Group Trip To Rome/Tuscany Questions
Dec 7th, 2005, 06:49 PM
#21
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I can only comment about the train from Rome to Chiusi. Our group of ten made the same trip on a Saturday morning in April. The trip is short and the ticket price is cheap. Having said that, I was able to book a "buy one/get one" offer on the Trenitalia site and picked up our tickets at a kiosk in Termini with the help of the Trenitalia roving "helpers" who wear orange vests. I took advantage of the offer mainly to gain experience using the Trenitalia site.
You may want to consider stopping in at a travel agency in Rome (your hotel could probably direct you) to buy the tickets a day or so ahead. That would allow you to by-pass the possibility of having to wait in a long line at Termini. Our train, which left about 9:45 am as well as I remember, originated at Termini, and was sitting in the station when we arrived. We had an unhurried stroll to the train and boarding was uncrowded and easy. You may want to search the Trenitalia site for a train that originates at the station vs. one that arrives from Naples or Milan, which may be crowded before it reaches Rome. We did not have seat reservations and had the end of one of the cars to ourselves.
Our rental, through Autoeurope, was with Avis, which was within a block of the station at Chiusi. Getting to the autostrada is not difficult.
Where are you renting?
You may want to consider stopping in at a travel agency in Rome (your hotel could probably direct you) to buy the tickets a day or so ahead. That would allow you to by-pass the possibility of having to wait in a long line at Termini. Our train, which left about 9:45 am as well as I remember, originated at Termini, and was sitting in the station when we arrived. We had an unhurried stroll to the train and boarding was uncrowded and easy. You may want to search the Trenitalia site for a train that originates at the station vs. one that arrives from Naples or Milan, which may be crowded before it reaches Rome. We did not have seat reservations and had the end of one of the cars to ourselves.
Our rental, through Autoeurope, was with Avis, which was within a block of the station at Chiusi. Getting to the autostrada is not difficult.
Where are you renting?
Dec 7th, 2005, 07:27 PM
#23
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Hi Pantelia
I was away when your thread started, but I was interested to see it tonight.
About a Rome transport "day" ticket: I don't think there is such a thing, and since Rome is so walkable, even if there is, you don't need it.
The subway lines are very limited in where they go, and not expensive. We've also used the small buses, larger trams, and smaller trams in Rome, but I doubt if in your short visit, you will be ranging that far that you will frequently need public transport.
Once or twice a day is the probably the maximum, if that, that we use public transport in Rome, and we are experienced visitors to the city who try to get to different destinations on each trip.
For what you will want to see on your first trip to Rome, it probably isn't an issue.
The other thing I want to comment on is your reading of Barb's thread: made me wished I still smoked. ;-) But seriously, I suggest that you print out Barb's report, and pass it among your colleagues. I think it would do everyone a world of good to read it.
I was away when your thread started, but I was interested to see it tonight.
About a Rome transport "day" ticket: I don't think there is such a thing, and since Rome is so walkable, even if there is, you don't need it.
The subway lines are very limited in where they go, and not expensive. We've also used the small buses, larger trams, and smaller trams in Rome, but I doubt if in your short visit, you will be ranging that far that you will frequently need public transport.
Once or twice a day is the probably the maximum, if that, that we use public transport in Rome, and we are experienced visitors to the city who try to get to different destinations on each trip.
For what you will want to see on your first trip to Rome, it probably isn't an issue.
The other thing I want to comment on is your reading of Barb's thread: made me wished I still smoked. ;-) But seriously, I suggest that you print out Barb's report, and pass it among your colleagues. I think it would do everyone a world of good to read it.
Dec 7th, 2005, 08:34 PM
#24
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As far as transport in Rome, I found the bus lines very easy to navigate. They are only 1E per ride (and I think it is for a certain length of time, which escapes me at the moment, even if you change to a different bus), so I wouldn't worry about a pass. You have to buy the tickets at a tabacci (tobacco) shop, or sometimes will see a tiny booth that sells them.
Most people here will say to buy your train tickets after you get there, but if you're positive you want to take a certain train at a certain time, I can recommend getting them at trentitalia.com ahead of time, choose the ticketless option. Then you just hand your printout to the conductor when he comes around on the train. No standing in line at the train station, no stamping the ticket before boarding, etc. Of course, if you're not sure which time you will want to leave, it's better to buy them at the station.
