of this with a delta gift card. I will have to see if delta has rental cars I can pickup in mestre, instead of the airport.

That is a good idea as well! Thank you

With my delta gift card I am able to get a hotel stay for one night at crowne plaza Venice east. Does this sound good? It is about a 12-16 minute drive from the airport and cheap enough to fit it into my budget. I could drive back from the Dolomites as long as I can take my rental car back by 11:59pm, and then catch some sort of transport back to my hotel and then in the morning early hours back to the airport? Then I can just start the process as early as like 6:30/7am for my 11am flight? How would I get to and back from that hotel, are there bus station kioks like the train ones?

For my tickets from time to Florence, I will leave it as is for now
and change it when I am already in the airport and if I feel like I
need more time. Or will that not work?

I am pretty sure there is a time limit on how close to departure you must make changes. That info should be with your ticket. Maybe somebody else here has that answer. I don't think it would be wise to wait til last minute to change.

I will have to see if delta has rental cars I can pickup in mestre,
instead of the airport.

Or Piazzale Roma
Which car agency is your rental with? Delta doesn't have its own car rental agency. And I suspect their contracts/deals are only with airport locations. So- OK we can still help you work this out

f I arrive at the airport at let’s say 7am, would I be able to get
some of those things done ahead of time and have my rental car on a
standby until 8am? Does this make sense at all?

No. Where would you leave your car? Once you are thru security you can't go back out.
Have you ever flown anywhere before?

This is probably the best solution- you would only have ot change that last night hotel

It appears the car rentals are open until 1159PM You could spend your
last full day in Cortina and drive to Venice in the evening, drop off
the car before closing and stay at a hotel near the airport. All you
miss in Cortina is sleeping and you eliminate an ugly early start to
your departure day and the risk of missing your flight.

and then catch some sort of transport back to my hotel and then in the
morning early hours back to the airport?

Just take a taxi from car rental agency to your hotel.

Can take a taxi from hotel to airport in the am- have your hotel call for one.
Or check with the hotel and see if they offer an airport shuttle- not many do.

Taxi shouldn't be much more than 30 euros each way- I am guessing

No I have never traveled at all before except for a 12 hour road trip from home. That’s as far as I’ve gone.

Ok so tomorrow, my game plan would be to call delta, book an additional hotel in Venice for the night of July 25th (removing the second cortina night), head back to Venice from the Dolomites to return my rental car before 11:59pm. Stay in my hotel that night so I can be ready for my flight early morning and be in that area! Ok this sounds best. If I leave at night from the Dolomites I’m not missing anything, anyways. That still leaves me from the minute I wake up and a full day to explore, and just come back to Venice at night.

Thank you to everyone who is addressing the tight train scheduling. It’s made me realize I need more wiggle room when I land at FCO, then take Leonardo Express to Termini, then ItaloTreno (or TrenItalo) to Venice.

Allow at least 3 hours check-in if not more at Venice VCE. In 2022 I had an 11am flight, gave myself plenty of time to arrive and check in. What I didn’t plan for was a boatload of cruise people flying out at the same time. Only one security check was open and the line snaked half way through the airport. Running to the gate, I made my flight with 15 minutes to spare.

Thank you. I may just leave it as is. I have done research on delta and it seems they have very good service and if I have good reason for missing my flight, they would help me get on the next one.
I have made changes to my trip so many times, on the phone with delta making all the changes for anything I could think of to prepare and not have anything go wrong. The delta lady told me 3 hours is good. If I don’t make it even after being there by 8am, then what happens, happens. I was given this trip as a gift and now I am planning the details in a hurry. I think I’ve got it as best as I can get

One nice thing is that sunset is about 9 pm so you have longer daylight for driving back to Venice

Be sure you read up on driving in Italy

I think you gave pretty high expectations about Delta to be honest
If you miss the flight and it is Delta’s fault then
Delta will put you on the next flight out that has room for you
That may be the next morning
Or it could be the same day but won’t be a direct flight

If you miss your flight due to your own fault then Delta has no responsibility to help you get home at all
Doubtful your travel insurance will cover a new flight if you miss just because you didn’t get to airport on time

Do everything you can to reduce the risk of missing your flight

This forum is full of helpful info
Please take some time to read all you can about travel in general

Start here

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips

July 19 - see accedemia, uffizi, and duomo first half of the day.

