First timers in Italy. Arrive from Chicago Monday May 19th 7:55 am. Take a shuttle or taxi or train to cruise port. Any suggestions?(Civitavecchia). We would like to pick up some wine on the way. Any suggestions? We board ship after 12:00 pm. Ship leaves by 5:00pm. Return to Italy May 29th and stay here till June 5th. My plans were to take the train up to Riomaggiore CT. Thursday Friday and Saturday then take the train to Florence for Sunday and Monday and then take the train to Rome for Tuesday and Wednesday departing on Thursday. Today I found out that the first Sunday of the month things close early in Florence and that Mondays alot of places are closed. How early? Should I change all the dates around to accomadate the closers on Mondays? Also it looks like we have to change train 3 times on the trip from CT to Florence. Will this be difficult being new to there train system? Is there a better plan? I know this is a long post. I would appreciate any comments. Kim
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Yes, Monday is the worst day to be in Florence if you want to see the big museums, the biggies are closed. On Sunday the Duomo dome is closed; and the Duomo Museum and Baptistry close early on Sunday. And a few sights are only open in the afternoon on Sunday. Rick has the details in his book Florence & Tuscany.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Kim, Kent has the great scoop. What you may consider is going to Florence first and the CT second. This way, you can see the good stuff in Florence.
CLICK HERE to see the morning train schedule for 6/5. Some runs go back through Florence. A few go down the west coast to Civitavecchia and turn east into Rome. Not a bad alternative.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2724 posts
Really the big highlight of Florence is the art - I'd rearrange your schedule. But book hotels NOW in Cinque Terre or else you might be out of luck. Also re: question about wine - I'm fairly sure there will be plenty of shops near the cruise port to stock up on wine.
Posted by
Hiawatha, KS, USA Now Liberty Missouri
63 posts
Since you arrive in Rome on the day of departure of the cruise the cruise lines (usually) offer a transfer service to the ship from the airport. This could be the easiest to arrange in advance. Or there are limo / shuttle services available. Do a search of the "Rome airport limo's". We have used Bob's.
I would suggest that you check with your cruise line about bringing your own wine on board. I don't think you can consume your own wine on board. They will hold it for you and give it back to you when you get off the ship. This has been the case on cruies we have taken. However check with your cruise line to be sure if this is the case for a European departure.