Most people here will say to buy your train tickets after you get there, but if you're positive you want to take a certain train at a certain time, I can recommend getting them at trentitalia.com ahead of time, choose the ticketless option. Then you just hand your printout to the conductor when he comes around on the train. No standing in line at the train station, no stamping the ticket before boarding, etc. Of course, if you're not sure which time you will want to leave, it's better to buy them at the station.
Dec 7th, 2005, 11:10 PM
#25
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I agree with SusanP about the train tickets, if you know what time you all want to leave, go ahead and get them ahead of time. I had mine for both Venice to Florence and Florence to Rome booked and paid in advance. One last thing to worry about.
As for the bus tickets, they are 1 euro each and are good for 75 minutes after you have them stamped. IMO, if you stay near Piazza Navona you will be able to walk to all the major sites.
Tom
PS Have a great trip!!!!
As for the bus tickets, they are 1 euro each and are good for 75 minutes after you have them stamped. IMO, if you stay near Piazza Navona you will be able to walk to all the major sites.
Tom
PS Have a great trip!!!!
Dec 9th, 2005, 08:54 PM
#26
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Once again, thank you all for your insight and suggestions!
Betsy, we are hoping to stay at the Giotto Grande in San Gimignano. We plan to contact La Bella Toscana to reserve the villa right after the first of the year.
Thanks again! I'll post more when we have more details set. I'm sure I'll have more questions!
Betsy, we are hoping to stay at the Giotto Grande in San Gimignano. We plan to contact La Bella Toscana to reserve the villa right after the first of the year.
Thanks again! I'll post more when we have more details set. I'm sure I'll have more questions!
Dec 10th, 2005, 07:07 AM
#27
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I also agree with SeaUrchin, definately rent more than one car so you can split up. After 2 days together your going not going to want to be stuffed in a car with these people all day. And having a small car is a very good call...the small towns have very narrow roads and a small car would be a lot easier.
WHat tour company is it. I've had experience with a couple of them...EF and Passports. I've had awful experiences with EF. Passports, however, has always been very accomodating
WHat tour company is it. I've had experience with a couple of them...EF and Passports. I've had awful experiences with EF. Passports, however, has always been very accomodating
Dec 10th, 2005, 07:39 AM
#28
There are day/mult-day/week transportation passes for Rome. These passes cover metro/busses/trams and some trains. You must look at the information for each pass to be sure of what is covered.
One day pass called BIG is 4E.
Three day pass BIT is 11E.
Seven day pass CIS is 16E.
Five ride pass is 5E
www.atac.roma.it
One day pass called BIG is 4E.
Three day pass BIT is 11E.
Seven day pass CIS is 16E.
Five ride pass is 5E
www.atac.roma.it
Dec 10th, 2005, 08:01 AM
#29
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Pantelia,
Regarding picking up a car in Chiusi - I rented through Autoeurope and the rental office was also Avis, but the office (inside an auto dealer in an industrial area) was far away from the train station and required a taxi ride.
Betsy - when did you rent? I think the Avis office moved right before I went.
Also - with rental cars you rarely get exactly what you have reserved. You will get something "equivalent" or get bumped up to the next larger car. the most important factor is luggage. Most cars will hold more people than their accompanying luggage. Make a rule right now that no one takes more than a 22" and a small tote or overnight and each must be able to carry and lift their own luggage.
If you have all taken weekend trips together before - I have hope for you!
buon viaggio!
Regarding picking up a car in Chiusi - I rented through Autoeurope and the rental office was also Avis, but the office (inside an auto dealer in an industrial area) was far away from the train station and required a taxi ride.
Betsy - when did you rent? I think the Avis office moved right before I went.
Also - with rental cars you rarely get exactly what you have reserved. You will get something "equivalent" or get bumped up to the next larger car. the most important factor is luggage. Most cars will hold more people than their accompanying luggage. Make a rule right now that no one takes more than a 22" and a small tote or overnight and each must be able to carry and lift their own luggage.
If you have all taken weekend trips together before - I have hope for you!
buon viaggio!
Dec 10th, 2005, 09:45 PM
#30
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I also couldn't imagine doing Florence in less than 2 days.
Also, regarding Rome if you want to go to the catacombs there is something called the archeobus... perhaps others know if this is worth taking.
http://www.romeguide.it/archeobus_ing.htm
We drove to the Catacombs on my last trip and it was a headache getting there.
