Best Sequence for Venice>Vernazza>Florence/Sorrento ?
Oct 1st, 2016, 08:29 AM
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Best Sequence for Venice>Vernazza>Florence/Sorrento ?
Hi! I'm visiting Italy for the first time and could use some advice about one thing: trip begins in Venice and ends in Sorrento. In between I want to stop in Florence and Cinque Terre (Vernazza). From Venice, Cinque Terre is the next logical stop as it's closest, but that train seems to go via Florence anyway. Would it be smarter to go Venice>Florence, then Florence>CinqueTerre and then it's a straight shot down the coast to Sorrento on a high speed train? Perhaps it doesn't matter I'd just like to be smart with the sequence so that I maximize my time there. Helpful advice would be much appreciated, thank you!
Oct 1st, 2016, 08:49 AM
#2
I think the choices will be through Florence/Pisa/La Spezia or Milan/Genoa ( went 1 way, left the other. But if you don't want a stop between Venice & Vernazza then I don't think it matters, buy the least expensive/most convenient.
At best you'll have 3 changes on your way to Sorrento - La Spezia, Rome & Naples (unless someone knows another way?).
At best you'll have 3 changes on your way to Sorrento - La Spezia, Rome & Naples (unless someone knows another way?).
Oct 1st, 2016, 10:56 AM
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There are no fast trains down the coast. The fast trains all connect major cities, of which only Rome is on the coast. (Well, Venice is also, but it isn't served by Frecciarossa trains, and it's not a major city apart from tourism,)
I would go from Venice to Vernazza, then to Florence and to Sorrento. The trip from Vernazza to Sorrento would be a truly harrowing trip, taking seven to eight hours, on four or five different trains. By leaving from Florence, you'd cut about two hours and one or two trains from the trip to Sorrento. It still won't be much fun. Pack light!
The trip from Venice to Vernazza isn't much better, taking about five to six hours, and on three or four trains. Even the trip between Florence and Vernazza is about a 3-hour trip, on three different trains.
In fact, your trip involves an awful lot of travel time. Since Sorrento isn't well connected to the rest of the world, I suspect that you'll have another trek at the end of your time in Italy. I hope you'll have plenty of time to rest between the travel days.
I would go from Venice to Vernazza, then to Florence and to Sorrento. The trip from Vernazza to Sorrento would be a truly harrowing trip, taking seven to eight hours, on four or five different trains. By leaving from Florence, you'd cut about two hours and one or two trains from the trip to Sorrento. It still won't be much fun. Pack light!
The trip from Venice to Vernazza isn't much better, taking about five to six hours, and on three or four trains. Even the trip between Florence and Vernazza is about a 3-hour trip, on three different trains.
In fact, your trip involves an awful lot of travel time. Since Sorrento isn't well connected to the rest of the world, I suspect that you'll have another trek at the end of your time in Italy. I hope you'll have plenty of time to rest between the travel days.
Oct 1st, 2016, 01:28 PM
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You might find it easier on your travel time (as you are using trains) if you simply dropped Cinque Terra and spent more time on the Amalfi Coast. It pains me to suggest it, because we loved Cinque Terra, but it is kind of the truth. Are you skipping Rome completely? Actually, I think if you've gotten "Italianized" in Venice and Florence, Rome won't be as big a challenge as it would have if you started there. Then you could go to Sorrento via Naples...
Oct 1st, 2016, 09:50 PM
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All your quick feedback is so much appreciated you guys! Thank you! Let me answer some of your questions:
Not stopping in Rome. Cinque Terre is indeed a pain in terms of logistics on this trip but I don't think I can skip it because I've daydreamed of those colorful villages for years. Now you've made me wonder if the towns down near Sorrento / Amalfi truly are just as charming and similar or perhaps even better. We do indeed like to avoid tourists and we hope to take it easy on this leg of the trip.
The whole trip for my husband and I (minus flight times) is 12 days total arriving in Venice and leaving from Naples. We're each taking a small backpack and one full size rolling luggage.