The Uffizi is a HUGE place full of wonderful, historical art. It is not possible to really see all three of these in half a day.

I have never traveled at all before except for a 12 hour road trip
from home. That’s as far as I’ve gone.

Alyssa, this concerns me as driving in Italy can involve some differences than in the US, such as ZTLs, restricted areas you're not allowed to drive into. Traffic violations are largely caught on camera and fines can be considerable so do some homework before you go. Here's a brochure you can order (scroll to the bottom of the page):

https://italybeyondtheobvious.com

The one beach at Cinque Terre might not be what you were hoping for.

I have decided to remove cinque terre off my itinerary.
I will make sure to do ample research on the driving for Italy. Thank you for the info so that I may prepare!

Also, I was able to get info that I can drop my rental car off earlier than 8am. They have a drop box for the keys. So I will plan to arrive at the air port by 7am. Yes I will have to wake up early; but I am ok with that. I also spoke with my airline and they said I should be covered if I miss my flight but I have to call my travel insurance and ask if they take care of it entirely or do they have to reimburse me later

I’ve read all the responses, and I will say that if you are late checking in for a flight on any airline because you chose to “cut it fine” in getting there on time, I’m certain that you will not be reimbursed, but instead may have to either pay more to get the next flight, or pay for an entire new flight.
A “next” flight would probably not be until the following day or even the day after that, given that it is international.
Have you a cushion of funds for a whole new one way flight and hotel, just in case?
It really would be best to get to Venice the night before your flight, especially as it is for an expensive international flight.
Not trying to frighten you, but you did ask for advice, and the majority of posters here have travelled and flown a lot.
Nowadays, flying anywhere needs to be even more carefully thought out in terms of timing.
European airports can be chaotic, and very busy.
It looks like 2200+ cruise ship passengers arrive in Venice that morning, so many of them will be flying out.
Best of luck, it’s always exciting to take your first big trip!

I was given this trip as a gift and now I am planning the details in a hurry. I think I’ve got it as best as I can get

Alyssa, what a wonderful gift!

You've made some thoughtful changes to your itinerary; good for you! Do remember to stay flexible; trains, planes, and automobiles don't always behave the way we would like, not to mention hotels and museums! Always always have a "plan b," and always have a valid credit card for emergencies.

And have a wonderful time.

This thread has been so helpful for me, especially the part about train travel from FCO to Florence after a landing at 8:10 a.m. Although I'm usually one who likes to buy in advance, I have decided not to, based on advice here, but instead catch the Leonardo express to Rome Termini and then get a train to Florence.

One thing that would ease my anxiety is to know EXACTLY where to go at the airport and the train station to purchase tickets. Are there good maps I could view in advance to orient myself when I land so I don't spend time trying to read signs/directions (I don't speak Italian!)

Yes, thank you all for the advice.
I spoke with frecciarossa and they did tell me that I am allowed to change my tickets at any time if I am unable to Make the train. I just can’t refund them.

As for the Dolomites, I will make sure to get up at 4am and leave by 4:30am. I can drop off my rental card after hours and I called the exact rental car station at the Venice airport. They said all I have to do is park the car where I got it from and leave the keys in the drop box. If I drop off my rental car by 7am, I am thinking I will be good for my flight at 11:05. That is 4 hours before my flight I will be arriving. I have also heard I can check in on the delta app to avoid one less line, not sure but still looking into it. I will bring credit cards and plenty of euros to avoid any issue putting gas on the trip back, etc. I am making sure to read those guides for driving in Italy, and I downloaded an offline map from cortina back to the airport as well as found YouTube videos where they show what the drive is like. I feel more at ease with this information and basically as long as I leave extra extra early, I will be ok. I know it’s not ideal, but it’s what will work for my trip. I live in Texas and I’ve done many road trips over 12-15 hours. As long as I study and prepare myself for the drive, and with the toll roads, I think it’ll be ok.

