ggg

My husband is keen to visit the Lamborghini factory near Bologna (he in a Lambo owner and they have offered a tour). I'm keen to get from Rome to Venice on the same day. How feasible is it to drive or fly to Bologna, get to Sant'Agata by rental car or taxi, get back to the train station and get to Venice all on the same day with a 11 yo and 8 yo in tow? I'm keen to arrive by train in Venice rather than by rental car as I've heard this is a nicer way to arrive.

Thanks in anticipation.

gpratt

What's the rush? Italy is all about relaxing. Unfortunately, i have no recommendations.

ggg

Yes, I know we should be slowing down. I might suggest he makes a day trip to Sant'Agata back from Venice once we get there instead.

Eloise

How much time does your husband need to visit the Lamborghini factory?

You can leave Rome Termini at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Bologna at 11:11.

There is a good Eurostar train from Bologna at 15:42 that arrives at Venezia Santa Lucia at 17:28 or a slower (and less comfortable) Interregionale that leaves at 16:53 and arrives at 18:58.

Try to avoid trains that only get you to Venezia Mestre, where you have to transfer to a commuter train for Venezia Santa Lucia.

Venice-Bologna is 2 hours, give or take a few minutes. Maybe it would be easier if your husband just did his jaunt from Venice.

Train information:

www.trenitalia.com

Eloise

P.S. If Lambroghini have offered your husband a tour, they can surely tell you -- better than I can -- how long it takes from the main railway station to the factory by taxi. And how long the tour is...

rex

<<I'm keen to arrive by train in Venice rather than by rental car as I've heard this is a nicer way to arrive.>>
I think that this is a bit of a myth, but it depends on whether you're returning the car (say... to Piazzale Roma), or keeping the car (and thus, for example parking on Tronchetto or in Mestre). While a one day rental (Bologna to Venice) is unlikely to be a good deal, it won't be any better to do one day rental from Bologna, returning Bologna - - and then you still have a train to catch.

Returning the car to Piazzale Roma, you can get more or les that same initial look at Venice as arriving by train. It's coming from Tronchetto that is the "lesser" experience. Even if you wanted to keep the car (but why?) parking in Mestre is a viable option, and then you can take the train for that 11 minutes ride into Venice.

Best wishes,

Rex

Grandma

Why don't you get a suite at the Grand Hotel Baglioni in Bologna (wonderful hotel), relax, and then train into Venice the next day.

ggg

Thanks for the great ideas, folks. I'll digest them and decide on the way forward!

donco

Taxies and busses are right in front of the Bologna train station. However, contact car co. to find out about the mechanics of getting to the factory and length of the tour-that may help in your decision. It would be less hectic if you go after you are settled in Venice IMO.