I should correct myself with regards to Sorrento. I don't have a specific place chosen down there yet but a friend told me it was a good base to enjoy that region. Pompeii is the only must-see (and for the rest in that area, suggestions are welcome. Just looking for laid back coastal scenery and great food I suppose. Positano? Sorrento? Amalfi? Lesser known towns? It's really hard to decide...
As for my original questions about the itinerary sequence, based on your input I think that, while brutal, the best option might be:
1. Venice to Vernazza (omg 6 hours and 3 or 4 trains!)
2. Vernazza to Florence (3 hours and 3 trains)
3. Florence and to Sorrento (4.5 hours and 3 trains)
Maybe I haven't made the wisest choice here but I'm not certain. Your help is so appreciated!
Not stopping in Rome. Cinque Terre is indeed a pain in terms of logistics on this trip but I don't think I can skip it because I've daydreamed of those colorful villages for years. Now you've made me wonder if the towns down near Sorrento / Amalfi truly are just as charming and similar or perhaps even better. We do indeed like to avoid tourists and we hope to take it easy on this leg of the trip.
The whole trip for my husband and I (minus flight times) is 12 days total arriving in Venice and leaving from Naples. We're each taking a small backpack and one full size rolling luggage.
I should correct myself with regards to Sorrento. I don't have a specific place chosen down there yet but a friend told me it was a good base to enjoy that region. Pompeii is the only must-see (and for the rest in that area, suggestions are welcome. Just looking for laid back coastal scenery and great food I suppose. Positano? Sorrento? Amalfi? Lesser known towns? It's really hard to decide...
As for my original questions about the itinerary sequence, based on your input I think that, while brutal, the best option might be:
1. Venice to Vernazza (omg 6 hours and 3 or 4 trains!)
2. Vernazza to Florence (3 hours and 3 trains)
3. Florence and to Sorrento (4.5 hours and 3 trains)
Maybe I haven't made the wisest choice here but I'm not certain. Your help is so appreciated!
Oct 2nd, 2016, 12:20 PM
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The Cinque Terre is extremely crowded most of the year. I was there in October about ten years ago and it was already too crowded for my taste. That was before Livorno enlarged its port and the super-sized cruise began sending thousands of cruisers to the Cinque Terre.
Have a look at this article in an Italian newspaper:
http://genova.repubblica.it/cronaca/...ti_-123899365/
You don't need to understand Italian to get the picture. Do click on the video, which gives a better idea even than the photo.
Have a look at this article in an Italian newspaper:
http://genova.repubblica.it/cronaca/...ti_-123899365/
You don't need to understand Italian to get the picture. Do click on the video, which gives a better idea even than the photo.
Oct 2nd, 2016, 01:11 PM
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@annhig Thank you. Flying into Venice and flying out of Naples. Definitely going south for sorrento/amalfi/pompei and surrounding, just debating now if we should skip Cinque Terre entirely because of logisitics and time. Cruise ships heading to CT are a definite turn off though and may help tip the scales just as @bvlenci detailed.
Oct 2nd, 2016, 01:31 PM
#15
ASB - you can go straight from Florence to Naples without stopping in Rome so unless Rome is calling to you on this trip, I'd leave it out.
How about a few days in Naples? you have to go there anyway to get to Sorrento so it's the obvious choice. or depending on your train times, you could go from Florence to Naples to Capri or Ischia, from there to Sorrento, and back to Naples to finish your trip.
ok - just found that you've got 12 days [does that mean 11 or 13 nights?] whichever, I don't think you've got time for more than 3 bases, or you will be spending more time travelling than actually doing and seeing.
How about a few days in Naples? you have to go there anyway to get to Sorrento so it's the obvious choice. or depending on your train times, you could go from Florence to Naples to Capri or Ischia, from there to Sorrento, and back to Naples to finish your trip.
ok - just found that you've got 12 days [does that mean 11 or 13 nights?] whichever, I don't think you've got time for more than 3 bases, or you will be spending more time travelling than actually doing and seeing.
Oct 2nd, 2016, 02:39 PM
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I don't know how big "full-size rolling luggage" is, but if it's bigger than 22 inches, it's going to be a pain when changing trains.
I wouldn't take anything bigger than 24 inches on a train, and if I had to change trains more than once, I'd want two carryon-sized bags rather than one small backpack and one large suitcase.
