experinced train travelers please help me!
 

HI I am an experienced traveler through out Italy and France; but have not done the train thing in about 15 years.I am going to Italy with my Sister and Father in Sept. Do you suggest taking the train from Rome to Florence and then Venice? Where do I get the train in Rome to take Florence; How long does it take and what about from Florence to Venice; Is this the best plan? I really need help!

Suggest you look on RickSteves web site. He has the most comprehensive,accurate and easy to follow directions. Also you can compare the cost of pt. to pt. or eurail pass . Trains are still a great value and a terrific way to travel stress free.

How can you call yourself an experienced traveler throughout Italy and not have a clue as to where to get the train in Rome to go to Florence???

Sorry, I am not making fun of your posting. But I just thought it's amusing that you are going to Italy and you used capital letters for "sister" and "father". It made me think of a nun ("sister") and a priest ("father").

GOD sometimes people really take this site a little too seriously. If you have a helpful suggestion I would appreciate it ; otherwise get a life. For your info. I have been to Italy and France at least a dozen times; but I have always driven. I have not taken the train in Europe since I was in college and that was 15 years ago. So if you have helpful suggestions I would be appreciated as I try to do the same for others on this site.<BR>Sherri

Sherri.<BR><BR>You catch the train from Rome Termini to Florence Rifredi (town centre) or Florence SMN (inner suburban). At Venice you de-train at Venice Santa Lucia, not Venice Mestre.

Sorry, forgot to mention, journey times are Rome-Florence, under 2 hours, Florence - Venice, just under 3 hours. Reservations a day or so before are recommended.

Thanks; Tony <BR>That;s just the info.I needed.<BR>Sherri

Oops, Tony, I think you got that backwards. Florence SMN (Santa Maria Novella) is the town centre station in Florence.