We are planning a 2 week trip to Italy, starting second week of October.
The plan is to fly into Venice, or Milan, and take trains and spend 5-6 days in the Dolomites. Then, we would travel by train to Puglia, and spend 5-6 days exploring that region. The issue is the long train rides between the north and south, and then traveling back up north to fly home. ( The fares from Rome are much higher than a round trip flight from say, Venice). Are there any high speed trains in Italy? Should we break up the 8 hour train ride by staying overnight in Ravenna? We are considering doing just the Dolomites, or just Puglia.
Thanks in advance for feedback.
Jeanne
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2245 posts
There are high-speed train routes in Italy, but from Venice the high-speed routing would be down to Rome or Bologna and then transfer to a train to Bari. All told, it's a journey of 8 hours from Venice. From Milan, it's 3 hours from Milan to Rome and then 4 hours to Bari. One alternative is to fly from Venice or Milan to Bari. There are several 90-minute direct flights each day from either city that you can view at www.Skyscanner.com.
High-speed trains are operated by Trenitalia and Italotreno. Both companies' train schedules and fares can be seen at www.TheTrainline which also sells tix for the two companies.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
224 posts
I know they’re not everyone’s favourite choice, but have you considered an overnight train? I took one from Lecce to Milan last year, and almost enjoyed it. The train from Milan to Lecce stops at Bologna around 11:30 pm, so you can spend a full day there (or near there) and wake up in Puglia the next morning. It’s not the best of hotel rooms, but it’s efficient.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16262 posts
The distance between the Dolomites and Puglia, let’s say from Bolzano to the city of Lecce, is approximately the same as Chicago to Washington, DC. How would you handle it if you wanted to visit Washington and Chicago on the same trip? Unlike the US, Italy does have efficient high speed trains which connect major cities, but the distance is still significant. You either visit one of either, or be ready for a long high speed train journey of at least 9 hours from Bolzano to Bari and maybe 11 to Lecce. Flying from Verona or Venice to Bari or Brindisi might save some time but not as much as one might think once we consider the time necessary to go from the Dolomites to the closest airport (Verona or Venice) then the flight time, check in, security, boarding and all of that. It’s up to you but I would curb my enthusiasm and concentrate on only one of the two destinations (north or south).
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17601 posts
We love both the Dolomites and Puglia. Have been to the Dolomites for hiking 5 times, and we are going back next July. Puglia only once, in March 2023, but would love to return.
Personally, I would not go to the Dolomites as late as the 2nd week of October. Many smaller family-run hotels will be shut down for a break between seasons. And the weather can be iffy. The one time were there in October (first week) it rained every day. We hiked anyway, but with no views.
Puglia, on the other hand, could be lovely in October. And the whole coast, from Venice on down.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2245 posts
On a relaxing journey seeing beautiful beaches such as those that Puglia has, and feeling the magnificence of the Dolomites while being there---I wonder how advisable it is to return to a major urban airport after just having been there a few days earlier. And returning to a mega-metropolitan area to take a train for 8 or 9 hours seems like it also would disturb the Zen of what was just experienced.
For these destinations--it does make sense to me to make a choice between the two on a two week holiday.
As the Italians say: "Dolce far Niente."
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1779 posts
Most people do not understand how Puglia is distant from other Italian regions - and railway lines leading there are not really fast as well; it is a destination where internal flights make sense. But as there are no airports in Dolomites, your question has not really a feasible reply. I have done the trip from Bari to Dobbiaco many times in my life and it is as long as hell.
Posted by
5361 posts
I would stick to one general area to maximize your time. You can never ever run out of things to see in any part of Italy.
I don;t know the Dolomiti seasonal aspects well, but October would be a nice time for Puglia.
OTOH, that would mess up your flight [plans. The Marche area is also lovely. Were you going to rent a car in Puglia?
Posted by
OP
14 posts
Thanks for your advice. We decided to fly in and out of Naples and visit Sorrento and Capri before taking a train to Puglia. And save the Dolomites for another trip.
I know many resort areas, I.e. Cinque Terre, Amalfi, Como, sort of shut down in mid October.
Does anyone know if that is the case in towns in Puglia?
Posted by
5361 posts
Puglia has gotten considerably more popular since I was there last. I would not have any concerns about to being too quiet in the main towns (Bari and environs, Lecce, Otranto and Gallipoli). Some of the smaller coastal places may be closed up. But I think the small Itria valley villages will be lovely, and a nice contrast after the Amalfi Coast.
I'd have no qualms about October, but feel free to share your itinerary.
Posted by
5361 posts
PS Be sure to check bus schedules too, as they could be more efficient if you are not renting a car.
Matera makes a good stopover!