My husband and I always travel with carryon-sized bags, even though we usually check one of them. When traveling on trains, we take very small bags.
I wouldn't take anything bigger than 24 inches on a train, and if I had to change trains more than once, I'd want two carryon-sized bags rather than one small backpack and one large suitcase.
My husband and I always travel with carryon-sized bags, even though we usually check one of them. When traveling on trains, we take very small bags.
Oct 2nd, 2016, 03:29 PM
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@annhig Thank you. The train from Florence to Naples that I'm seeing on Trenitalia's website does indeed go via Rome but I will stay on and keep heading south.
The great news is that you all have helped me decide that we are skipping Cinque Terre entirely so we don't spend our whole trip 'on the move'. 12 nights in total, your recommendation for three main bases is wise and that's what we're now going to do: VENICE, FLORENCE, SORRENTO. From Sorrento we'll do day trips to Positano and Pompeii. I feel such relief actually
Now I just need to find accommodations and Sorrento.
@bvlenci Thank you. The big rolling luggage is 24". Interesting that you'd prefer two smaller rolling bags; is that just because of the size of their luggage racks? Regardless, I'm testing with those compression bags that squeeze your clothes and I'm hoping I can use a carry on size roll-on vs the 24".
Thank you
The great news is that you all have helped me decide that we are skipping Cinque Terre entirely so we don't spend our whole trip 'on the move'. 12 nights in total, your recommendation for three main bases is wise and that's what we're now going to do: VENICE, FLORENCE, SORRENTO. From Sorrento we'll do day trips to Positano and Pompeii. I feel such relief actually
Now I just need to find accommodations and Sorrento.@bvlenci Thank you. The big rolling luggage is 24". Interesting that you'd prefer two smaller rolling bags; is that just because of the size of their luggage racks? Regardless, I'm testing with those compression bags that squeeze your clothes and I'm hoping I can use a carry on size roll-on vs the 24".
Thank you
Oct 2nd, 2016, 04:00 PM
#18
"12 nights in total,...VENICE, FLORENCE, SORRENTO."
A wise decision, congratulations.
If you're looking for a lovely, yet modestly priced, very friendly & well-located place to stay in Sorrento I have a recommendation: http://www.casastarita.com/
A wise decision, congratulations.
If you're looking for a lovely, yet modestly priced, very friendly & well-located place to stay in Sorrento I have a recommendation: http://www.casastarita.com/
Oct 3rd, 2016, 03:28 AM
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ASB, it's just easier to get small suitcases on and off the trains, roll them down the aisles, as well as put them behind a seat or on a rack. Are you able to carry a 24-inch suitcase up a flight of steps? Some of the stations where you'll be changing trains will require that you go down one flight of steps and up another to change tracks. Could you lift the suitcase over your head to put it on a luggage rack (if it would even fit)?
Compressing your clothes may save space, but it adds weight, and weight is maybe even more important than space. Compressing may not even save space, because those compression bags take up their own space, and can't be crammed into the little extra spaces in your suitcase.
The following suggestions are not mandates, and you can totally ignore them. If you were staying in one place the whole time, I wouldn't even offer them. But when you're contemplating train trips that involve changing trains multiple times, they'll make your travel less stressful.
I suggest you reduce the amount of clothing you want to bring. Plan on wearing each piece more than once. Choose separates rather than dresses. Make sure every skirt or pair of slacks matches every top. Don't bring separate outfits for day and evening. Bring only shoes that are comfortable enough to walk in, and wear all day. The absolute minimum of toiletries, and no hair dryer or other personal care appliance.
This is how we pack for a two-week trip. For each of us, I pack four pairs of slacks, planning on wearing each four times. Five tops, assuming we'll wear each three times. In the summer, if it's hot, I'll bring an extra pair of slacks (or capris), and an extra top or two. Summer clothing takes up less room and weighs less. I bring at least one cardigan apiece, and in the winter also wear one on the plane. I bring one extra pair of shoes for my husband, and two for myself.
Now I choose two small suitcases. One holds the clothing, and the other everything else. I first stuff socks in the shoes. Then I put aside one top apiece, a change of socks and underwear, and our pjs.