Also, regarding Rome if you want to go to the catacombs there is something called the archeobus... perhaps others know if this is worth taking.
http://www.romeguide.it/archeobus_ing.htm
We drove to the Catacombs on my last trip and it was a headache getting there.
Dec 11th, 2005, 11:05 AM
#31
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Pantelia, here's a suggestion: Consider taking the train from Rome to Florence instead of Chiusi. You could pick up your car(s) in Florence, head to Siena and return your car(s) to the Florence airport on the day you leave. Pick up in town to avoid the 12% add-on fee to your entire rental. It's not difficult to drive out of the in-town locations to the route to Siena.
Dec 20th, 2005, 06:27 PM
#32
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I just wanted to post an update to our plans. We met today, it looks like our numbers are down to about 5 or 6. As the 'leader of the pack', I asked that everyone make a committment no later than January 9th, so that I can find a villa for our group, and make a reservation for it.
We came to an agreement that once deposits are made, there would be no refunds. No substitutions unless the group agrees on the person, and we firmed up our dates.
Our plan (thus far) is to leave Tampa on a Weds, arrive in Rome (via Phili) on a Thursday morning. We (I) will look for an apartment in Rome (rather than a hotel on the outskirts) for two nights. We will take the train to Florence and pick up the rental car there. We discussed getting two cars, but there are really only two of us that can drive a standard car, so a van will work best for us. We'll drive from Florence to the villa (wherever that may be!!). We'll spend the week tooling around, with day trips to Siena, Florence, and the dreaded day trip to Venice (I really did try, but there are a couple that are set on going...perhaps I can convince them otherwise before we leave?!).
We will be flying out of Florence on the following Saturday, and returning to Tampa (via Frankfurt and Phili I believe).
I explained (I actually went as far as to put packets of information together for everyone, going into great detail!) that this is going to be my vacation also, and that I would not be walking around with a Sunflower on a stick so that they could all follow me around. We plan to meet regularly and each person is to come up with a list of 'must-dos' and 'want-to-dos'. I told them to do their own research. I suggested that everyone go to the library or bookstore and pick up some guidebooks and really get themselves prepared. My children are not going on this trip, and I do not intend to play mother!!
Now for a couple of questions...
For anyone who is familiar with car rental in Florence, there's about a $150 difference between renting at the airport and in town. Being that there will be say, 6 of us, in your opinion, would it benefit us to just rent the car/van at the airport? My thoughts are that the $150 will easily be spent on taxi/transportation from the downtown location to the airport. Any thoughts?
Also, does anyone have any experience with The Beehive hotel and apartments? This was suggested by someone in the group, and from what I can see, it seems to be ok, the apartments look nice, and the reviews I've seen on Tripadvisor seem favorable. I would prefer to hear first hand from anyone who has stayed there, if possible.
That's it for this installment...many thanks for your advise and suggestions, as well as your patience as I play den mother!!
We came to an agreement that once deposits are made, there would be no refunds. No substitutions unless the group agrees on the person, and we firmed up our dates.
Our plan (thus far) is to leave Tampa on a Weds, arrive in Rome (via Phili) on a Thursday morning. We (I) will look for an apartment in Rome (rather than a hotel on the outskirts) for two nights. We will take the train to Florence and pick up the rental car there. We discussed getting two cars, but there are really only two of us that can drive a standard car, so a van will work best for us. We'll drive from Florence to the villa (wherever that may be!!). We'll spend the week tooling around, with day trips to Siena, Florence, and the dreaded day trip to Venice (I really did try, but there are a couple that are set on going...perhaps I can convince them otherwise before we leave?!).
We will be flying out of Florence on the following Saturday, and returning to Tampa (via Frankfurt and Phili I believe).
I explained (I actually went as far as to put packets of information together for everyone, going into great detail!) that this is going to be my vacation also, and that I would not be walking around with a Sunflower on a stick so that they could all follow me around. We plan to meet regularly and each person is to come up with a list of 'must-dos' and 'want-to-dos'. I told them to do their own research. I suggested that everyone go to the library or bookstore and pick up some guidebooks and really get themselves prepared. My children are not going on this trip, and I do not intend to play mother!!
Now for a couple of questions...
For anyone who is familiar with car rental in Florence, there's about a $150 difference between renting at the airport and in town. Being that there will be say, 6 of us, in your opinion, would it benefit us to just rent the car/van at the airport? My thoughts are that the $150 will easily be spent on taxi/transportation from the downtown location to the airport. Any thoughts?
