I'm heading to Italy in early July. I've got a conference in Sardinia but would like to spend about 4 days in Rome and Florence first. Does anyone know of any good tours (e.g. bus/walking tours)?

Also, are the train rides from Rome to Florence pretty safe? I heard it's a two-hour ride that costs about US$50. I'm a female traveling alone, so need some advice to travel safe in Europe but also have a great time. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

Bay

Trains are safe. Since the trip between cities is short, you can travel easily during daytime hours without losing much time from your day. If your bags are carryon size, you can store them in the racks directly over your head. Depending on the type of train, the class of your seats, and whether you reserve, the ticket price might be much lower than you state. For me, if taking an IC train, which makes a few stops and costs less, I would book a first-class seat for less crowding. I might even pay extra to reserve my seat during this busy time. If taking a Eurostar which is a direct faster train, you get an automatic reservation, so second class is perfectly fine (and might be cheaper than first class IC with reservation!).

Though I have no personal experience, do a search for Scala Reale tours--they seem to be a favorite in this forum.

On your own I would definately travel Eurostar - second class is fine. Your bags can be stored in the racks above your head, but if heavy can be placed in the shelves at the front and back of the carriage where you should be able to see them anyway and convenient for making a fast getaway when the train stops and everyone is pulling their suitcases down and usually hitting people on the head on the way. Second class on these trains is very comfortable and very fast (Rome to Florence about 1.5 hours). Try to travel during the day if possible - not so much for the train - which of course is reasonably safe, but arriving at the station at night, unsure of where you are going could be a bit hairy. And do beware of the youngsters at Rome station who will grab your bag as you try to board the train, carry it to your seat and lift it onto the racks and then try and charge you an exorbitant amount of money for the "service". Refuse to let them do it.

You can look up the train timetable at www.trenitalia.com

As 'ellenem' already wrote, there's no problem travelling from Rome to Florence on an InterCity train. At your arrival only take a yellow cab at the train station. Refuse any other offer in the hall of the train station.
Next trip visit the "Cinque Terre". Very beautiful area on the NW coast of Italy.

Eurostar service between Rome and Florence takes 1 1/2 hours as stated above. IC service (depending on the time of day and the train) takes a bit longer. Both classes (1st and 2nd) get there at exactly the same time so going 2nd, particularly on Eurostar seems like a good bet.

ALso, 50 dollars seems quite too much, even for a first class Eurostar ticket. As you arrive at your first destination, go to a railway station or to a travel agency (railway station is better!) and book a seat on the Eurostar train to Rome (or to Florence if you are in Rome, obviouslty). Fist class costs 42,35 euro, second class costs 29,44 euro. You do not need to book longer than two dys in advance, unless you are travelling on a Friday or a Sunday afternoon.
As for security, I an a woman of 32 travelling solo on Italian trains every two weeks back and forth from Milano to Florence (plus several other trips to various destinations every year), I have been doing this for five years. It is perfectly safe.

Thank you so much to those who took the time to respond. Your information are ALL very helpful. Thanks again! I really appreciate it.

As far as my travel plan, I've decided to take the train and visit Florence. (It just sounds too good to pass.) However, my air reservation requires me to return to Rome to catch my flight back to the States.

My flight leaves on Sunday at around 11am and the first express train coming back from Florence to Rome arrives at 9:15am. My question is how far away is the Roma Termini from Airport Fiumicino - Leonardo Da Vinci?

It'd be helpful if someone would please let me know how long it takes to travel from the train station to the airport. If it's a short distance, I can probably make it on time. Otherwise, I'll have to return to Rome on Saturday night.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Bay

Are you absolutely certain about that train schedule? Currently, there is an IC that leaves Florence at 5:55 AM and arrives Termini @8:24 AM (#579) however it may not be running on the same schedule in your July timeframe. Check it again and I will do the same using another timetable and re-post.

I just checked the schedule using the Germanrail site which shows schedules up to six months in advance. You might want to check on the trenitali site, too...lists #579 as I stated in the above post.

www.trenitalia.com lists the same schedule for #579 but don't know if want to get up that early in Florence. You can catch another train to the airport..they leave every 30 minutes at 22 and 52 minutes after the hour and travel time is 31 minutes.

Your post wasn't entirely clear - are you intending on catching a taxi to the airport from Rome Termini? If so, the travel time can vary greatly with the traffic (traffic james are notorious in Rome). You could probably bet on it being between a 45 - 60 minute drive particularly early in the morning. Given the option I would stay with the train seeing as you'll be there anyway - less expensive too.

Although, if the times that you have stated are correct I would find the times between Florence - Rome and train arrival at the airport and flight departure way too tight. Don't forget increased security and sometimes the line up's at Rome airport are less than orderly. You'd only need one hiccup . . . much better to enjoy your last night in Italy relaxing in a lovely Rome restaurant and then a leisurely trip to the airport in the morning.