I begin by laying the slacks in the bottom of one of the suitcases, one pointing east and the next pointing west, with the waistband sticking up on one side and the legs hanging out the other. Then I fold each top neatly lengthwise, making sure not to bunch anything up, and then roll it very tightly. Lay the tops on the slacks, pushing them together tightly, and filling every nook. Then lay the folded cardigan sweaters on top. Finally, fold the legs of the slacks over, and down the other side, making a tight bundle. Stuff underwear and other small items in the corners and in any extra space.
The other suitcase holds a camera, shoes, toiletries, guidebooks, etc.
We each carry a small daypack (my husband) or a medium-sized purse. These contain the pjs (rolled up tight), the extra top and underwear, our medicines, our chargers, and whatever we want to have on the plane, maybe a tablet or a magazine. The daypack will also serve when walking around for the day at our destination, to hold guidebooks, water, and maybe a sweater.
When I was a novice traveler, I tended to bring too much stuff. I quickly learned that it made for vacation misery, and most of the stuff I never used.
This past summer we (a family group of five) for a vacation of two weeks in Ireland. We rented a car, and only changed base once, but none of us wanted to drive a van on the narrow roads in rural areas, so we obeyed the "pack very light" rule and managed to fit all the luggage for five people in the trunk of a standard size car. We even had extra room, so we stopped at a supermarket en route and got all the groceries we needed for the weekend.
Compressing your clothes may save space, but it adds weight, and weight is maybe even more important than space. Compressing may not even save space, because those compression bags take up their own space, and can't be crammed into the little extra spaces in your suitcase.
The following suggestions are not mandates, and you can totally ignore them. If you were staying in one place the whole time, I wouldn't even offer them. But when you're contemplating train trips that involve changing trains multiple times, they'll make your travel less stressful.
I suggest you reduce the amount of clothing you want to bring. Plan on wearing each piece more than once. Choose separates rather than dresses. Make sure every skirt or pair of slacks matches every top. Don't bring separate outfits for day and evening. Bring only shoes that are comfortable enough to walk in, and wear all day. The absolute minimum of toiletries, and no hair dryer or other personal care appliance.
This is how we pack for a two-week trip. For each of us, I pack four pairs of slacks, planning on wearing each four times. Five tops, assuming we'll wear each three times. In the summer, if it's hot, I'll bring an extra pair of slacks (or capris), and an extra top or two. Summer clothing takes up less room and weighs less. I bring at least one cardigan apiece, and in the winter also wear one on the plane. I bring one extra pair of shoes for my husband, and two for myself.
Now I choose two small suitcases. One holds the clothing, and the other everything else. I first stuff socks in the shoes. Then I put aside one top apiece, a change of socks and underwear, and our pjs.
I begin by laying the slacks in the bottom of one of the suitcases, one pointing east and the next pointing west, with the waistband sticking up on one side and the legs hanging out the other. Then I fold each top neatly lengthwise, making sure not to bunch anything up, and then roll it very tightly. Lay the tops on the slacks, pushing them together tightly, and filling every nook. Then lay the folded cardigan sweaters on top. Finally, fold the legs of the slacks over, and down the other side, making a tight bundle. Stuff underwear and other small items in the corners and in any extra space.
The other suitcase holds a camera, shoes, toiletries, guidebooks, etc.
We each carry a small daypack (my husband) or a medium-sized purse. These contain the pjs (rolled up tight), the extra top and underwear, our medicines, our chargers, and whatever we want to have on the plane, maybe a tablet or a magazine. The daypack will also serve when walking around for the day at our destination, to hold guidebooks, water, and maybe a sweater.
When I was a novice traveler, I tended to bring too much stuff. I quickly learned that it made for vacation misery, and most of the stuff I never used.
This past summer we (a family group of five) for a vacation of two weeks in Ireland. We rented a car, and only changed base once, but none of us wanted to drive a van on the narrow roads in rural areas, so we obeyed the "pack very light" rule and managed to fit all the luggage for five people in the trunk of a standard size car. We even had extra room, so we stopped at a supermarket en route and got all the groceries we needed for the weekend.
