Itinerary Help

Unless I have miscalculated, you are planning to be in Vernazza on the 25th of April. You may not realize it, but that's a national holiday, Liberation Day, and the start of what many Italians take for a vacation week, ending on May 1, Labor Day. It would be well to check on the availability and costs of lodgings before getting into any unchangeable arrangements. Personally, I steer clear of resort areas on big holidays, both here and abroad.

"take the train to Verona on 4/16 (takes 3h44m),"

The train from Venice to Verona takes 1h10m. I'm not sure where you got 3h44m from. Are you planning day trips other than Lucca from Florence? Siena would be an easy day trip from there too. When we were going from Florence to Vernazza, we took a morning train to Lucca and spent the night there. Hotel Rex was next to the train station and just across the street from the wall that surrounds Lucca. You could easily take a night from Florence to do that. Trains from Vernazza to Rome seem to average about 5 hours, depending on train changes.

I took a train to Rome from Monterosso once that took 4 hours. From Vernazza you would probably go to La Spezia or Monterosso to catch that train.

We'd be leaving Vernazza to Rome on 4/25 (the holiday). I assume Rome would be ok during that holiday week? Do you think the train from Vernazza to Rome would be bad on that day (Saturday, the holiday)?

I was getting the train times from Google Maps, which I realize may not be too reliable. Good to hear that the trains are faster than google maps is quoting between locations!

How do I find the train times on trenitalia english? I tried Florence to Vernazza and it wouldn't recognize Florence - so I assume there is another name for that station, but how do I figure that out? Also, is that the best website to get information on the travel time between locations? It seems there are so many different trains that it's hard to know where to find this information.

Tracy on Trenitalia you need to use Italian city names. "Florence" is Firenze and "Venice" is Venezia. Even "Rome" is Roma.

Do you have Rick Steves' Italy guide? He has estimate on travel times and a lot of other great tips and itinerary help as well.

I would not worry too much about April 25 as long as you can get your reservations. It actually might be a good day to change locations as long as you have reserved seats from La Spezia to Roma,

Another thing to note is that Florence has several train stations - you presumably want the main one, which is Santa Maria Novella (SMN). Also, Trenitalia doesn't post local schedules very far in advance, so you probably just want to look at the current schedule and extrapolate. You can check again once you're there.

Hi, Tracy,

Stick to public transportation. The trains aren't exactly punctual, but you'll get there. Cars introduce a lot of challenges and expenses. The bus is good for short trips, such as Florence to Siena.

Vernazza is adding a lot of train travel to your schedule. I'd recommend instead that you visit Padua, Vicenza, and Siena as day trips from Verona and Florence. Much more relaxing. Lucca, by the way, is a total delight. Good choice.

Rome is a big city, so you will want to consider finding a hotel near a subway stop, or try to figure out some other ways to limit the amount of walking you will need to do. Maybe just pick one big sight per day. Book the Vatican tours well in advance. Don't miss the Pantheon.

Have fun.

Thank you everyone! I'm torn about the idea of skipping Vernazza, as the coast with the colorful homes and the gorgeous water looks amazing and I hate to miss it. That being said, I've read if it's raining/crummy weather, then it's not so beautiful anyway - and we're going in April, so it's hit or miss. I originally was trying to incorporate the coast south of Naples, but I just couldn't get it all in and still keep it relaxed. I do, however, like the idea of taking Vernazza out of the schedule - it certainly makes things easier - and adding an extra day in Verona and Florence and taking more day trips, as you suggested.

Have you been to Padua or Vicenza? Could you tell me what you liked best about either/both of them? What about Siena? I've heard/read great things, but that it is super-touristy (if I remember correctly)?

Regarding the train: it was suggested I get the reservations far in advance, since it will be on a holiday (april 25th). Would I get those via the website before we leave (from the states)?

Would you suggest that I have all the train reservations before we leave on the trip, or can we just show up at the station(s)?

Thanks!

Tracy,

Go to www.trenitalia.com

You may purchase Freccia (high speed) train tickets on-line up to 120 days
in advance but keep in mind that these tickets are non-refundable & unchangeable so you
have to be certain of your travel dates. If you buy ahead, you may save $ as you may get discounted tickets.

You will want high speed trains from Venice (Venezia S. Lucia) to Verona (Verona Porta Nuova) & Verona to Florence (Firenze S.M. Novella) & if you go to C.T. from La Spezia Centrale to Rome (Roma Termini).

Happy Planning!

Hi Tracy, and congratulations on 30 years! I'm glad you are considering leaving Vernazza out of your schedule. I have a feeling your "bad knees" would be very, very unhappy in the Cinque Terre. Anyway, there are lots of other beautiful places to see in Italy.

If you can squeeze 4 days out of your itinerary - say, the 2 in Vernazza, 1 from Florence and add one (18 days total), you'd have time to go to Sorrento between Florence and Rome. Or spend those 2 CT days in Orvieto between Florence and Rome. Or before Florence, spend 2-3 nights in Padua, Bologna or Ravenna.

Another resource for planning purposes is:

http://www.rome2rio.com

I have found the travel times and costs there to be very accurate.

Siena is very very steep, lots of steps/stairs.

I think the Duomo and Il Campo are not to be missed- but would suggest seeing Siena as a day trip from Florence via bus. The bus will take you closer into the center and reduce the amount of difficult walking/climbing you would have to do!

At the upper part of the Trenitalia website is a British flag icon - click on that and the site translates into English. You still need to use Italian names for the stations, but there's a pulldown menu that may help.

Thank you for all the great advice, especially the tips on places that have tons of stairs (that will kill me). I've traveled quite a bit, but n not since my ACL surgery 2 yrs ago (with subsequent issues), so am a bit weary of a big trip, but there's no way I'm staying home either!