drive or take a train in Italy?
 

I will be going to Italy in early November for 5days and would like to visit Rome(2days), Florence(2days), and Venice(1day). Do you recommend driving or taking a train between the cities? I have no problem driving in NYC, Germany, and Ireland but I hear that the Italians are crazy drivers. I hear that the Pandolino trains are nice. If I decide to take the train, can I buy the tickets from the U.S.? Any suggestions on "not to miss" sights and hotels will be appreciated.

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I returned last weekend from Italy where we drove around Tuscany and felt very comfortable (even tho it was on the other side of the road for us). We then drove across the country to San Marino and up the coast road to Venice. Leaving Venice we took the Eurostar to Rome (4.5 hours). This train stopped a few times between Venice and Florence but then it was express to Rome. It was a superb trip, going thru beautiful country. As you will be in Italy for only 5 days, my suggestion is take the train,sit back and watch the scenery. Driving in any city there is just plain madness. We did not stay in Florence but visited on day trips, in Venice we stayed in the Orion Hotel, close to San Marco but it was small, no lift alltho handy to everything. In Rome we stayed in both the Patria and the Regno. The Regno is walking distance to main attractions and was the former Kingdom of Italy Library. Very nice. <BR>Have fun Denise

I returned last weekend from Italy where we drove around Tuscany and felt very comfortable (even tho it was on the other side of the road for us). We then drove across the country to San Marino and up the coast road to Venice. Leaving Venice we took the Eurostar to Rome (4.5 hours). This train stopped a few times between Venice and Florence but then it was express to Rome. It was a superb trip, going thru beautiful country. As you will be in Italy for only 5 days, my suggestion is take the train,sit back and watch the scenery. Driving in any city there is just plain madness. We did not stay in Florence but visited on day trips, in Venice we stayed in the Orion Hotel, close to San Marco but it was small, no lift alltho handy to everything. In Rome we stayed in both the Patria and the Regno. The Regno is walking distance to main attractions and was the former Kingdom of Italy Library. Very nice. <BR>Have fun Denise

Hi Marv; We also returned this week from Italy and really enjoyed it. Based on the places you're going, I would suggest taking the train. You won't be able to use the car in those cities and you'll pay dearly to park as well as the cost of rental. It was our first experience using the trains and it worked very well for us. You can buy your tickets in Italy as you go. We found that "point to point" was cheaper than buying rail passes. And you probably don't even need reserved seats at this time of the year except for when you go into Venice. The trains are really great. You can email me directly if you have any questions. Enjoy your trip...Paul J <BR>

DEFINITELY TAKE THE TRAIN!!!! The train is the best and most convenient mode of transportation in Italy. Please remember though to book hotels close to the train stations in the cities in which you are staying.

For your itinerary, the train is definitely best. Check out raileurope.com for schedules and prices, then have a travel agent buy your tickets in advance. You can even pick your seat to be sure you are facing forward. <BR>

I will fourth or fifth the motion to use the train. Another site for schedules is www.itwg.com. Remember, Florence is Firenze and Venice is Venezia, in Italian. <BR>