Rome-Siena-Cinque Terre-Venice

Kelli-in looking at Autoeurope.com, I see that there is availability to rent at Rome Termini and drop in La Spezia-four different locations. Other agencies likely also have this available. From the CT to Venice, the best way is train, but others will chime in with specifics for you there.

What time are you trying to return the car in LaSpezia? If the place is closed you won't be able to drop the car off. Try selecting a different time and see if it comes up for you.

I went from Venice to the Cinque Terra by train. It was between 5-6 hours and we had 2 connections. It was Vernazza to La Spezia, La Spezia to Florence on a regional train, then high speed train to Venice. Some routes from Venice will go thru Milan on the high speed train. You can select one that fits you time schedule the best. They are both about the same amount of time

Why not go directly to CT from Rome via train, then pick up a car in La Spezia to stay a night somewhere in Tuscany en route to Venice?

Thank you thank you! You all are super knowledgeable and making me feel a little more comfortable with this. :)

I think part of the issue was that it's Saturday and the car rental places are closed.

Quick question - if I drop the car off in Viareggio (Railstation Office) and take a train into La Spezia, what is the train schedule like from La Spezia into Cinque Terre? Lots of sites mention doing it, but I haven't been able to find a train schedule?

I live in Boston, where the trains run from about 5am-midnight and come every 10-20 minutes (hopefully) and there is no set schedule. You can buy a pass that is good for a certain period or just pay as you get on. Is it like that from La Spezia to Cinque Terre? Should I buy the regional pass ahead of time or just do it as I'm boarding in case I get there later than expected?

How to Look Up Train Schedules Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it. At the moment, you get more complete results when you use a date through June 14. Enter two specific towns, such as from Viareggio to Vernazza (which takes about 1.5 hours, with a connection usually at La Spezia) or Vernazza to Venezia S. Lucia station (5 - 6 hours with 2 - 3 connections). Most people will choose a departure with fewer connections, as well as the time that works best for you. There departures about hourly.

Thanks Laura, that DB website is great! I found the train I'd like to take from La Spezia (Cinque Terre) to Venice on 6/22 (leaves at 15:39 and arrives in Venice at 21:40), but I can't seem to find it on the Trenitalia website, which is actually showing "At this time, our online system can't find tickets or schedules for this trip." no matter what I choose for times... What am I doing wrong?!

Kelli, I can see it. http://gyazo.com/7f993c3a77bf100a868f85fad912d593 I'm on the www.trenitalia.com website and what I have in the link is a snapshot of a small section the Trenitalia schedule for 6/22. Not sure why you can't see what I'm seeing. Are you using the Italian name for the train stations (La Spezia Centrale and Venezia Santa Lucia)?

Got it, thanks! I think the Trenitalia website doesn't get along with my web browser. You are all so helpful!

Hi
For Trenitalia , look at your journey in sections.
Florence to Venice select a hi speed train. the others regionals

kelli,

A few thoughts regarding your questions.....

To begin with, have you considered travel by train rather than rental car. Keep in mind that each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. You'll also have to be VERY careful to avoid the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic zones) that exist in many Italian towns of all sizes. There are also the issues of high parking costs, tolls on some roads, high fuel costs and the fact that your magnetic stripe credit card may not work at automated (unattended) fuel pumps. You'll also have to budget for at least some of the rental car insurance as it's compulsory to purchase CDW and theft insurance from the rental agency in Italy. Travel by car will not be as quick or efficient as using the high speed trains which run on the main routes (they travel at up to 300 kmH).

Onto your questions.....

1. Siena would be a great place to stay in Tuscany. It's a wonderful and historic city, lots of great restaurants and good hotels. If you'd prefer a larger location for a few days, you might consider staying in Florence (which is also in Tuscany) and take a day trip by Bus to Siena. When are you planning to be there? You may have difficulty finding a hotel during the Palio in July and August.
2. If you feel that you absolutely must have a car, you could consider returning it in Siena. You might find it helpful to contact THIS firm and discuss car rental. They'll be able to provide lots of good information.
3. The "best way" (IMO) to get from the Cinque Terre to Venice is by train. It will be about a six hour trip with several changes. The usual two routes either go through Milan or Florence. Once you reach either of those cities, the last leg will be via Freccia high speed train. Note that your destination station will be Venezia S. Lucia. You can research the various rail options using the Trenitalia or bahn.de websites.

As you're "completely new to European travel", it would probably also be a good idea to mention that there are some "caveats" with using the trains in Italy (that includes Buses and transit in Rome, etc.). If you're using Regionale trains (such as the Leonardo Express from the airport), you MUST validate (time & date stamp) the tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel. Those found with unvalidated tickets will face hefty fines which will be collected on the spot. If you're using the "premium" trains such as the Freccia high speed trains, note that tickets are specific to a particular train, date and departure time. You MUST only board the train specified on the ticket, or once again you'll face hefty fines *** collected on the spot***!

Happy travels!