we're starting in Sicily and going to florence and thought that we could see more countryside by taking the ferry from messina to regia di calabria and then a train up to florence. But have no idea if this is possible or advisable. Has anyone done this? We won't have a car. THanks.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
We've done that journey by car, but you can go by train from Reggio to Florence. You change trains in Naples and the whole journey takes about 8 hours. Visit www.trenitalia.com for Italian train schedules & fares. Correct spelling is "Reggio di Calabria".
The ferry from Messina to Reggio is operated by Meridiano Lines, www.meridianolines.it
There's a lot of info (in English) here: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/messina/3208010002.html
Posted by
Sandy Hook, CT, USA
12 posts
depending upon where in Sicily you will be leaving, you could take train from sicily thru to Florence...you will experience the ferry ride and the countryside views. No need to worry about catching a train after the ferry. We have done it by booking the train from Taormina to Rome.
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
It's not advisable because the journey is eternal and really not that scenic.
It would take many hours (8-12,5 hours) and for the cost of the train, you could fly.
There's no need to go to Reggio di Calabria. Just book your train ticket Messina to Florence.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Polly, we have done the train from Naples to Messina and have also flown from Sicily to Naples/ Rome, etc. I would do the plane. There are many lo-cost inter EU airlines that fly from Sicily to Naples/ Rome, etc.
Use Whichbudget.com to search for the airlines.