I'm planning a trip to Italy from May 29-June 13 and tentatively have the following route: <BR>Fly to Rome (4 nights), train to Siena (3 nights), train to Genoa (2 nights), train to Como (2 nights), train to Venice (3 nights), train back to Rome. I will be traveling with my wife and 14-year-old niece. <BR>Are the trains easy to figure out? <BR>Will it be excessively crowded at this time? <BR>Any suggestions for small towns to stay in along this route or other things we should see. We typically like historical things and not too many museums. Thanks

Terry, this is only my personal opinion but I was ready to leave Siena after just one day, it wasn't my favorite place in Italy but I did love Florence. You can do the historical and pass on the museums if you wish. The trains can be a little confusing but just don't be shy in asking questions of others around you and you will be fine and meet new people.

Terry, <BR> <BR>I would suggest that unles you have a pressing reason to be in Genoa, stay instead at Santa Margherita or one of the Cinque Terre (Monterosso, etc.). The towns are much more beautiful than Genoa, which can also be a little scary at night. Have fun!

Hello Terry, <BR> <BR>You could check out train info. before you leave home on <BR>www.fs-on-line.com <BR> <BR>I would second Russ's suggestion, too...

You will get many opinions on what to visit. I agree with previous suggestions to add Florence and delete Genoa. Of course you may have a specific reason for visiting Genoa, history vs. museums. You can do side trips from Siena, so 3 days might be okay. The FS timetable will help you prepare for Italian train schedules. Assume you will buy Eurorail Pass for one country before you leave, options on trips/days. Fairly easy to manage trains, read the departure board at terminal, read travel books - 1st vs 2nd class, some cars don't go to destination but cars are posted. Your period is after some colleges and high schools are out, so may have more students.

Terry <BR>I am one who did like Siena very much, but even if you only want to go to one museum I would strongly recommend going to the Accademia in Florence to see <BR>Michelangelo's David. Florence itself is of course very much worth an extended visit, but that's up to you. <BR>I have a file on Florence and Siena and another one on Venice; if you'd like to see any of it, email me.

i terry, <BR>what a great trip you have planned! <BR>i would also like to repeat the suggestion to avoid genoa. As was said in another post..if you have a specific reason to go [family, friends, sites] then by all means go. But, i've heard it's not that safe or as pleasant as some other places. although, santa margherita is gorgeous! I think a 14 year old girl would really enjoy florence...the art, the scenery, the shops, the gelato!! haha. <BR> <BR>if you're in the como area try getting up to bellagio. you might want to plan some day trips from siena. There are some organized trips to vineyards, olive groves and local artisans that might be fun. My family is from near venice and even i might say 3 nights is a lot....there are some gorgeous places close to venice...Ravenna, Trieste [another city of canals...where the benetton family is from], verona etc. <BR> <BR>while in the area of Rome PLEASE go to Pompeii. if you are all interested in history it is an excellent place to bring everything to life! <BR> <BR>the trains are pretty easy to figure out - there are standard schedules in the stations [similar to schedules in other european countries]. Arrivi for arrivals and Partenze for departures. Remember to validate your tickets before boarding. <BR> <BR>it shouldn't be too crowded in june. I've visited my family twice in june and had no troubles. <BR> <BR>enjoy <BR>ciao <BR>JP

My 2 cents: <BR>One day is sufficient for Genoa - the palazzos are breathtaking, but one day is plenty to see them if you're not going to check out the museums there too. I wouldn't scratch it entirely off the list, it is definitely worth a stop. <BR> <BR>I'd say a day in Siena is plenty. Also, the train station in Siena is out of the way, so take a bus into town, since it'll drop you off in the center. <BR> <BR>If you visit the Accademia in Florence, don't rush immediately to the David - check out the Prisoners which were also done by Michaelangelo. They are the most amazing pieces of art I have ever seen. <BR> <BR>Also, Como isn't the prettiest part of Italy. I thought the lake was disgustingly polluted and just plain smelly. Maybe further north up the lake is nicer, but I'd really avoid Como itself. <BR> <BR>And I'd second the idea to take a day from Venice and add it to Verona. It's a great little town.

I would definitely try to spend a day in Verona as it's a lovely city and their arena is the best preserved you'll ever see. The piazzas and surroundings are just wonderful.