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Logistics Rome/Florence

Posted by on

Last time I was in Italy was 25 years ago. Now making plan for return trip.
As the trip gets to final stages, I am return with more questions. Hope you will help.

Planning on Rick Steve's 7 days in Rome around early November.
Would like to spend 2 additional days in Florence: David, Uffizi, Boboli, Duomo

Questions:

1) Should I visit Florence before or after 7 days in Rome?

2) Since I will by flying in from Newark to FCO (plan not finalized), thinking of catching the Trenitalia from Rome to Florence. Is this still the best way to Florence sans automobile?

3) Which area would be the best play to stay in Florence to visit the sites mentioned and of course to enjoy the cuisine?

Thank you for your help.

Posted by
1970 posts

I am not sure what you mean by RS's 7 days in Rome? There is certainly a lot to see in Rome. I find Rome exhausting. So after 4-5 nights, I'm ready to hop a train to another location. There are many trains that run between Rome and Florence. I recommend going online/wifi the night before leaving Rome and picking out one before heading to the train station. I write down the info. on which train I want and get tickets at the train station.

Posted by
11838 posts

Since you have not been to Italy for a very long time, I think you might like to take the R,S, Rome tour first so you get familiar with Italy. (And may I say that 7 days in Rome is a treat! So many people do not give her enough time.)

After the tour, take a train to Florence. I think your tour ends after breakfast so maybe double-check what time you are free and allow time to get to the station. You can take Trenitalia or ItaloTreno. www.Trainline.eu is a great site to look at schedules. November won't be out until 120 days prior, but if you are comfortable committing to a time and day (i.e., the last day of your R.S. tour) you can save a lot by buying discounted, non-ref tickets as soon as the schedule comes out.

Florence is small and most easily done on foot with the occasional assist of a bus. Consider buying Rick Steves' guide to Tuscany and Florence and read up on where you might want to stay. Lower off-season rates might make a stay near the Duomo financially feasible. We once got a room at Hotel Pendini for half price off season!

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