We will be heading for Italy in April after a few days in Istanbul. I've found one low fare into Milan (orio al serio a.p.), but it gets in at 7:00 p.m. Would I have trouble getting to either Bologna or Florence at that time? We are making our way down to Rome. My other option is taking a leisurely ferry from Istanbul and getting off in Brindisi, but I'm having the darndest time getting info in English. Has anyone out there done this, and could you help me out? Thanks to all fodorites, I'm addicted to website!

Hi KP - Train Bergamo-Bologna takes approx 4 hrs - so you you wouldn't get there till very late.

For timetables see:
www.trenitalia.com

(Florence is a non-starter ... unless you want to arrive at 2.a.m)

Your best bet would be to overnight in Bergamo itself - or Milan.

Hopefully others can help with your ferry question.

Steve

There are no ferries from Istanbul to Italy.
At least one operator runs in summer from Cesme, near Izmir, to Ancona or Brindisi (www.marmaralines.com).
There is also an overnight service from Istanbul to Izmir (www.denizline.com)

Thanks Geoff-Hamer! I'll try to book thru the ferry site.

You do realise that the ferry from Cesme takes about 2 days to get to Italy?