Traveling from Rome to Cinque Terre back to Venice

Debbie,

All Hotels that I've seen have provided towels. In some cases (especially in Italy) these are very thin (somewhat like a dish towel), rather than the thick terrycloth style. I don't recall seeing wash cloths (if that's what you were referring to?).

Every public washroom that I've encountered has provided "bath tissue". However, it's possible you could encounter one that hasn't been re-stocked. You might have a look at the Magellans catalogue as they offer some small travel-sized rolls (perfect size to fit into a Daypack or whatever).

YES, drinking water is readily available! You'll probably find that most Italians drink bottled water, and you can easily buy this at train stations, sidewalk kiosks, etc. I usually buy a half litre bottle when I arrive and then just refill from the tap as required. NOTE - there's usually carbonated and non-carbonated water available, so be sure you buy the correct type (I don't care for the carbonated version - look for the term "Gassata").

Regarding fountains in the street, if there's a sign stating "Acqua Non Potabile", the water is NOT safe for drinking. Most fountains seem to offer good drinking water.

Happy travels!

Smaller hotels may not include wash clothes but the larger ones usually do. Most public restrooms are usually out of TP. You may want to carry some with you just in case. Yes, you can get water but it is expensive. You can fill water bottles from any fountain in Rome as long as there is no sign saying the water is not safe to drink. I have never found one of these.

Donna

There is definitely less available drinking water in Italy, with the exception of some cities that have water fountains. Typically, you have to pay for water.

Most hotels have towels.

There are few public restrooms that are free. Most require you to pay 1 euro or less and then give you toilet paper.

In less developed areas, like the Cinque Terre and Tuscan towns like Lucca, you might need to bring tissues if you use a public toilet. In general, I would avoid using the public toilets, unless it is necessary. Use the bathroom at a restaurant, your hotel, a museum etc.

We usually stay in smaller hotels and don't recall ever seeing washcloths, we have a set of travel ones we take with us and a ziplock to throw them in for morning departures if they aren't dry yet. We do carry some snack size ziplocks with some toilet paper in them, there have been times when we were very glad to have had it, even if just to clean up after an impromptu picnic somewhere. Water is available everywhere, in places like Rome, just carry your water bottle and fill up at the many water fountains you come across.