Florence to Monaco quickie
 

Hi all,

My wife and I are planning our trip to Italy for October. We are flying into Rome, where we will spend 3-4 days, then hop on a train to Florence, where we will spend another 3-4 days. Next is Venice for a 2 day stay, then return to Rome for the flight home.

Since we have a total of 15 days between flights, we will fill in the remaining days with whatever we feel like doing (isn't that what vacation is all about?). My wife would like to see Monaco. What is the best option, I would expect from Florence? I have found there are many trains going, but I'm thinking I would sacrifice speed for a more scenic itinerary along the coast. Any ideas, suggestions?

Thanks

Hi bender,

Are there compelling reasons for limiting Rome and Florence to 3-4 days and Venice to only 2?

How long do you plan to stay in Monaco?

What will you do with the rest of the time?

((I))

Hi Ira,

This is just estimate, based on what we want to see/do and what I've been told from people who have traveled to Italy.

We have just begun putting together the itinerary, so it will most likely change.

The side trip to Monaco would only be a travel one day, sleep there and come abck the next kind of thing. My wife and I are both big F1 racing fans and Monaco is to F1 what Indianapolis is to American racing.

I'd choose between Monaco and Rome and put the discarded destination on the itinerary for your next trip. I've been to both places and if asked to choose would pick Rome, hands down.

I would add time to Rome, add time to Florence (see some towns in Tuscany or Chianti as day trips), and add time to Venice. There's so much to see in each place. Fifteen days is not as long as you think it is.

Hi Bender 077,

I see that you've started to research the train trip -- but still I wonder if you realize it's about eight hours each way? That's an awful lot of time on a train for a single overnight! I really don't think it'll be worth it -- either spend more time there or cut it . . .

s

Hi B,

I agree with swan.

Train schedules are at http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

You can buy tickets at www.sncf.com

((I))

Bender - If you really want to include Monaco the best way would be to travel overnight by train (- there are overnight trains from either Florence or Venice) - or fly.

Steve

Thanks everyone for the tips.

Maybe the overnight trip is a good idea, although I was hoping that the train ride itself would be a scenic ride on the italian coast. I'll have to do a little more research to see if it's really that nice a ride and if not, then the overnight train might be a good alternative.