We are planning a trip from Vienna to Venice, Florence and Rome. Where should we stop in between, what are the 'must-sees'? Also, should this be a totally train trip? Appreciate your thoughts
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
Just did this exact trip. I took a direct train from Vienna to Venice from Sudbanhof at 6:30 am (ok that wasn't fun lol), it arrived in Venice just after 2pm (it was supposed to arrive at 1:30 but it was foggy that day so I think it went slower through the mountains than normal). I stayed 4 nights in Venice. Then I took a eurostar italia train to Florence, where I am now. Staying 5 nights here then taking a eurostar italia train to Rome for 5 nights. Personally I'm glad I took the train from Vienna to venice even though it was long. Flying between the two cities is not that easy, I could only find a flight going to Treviso which is a pain and what with getting to the airport early and the transportation from the airport, waiting for luggage and all that jazz, it wasn't particularly much of a time-saver anyway. I booked my train on the Aistrian rail site in advance and got an awesome 29 euro fare. I personally wouldn't change doing it all totally by train. have a GREAT time :)
Posted by
OP
Milwaukee, WI, USA
6 posts
Debra, thanks for the great information. Why did you choose not to go somewhere in Switzerland? That is what we are thinking of and am wondering if it's worth going that way? Also, any recommendations on hotels in Venice, Florence or Rome? We have two teenagers with us so need to get two rooms total. thanks.
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
What Debra did sounds great. I too would train it the whole way. I don't know how much time you have but I could easily spend 4 - 5 days in Florence, Venice and Rome (not been to Vienna) so personally wouldn't stop on the way. I flew Venice to Rome and by the time I got to the airport, through security, plane was late, got to Rome and then to my hotel I think I saved about 1/2 hour! The train would have been far less hassle.
Hotel in Venice - Pensione/Hotel Accademia was great and had a lot of families staying. Hotel Pitti Palace in Florence as good too. Both really well located, clean and good breakfasts.
Posted by
White Bear Lake, MN, USA
479 posts
Frank, night train as much as possible. It's a little more expensive than a regular train, but when you compare it against transportation plus a night in a hotel you're coming out WAAAAAAY on top! The other advantage is that you are moving while you're sleeping, which means that your precious sightseeing time is not taken up getting from point A to point B. I took the night train from Salzburg to Venice and it was perfect. Vienna to Venice should be similar.