I have just booked a last minute trip for my husband and I to Rome to arrive August 13-August 22. We prefer staying in airbnbs and try to use a base location so as not to lose time checking in and out. Here’s my idea so far…We land in Rome at 8:15 am and could take the ITA flight at 1:20 to Venice for 3 days-get over jet lag (train is too long and we will be exhausted). Now I’m not sure where to go for next base location-Verona (day trips) or Lake Garda (Malcesine seems like a nice choice with the mountains, etc) for 4 days. We will then travel back to Venice and then onto Rome for 2 nights to celebrate my husband’s birthday. We could hire a car to take us to the airport since our flight does not leave until 10:30. I am trying to make the most of our time and trying to avoid staying at an airport hotel the night before our flight.
I would appreciate any suggestions-I know I’m running out of time… thanks!
Posted by
Irving
3027 posts
Can you change your ticket so you can fly in (or out of) Venice or Milan and in and out of Rome?
Posted by
San Diego, California
5063 posts
We actually did fly into Rome once and take the train to Venice, several years ago, before I learned about multi-city flights. It actually was pleasant. When you calculate the four hours waiting for the next plane, assuming your original flight is on time, you may find out that you'll arrive in Venice sooner by train than plane. Keep in mind also the time it takes getting into Venice from the airport. The train station is right in Venice.
Either way, have a great trip and enjoy!
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
885 posts
As others have said I would do the math carefully on whether to fly or train into Venice as the time will probably be a wash since the train from Rome to Venice is also 4 hours.
Verona is a lovely arty, mostly pedestrian town with a chic cafe culture feeling. In August the Opera should be active in the old Roman Arena and music scattered through out the city. Nice day trips are Brescia (great Roman ruins), Vicenza, Padua.
Malcesine has the upper lake ferry and the cable car to Mount Baldo and could certainly support several days for just checking out the area. It could also offer a break from the heat because August in the Po Valley tends to hot and humid so the lake should be several degrees cooler than Verona and surrounds.
There is no need to return to Venice to return to Rome - just train from Verona to Rome in about 3:15.
Make your decisions soon because in touristy places you're probably late to be making reservations at this point.
Have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
Bendigo, Australia
1248 posts
Definitely consider taking the train Rome to Venice. Train takes four hours Roma Termini to Venezia Santa Lucia, by comparison flight is about three hours. Bear in mind that the train deposits you in actual Venice, exit the station and the Grand Canal is glittering before your eyes.
Marco Polo airport is half to 3/4 hours to Venice, and you arrive at the bus terminal.
Posted by
OP
106 posts
I don’t think we can change our flights in and out of Rome.
I just found these tickets that were good for us- impulsively bought them and now trying to plan where to go.
You are all so right about the train being the better option-thanks for all the information!
Now, I need to decide if I really want to go to Venice for a few days (we have been there but it’s been several years) or a shorter trip to Verona to get over jet lag (usually can’t sleep on plane) and do some day trips (maybe Venice). Then we could go to Malcesine for a few days…we have never been to Verona or the Lake Garda area-and it will be cooler.
Then back to Rome from Verona by train as suggested.
You guys are always so helpful with all your advice and information!
I really appreciate your help!