Verona to Ravenna

Posted by Srolaser (Coconut Grove, FL) on 11/09/24 02:12 PM

Travelling late August 2025-October 2025 by train and bus in Italy. We are in our 70's, ambulatory.

Our trip so far is booked for flight to Ljubljana 3 nights, FlixBus to Venice 1 night before our sail Adriatic coast 7 nights, Venice 3 nights, train to Verona 4 nights.

Is it reasonable to train to Ravenna, logistically and stay 2 nights before moving on to Florence?

From Ravenna we are hoping to train to Faenza and train slowly through Brisighella, Marradi to Florence.

Our sights are set but not booked yet for the remainder of our trip to Florence 5 nights, drive through Tuscany 4 nights (2 nights near Siena, 2 in southern Tuscany/Montepulciano or Orvieto), Rome 5 nights, then one month on to the eastern Mediterranean

Any thoughts on the trip so far?

Posted by lachera

Firenze, Italy

11/09/24 02:42 PM

1702 posts

The train line Ravenna - Faenza - Marradi - Firenze was recently damaged by floods and landslides. While service has been restored, now the line is equipped with sensors for possible landslides and as soon as there is a distant risk, service is suspended - and it happens frequently. Check for service a couple days in advance; if the itinerary is closed, it is always possible to travel to Florence via Bologna (that is much quicker).

Posted by Srolaser OP

Coconut Grove, FL

11/09/24 05:22 PM

22 posts

Yes, I'm aware. Thanks.

Any thoughts about the itinerary as it stands at the moment?

Posted by 111mark.davis1995

11/11/24 08:34 PM

1 posts

Your itinerary looks great! The train trip to Ravenna from Verona is logistically easy, and traveling through Faenza and Brisighella will add beauty to your journey. Tuscany, especially around Siena and Montepulciano, offers many interesting places, and although you may need to rent a car or hire an Italy van driver in some parts of southern Tuscany, overall, train travel will be convenient and enjoyable.

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

11/12/24 01:47 AM

16043 posts

Great trip. The Faenza-Firenze railway is truly scenic. When I was a very small kid I traveled on it for the first time and in that occasion they used a steam engine for a portion of it after Borgo SL. Hopefully there will be no slides when you go. They are probably infrequent during the dry months of summer, but after September with the heavy rains that is a possibility.

Posted by Srolaser OP

Coconut Grove, FL

11/12/24 04:27 PM

22 posts

Once leaving Florence, where I have booked an apartment in Sant Maria Novella, I am considering an agriturismo near Siena or Siena for a 2 night stay, drive on to Montepulciano or Pienza for a 2 night stay. We rather enjoy towns, don't require the rural setting or a pool. The peace and quiet of staying overnight in a rural setting for the brief planned visit could be sacrificed without much regret for this visit.

I am considering keeping the car to visit Orvieto, dropping the car in Orvieto Hertz, taking the fanicular up to town for a 2 night stay then down to the train to Rome by train?

Of course this will require lodging in the two towns that will accommodate us with the vehicle in tow.

I could flip a coin but I think Orvieto may be well worth a visit.

Thoughts about or suggestions for stay in Tuscany about Siena, Chianti region?

Thanks.