Sept-Oct 2011-Austria-Fly into Salzburg, trainand bus to Heligenblut. Total 4 nights. Travel via bus and train to Venice 2-3 nights. Any suggestions on the best way to get from Venice to Lizzano in Belvedere, or the general area? Is the best bet a train to Bologna and then rent a car or bus? If we rent a car is it best to return it to Bologna? Or is there a better option? Total 4 nights. The next stop is Cinque Terre where I would love secrets/suggestions on the best city to stay in. I have been told to skip Cinque Terre and stay in Santa Margarita Liguria, but it seems too far and expensive. We would like to do the hike and don't need the beach or crowds, but would like the ocean view-3 nights. Train to Florence-3 nights. Florence to Rome 3 nights. Fly out of Rome. The plan is for three weeks, but I can cheat a day or two. Does this sound realistic?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Penny, You've listed some "off the beaten path" destinations, so it would take a while to figure out the best transportation methods. The "best way" to get to Lizzano (Belvedere) according to the official website (via train): Line "Bologna-Pistoia. Da Bologna treni ogni ora, da Pistoia treni ogni 2 ore. From Bologna train every hour, from Pistoia train every two hours.
Stazione ferroviaria a Porretta Terme, da Porretta Terme coincidenze con pullman di linea per Lizzano in Belvedere (ATC linea 776) Railway station in Porretta Terme, Porretta Terme connections with bus routes to Lizzano in Belvedere (ATC line 776) Note that for renting cars in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which must be used in conjunction with your home D.L. The IDP is valid for one year and can be obtained easily at any AAA office. Also, you might want to read caveats here regarding ZTL zones in Italy. Regarding the Cinque Terre, which village to stay in is often a source of debate here. What type of accommodations would you prefer? I'd suggest looking at Manarola, Vernazza or Monterosso (the Italy Guidebook has lots of good listings for accommodations). I'd definitely stay in one of the five villages rather than other nearby locations. In planning your time, be sure to allow for not only adequate travel times between locations (which could be the better part of a day in some cases), as well as your two travel days at the beginning and end of the trip. Good luck with your planning!
Posted by
OP
Boulder
22 posts
Thank you for your insight. Yes off the beaten path to do a little sentimental trip, due to wanting to recreate some history. I realize by doing that I am lengthening my trip, but it is actually a big part of it. My weakness is forgetting that the train system is so much better in Europe than here, so I appreciate your reminding me.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Penny, One other suggestion..... I'm not too familiar with the geography of Colorado, but you might consider attending one of the Rick Steves group meetings held in the Denver area (the meeting is held at Panera Bread I believe - Lee or one of the others in that area could provide more specific information). Meeting in person would allow you the opportunity to speak with some very experienced travellers, and I suspect they'd be able to help you to "fine tune" the details of your trip. Just a thought.....