Heart of Italy September 2025

For the flights out I would choose based on the departure time the second leg (from USA to Rome), I think leaving later is better and I think having a longer flight time is better, so that I am more likely to have some sleep. For the flights back I don't know that it matters much the difference. Others can weigh on the experience to change in PHL. Changing at MSP is easy. MSP is big but easy to get around in.

There is a flat rate taxi fare from the airport to the city (inside the Aurelian walls) which is about 55 Euros. If you use a regular taxi, just be sure to use the official taxi rank at the airport. Do not use anyone who approachs you in the terminal claiming to be a taxi service. It might help to have the name and address of the hotel printed on a 3/5 card along with "48 Euros". And if you plan to pay by credit card, hold up the card and say "ok?" to avoid the driver saying otherwise.

On the other hand, after a long flight, being sleepy, tired, on strange new turf, and jet lagged, there is nothing better than having a private driver meet you in the terminal and wisk you to the hotel. It will cost a little more than a regular taxi, but we feel that it is well worth it. We have used Stefano's Rome Cabs to and from the airport a number of times and have always been happ[y with the service. We send an email stating our needs and get a reply in less than 24 hours.

Some people have the hotel arrange for the transportation. But that is like buying a pig in a poke. You might get a regular taxi, a car service, or the desk clerk's brother-in -law. Happen to us once, but there were four of us and only on brother-in-law, so not a problem.

I'll only comment on going through PHL. When I lived on the east coast I avoided it because it only has one runway rated for instrument landings, so when there is a low ceiling the planes can really get backed up. I checked and that appears to still be true. I live on the outskirts of the Twin Cities and the airport is pretty nice. Not as confusing as DFW for instance. Mostly all one terminal and easy to make connections.

Forgot to add, I have been on several R. Steves' tours and often the tour guide will help organize taxis to the airport on the last day so that several people can group together for a taxi and save some money. Also, check to see if at CDG you are arriving and leaving from the same terminal. I find CDG to be a little more confusing than some of the other international airports.

The United Kingdom - England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland - now requires travelers preregister for entry authorization (ETA, Electronic Travel Authorization) before entering any of their countries. Approximately 1 month before your flight that includes transiting through LHR you will need to submit an online application and pay a £10 fee per traveler. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

I believe that Delta has a flight from Seattle to Amsterdam and then it's an easy flight from there to Rome. If that is correct, I think you could get an open jaw return from Florence through Amsterdam and back to Seattle. Sometimes the connections in Amsterdam are a little tight, but I've not had any issues. While there's no right/wrong, if I can get a direct flight out of my city of origin (for me, that's Portland, OR) to somewhere in Europe I much prefer that.

Have a fantastic trip!

Note that the flat rate taxi fare has increased:

Rome Center (inside the Aurelian Walls): €55.00

It is so easy to get a taxi from the official taxi rank - just be sure to establish that you can pay by credit card if you don't have cash. The challenge with a car service is coordinating the hookup - especially if your plane is late.

For Florence, there is a tram that covers the short distance to the airport - it starts running at 5 AM - that could be a factor if you have a very early fllght.

I recommend looking for a flight where your connection is in Europe instead of the US. If there is a problem with making the connecting flight there are many more flights within Europe than across the Atlantic. It's what we always do when flying to Europe.

They will send you the RS guidebook in advance of your tour so you could wait until then to plan your time ahead of the tour in Rome. Of course you can always borrow a copy from the library if you want to start thinking of things now. If you enjoy art then a visit to the Borghese Gallery is amazing and is something you could do in the morning before the tour starts; advance reservations are required. Another thing we've enjoyed in Rome is a food walking tour.

If you're flying home the same day the tour ends then you'll be in good company, probably half or more of the people on the tour will be doing the same. Your guide will group those who are interested into rides to the airport and train station. However given you've already paid for the flight an extra day or two in Florence when you're already there doesn't add that much to the cost of the trip so I'd encourage you to consider staying on.