If you drop the rental car off before they open, video and photograph the car and condition. Italy sometimes has fuzzy situations with extra charges....
Are gas stations open at 7am?
If the rental car place isn't open, the shuttle won't be running, so you still need to get to the airport.
Getting to Venice the night before is still the best option. Do you want to stress the whole time over the rental car return trip?
You must physically show your passport at the airport. Even if you check in online, the airline is responsible for determining you that have your passport.
Again, just experienced travelers trying to make your experience a success! Good luck!

No problem I would like all the help I can get!

My rental car is to be dropped off at the Marco Polo Venice airport. I looked online and it seems to be a part of the airport.

I will look into if gas stations are even open at that time! I did not think of that.

Also with the rental car, the place I pick up the key is the same place I will drop it off. So that will allow me to know beforehand exactly where to go, when drop off time comes.

OK I MOVED IT AROUND.

I will do the 3 nights in florence (kept as is), then two nights in the dolomites (rental car pickup 1pm july 21 and drop of july 23rd 4pm), then the final 3 nights in venice. No more worries about rental cars!

Off topic, but you do know that you need to get reservations for Uffizzi and Academia far in advance?

That sounds perfect Alyssa!

Alyssa-
I have not been able to stop thinking about your itinerary and all the issues you have going on. The drop off of rental car is not your only problem.
Please take this following post as it is intended- I want you to have a lovely first trip. I love Italy and you will as well. BUT if you have problems with transportation- trains, rental cars, etc those sort of things can be extremely upsetting to a newbie especially and can spoil a trip.
Eliminating all unnecessary bits -especially on a first trip anywhere, first car rental anywhere, first trip on an airplane, a first trip on a train, etc. —will come a lot closer to guaranteeing you have that lovely smooth trip. Sure no-one can predict if things will go awry but if you take control of your itinerary now you have made a good start at ensuring that smooth lovely trip.

Who advised you before you came to this forum?
I think we all wish you had come here first.
Many of us are very experienced travelers and would never have told you to rent a car! There are very few places that a car is needed in Italy- train travel is so easy, inexpensive, fast and fun.
Some here who have traveled to Europe for years have never and would never rent a car and drive in Europe. ( We have in several countries but we are also frequent international travelers.)

If you are getting your advice from a Delta rep- just know that they are not travel agents nor are they interested in making sure your itinerary actually works or makes sense. Their job is to sell you Delta products. Of course they wil tell you it’s all good.

If they are doing all your booking- WHY?

Drop the rental car. Seriously. Which means drop the 1 night stay in Dolomites.
Who advised you to visit the Dolomites?
After 4 trips to Italy we still have not made it to that area.
Renting that car for what is now just a 1 night stay is just not a good use of your time, money or stress quotient. You do not speak or read Italian- will you be OK reading road signs, toll booth instructions or gas pumps? Just a simple thing but needs to be considered.
Driving in Italy is nothing like driving on the open plains of Texas. The roads where you are planning to drive are narrow, curvy, steep. The driver will not be "enjoying the scenery" he/she will be keeping eyes on the road while passenger navigates.

My Suggestion:
You have 8 nights which is a very short trip- I will address your luggage in next post ;)

Spend 4 nights in Florence- make sure your hotel is in the historic center- which is nice in Florence as that means you are also close to train and bus station.
Your arrival day to Florence is already shot as you will be jet lagged and then are taking train onward from FCO. You won’t arrive and be checked in til close to 3-3:30. That gives you enough time to walk around historic center, get your bearings, have a good dinner and some yummy gelato then get to bed.
Now you have 3 full days in Florence.
Pick the museums that really interest you. I think everyone should see the original David at Accademia (pre book ticket) but you might be satisfied with the replica in Piazza Signoria. If renaissance art interests you then the Uffizi is a must- pre book ticket.
The Duomo is amazing- so seeing interior and visiting the Baptistery should be on your list. You don’t have to climb the dome or bell tower.
Other places to consider Santa Croce-with tombs of so many famous people. If you were a fan of the Medici series on Netflix then visiting the Medici sights should be on your list.
Research the Firenze Card- it can save you a good bit of money.
There are dozens of museums in Florence- pick and choose according to YOUR interests.

