Is there a big diff. in comfort?
Worth it? Get there just as fast...
Routes on ES will be roma to firenza to venice...any opinions greatly welcomed from a first time traveler to Italy.

see my previous postings:

Eurostar Italia: differences between first and second class

Three types of trains between Rome and Florence

Two types of trains between Rome and Venice (covers Florence to Venice as well).

We didn't think there was a big difference, but didn't mind paying the little bit extra for the comfort, larger seats, and small additional service on a three hour trip.

We would have no problem going back to second class on a future trip, though.

WE did first class for our rail trips and didn't see a difference really. I wouldn't pay the extra unless you are going on a really long journey.

Hi dana,

For those short trips 2cl is perfectly fine.

Are reservations required for Eurostar trains ? I'll be going from Rome to Florence next week ? Do I need to bother now with the online system ?
Thanks.

Hi lorenzi,

ES* trains are reservation only. The seat reservation comes with the ticket and is included in the price if you buy from www.trenitalia.com/en or in Italy.

We just got back from italy, and took ES from Rome to Venice. We went 1cl, and they were comfortable, but I took a look at 2cl and there was not a huge difference. Our ride was 4.5 hours, so the little extra comfort was nice and worth it to us, but on those shorter trips, I'd have no problem going 2cl.

Thanks Ira.

Yoou are welcome, Lorenzi.