I am glad you dropped CT.
Consider a day trip to Siena by bus on your own- that is pretty easy and Siena is an enchanting medieval hill town. Different than Florence.
Or consider an all day guided bus tour to several Tuscan hill towns/wineries, etc.
There are many to choose from.

Cont..

Leave Florence for Venice on a morning train- arriving in Venice by lunch time.
Spend the next 4 nights in Venice
Where exactly is your hotel? We can help you figure out best way to get there from train station.
First day is just to get oriented and enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of Venice. Ride the vaporetto up and down the Grand Canal- (using the vaporetto ipass you will purchase on arrival)
Now you have 3 full days for Venice and its outlying islands. One am do the touristy stuff like Rialto Market early in the am.
Next day do the touristy stuff like San Marco Basilica (pre book timed entry), Doges Palace if you wish - early in the am.
It will be hot and crowded.
You do NOT have to visit every venue in either Florence or Venice. It’s ok to give things a miss if just not of interest to you.

Third full day you can take the vaporetto out to Murano- glass blowing island and/or Burano- colorful houses, lace making.

You may not be aware but Venice does have a beach. The Lido- you can take vaporetto there and see how the Venetians spend their time at the beach.
https://venicelover.com/lido_di_venezia.html

The only changes you will need to make are:
Drop the car rental
Cancel hotel in Cortina
Add 1 night each to your Florence and Venice hotels.

Arrive Rome
Train to Florence
Florence 4 nights
Train To Venice
Venice 4 nights
Fly home from Venice.

Next post I will convince you to get rid of that extra suitcase. You only need a carry on.:)

UGH I Guess I am too late

I will do the 3 nights in florence (kept as is), then two nights in
the dolomites (rental car pickup 1pm july 21 and drop of july 23rd
4pm), then the final 3 nights in venice. No more worries about rental
cars!

Where are you picking up/dropping off the car? Please note open/close time of the car agency- most close mid day 12/1 ish til 5.
Since 7/21 is a Sunday I am guessing you are going to the airport to pick up? Could you explain how this transition from Florence to rental car pick up to the Dolomtes will work?

One thing that would ease my anxiety is to know EXACTLY where to go at
the airport and the train station to purchase tickets. Are there good
maps I could view in advance to orient myself when I land so I don't
spend time trying to read signs/directions (I don't speak Italian!)

ackalman-- Check youtube- I am sure there are videos there that show how to get to Leonardo Express and then how to navigate Termini.
You could buy your ticket to Florence once you have passed thru passport control and are ready to board the LE.
You can buy the whole trip at the window, the kiosk, or on the easy to use Trenitalia app.

If you have any further questions- do start your own thread with a new Subject Line. This thread is so long I actually thought your question was from the OP.
You are well hidden here- which basically means lost. ;)

Italy! So fun! Have a great trip!

Our first trip to Italy, we ran into several surprises (train strike was one) which forced us to rent a car. Worked out well for us. Wouldn't be my first choice for Italy but hey second choices work well too!!

I think the advice on the RS sections of this website are gold! Rick is a pro!

The forum posters also know a lot but can add worry as well solutions. I'm sure no matter what you decide and plan that you'll have a trip of a lifetime!

Happy travels.

I will post my new full itinerary in a new post! Thank yall

Very interesting thread, almost like a PSA for using a travel agent. Great tips regarding flying in or out of Venice, especially during peak cruise season. Renting a car is a bold move for a first trip to Europe. Be sure to walk around the car and record video before and after drop off to document any damage to the car (include the undercarriage). Definitely make sure you have built in gps with speed camera alerts enabled. And have a plan to buy a burner phone/sim once you land if your cell service will not work in the EU or is very costly. The tips page has a bunch more to consider.