Also, does anyone have any experience with The Beehive hotel and apartments? This was suggested by someone in the group, and from what I can see, it seems to be ok, the apartments look nice, and the reviews I've seen on Tripadvisor seem favorable. I would prefer to hear first hand from anyone who has stayed there, if possible.
That's it for this installment...many thanks for your advise and suggestions, as well as your patience as I play den mother!!
Dec 20th, 2005, 07:04 PM
#33
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Pantelia, pick up your car in downtown Florence on the day you leave for your villa and return it to the airport on the day you leave Italy. I believe you only pay an airport surcharge for picking up at an airport, not dropping off. Compare the cost of renting a van to the cost of renting two cars; You'd probably be happier with the latter, and the cos may not be that much more. Could either of the two who know how to drive a standard shift teach some of the others prior to your trip? You definitely have time.
Dec 20th, 2005, 07:39 PM
#35
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I think that the above suggestion of 3/3/3 is great and you definitely don't need or want a car rental in Rome.On your air travel-have you thought of going to Cincinnati or Atlanta(or even JFK) to connect nonstop to Rome on Delta? You could fly into Rome and leave out of Venice nonstop back to the states so that you do not have to backtrack(wasting time) or be concerned about connections in Europe.Frankfort,London and Paris are always interesting to see if you have enough connection times.I still feel that the Leonardo Express train from the airport to Termini station is the best deal for 9 Euros! Good luck-I have a feeling that you yourself will be drinking alot of wine before you even leave due to all the planning and time involved!
Dec 20th, 2005, 08:38 PM
#36
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pantelia -- is there a reason that your only choice is between a van and a car with a manual transmission? Can't you get an automatic, or two?
A van is going to be very hard to negotiate on the narrow streets in Italy. On one of my parents trips, my Dad, who had done a lot of driving over there, tore a mirror off the van they were in. The van was a temporary replacement due to a flat tire, and they quickly turned it in and got back into a car, with an automatic transmission.
A van is going to be very hard to negotiate on the narrow streets in Italy. On one of my parents trips, my Dad, who had done a lot of driving over there, tore a mirror off the van they were in. The van was a temporary replacement due to a flat tire, and they quickly turned it in and got back into a car, with an automatic transmission.
Dec 21st, 2005, 03:43 AM
#37
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Hi P,
>...None of us have ever been to Italy before...<
I also would split the trip as 3/3/3, Venice, Florence and Rome, and take the trains, especially for a first visit.
The grape harvest will be over in Oct. Tuscany will be past its best.
Visiting the cities will allow you all to split up when you wish and to be together when you wish.
Your plan to stay in a villa and travel in a single van forces you all to stay together nearly all the time.
However,
>...there's about a $150 difference between renting at the airport and in town.<
Did you check the rates at www.novarentacar.com and www.autoeurope.com?
>...None of us have ever been to Italy before...<
I also would split the trip as 3/3/3, Venice, Florence and Rome, and take the trains, especially for a first visit.
The grape harvest will be over in Oct. Tuscany will be past its best.
Visiting the cities will allow you all to split up when you wish and to be together when you wish.
Your plan to stay in a villa and travel in a single van forces you all to stay together nearly all the time.
However,
>...there's about a $150 difference between renting at the airport and in town.<
Did you check the rates at www.novarentacar.com and www.autoeurope.com?
Mar 8th, 2006, 03:52 PM
#38
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An update to the group trip (for anyone who's interested!). The group consists of 5 people now (Thank goodness!). 4 out of the Tampa area, and one from our corporate office in SC.
We booked our tickets today, the villa is booked, and we booked the hotel in Rome also.
Being the control freak that I am, I've had a hard time sitting back and letting others do things, but I'm getting much better at it! Our itinerary, as it stands right now is as follows:
Depart Tampa (and Columbia, SC) on Weds. 10/11/06. All 5 of us are on the same flight from PHL to FCO. ($893 RT all taxes etc from TPA, $959, I believe, for the lone SC traveler).
We're using rome-shuttle.com for transport from the airport to the hotel (68 Euro for the 5 of us).
Hotel in Rome is the Grand Palazzo Carpegna near the Vatican (not my choice, but damn it looks nice!) the double room was $130 and change through Orbitz, per night, including hot buffet breakfast (as opposed to the English breakfast they offer). The triple room was $177.00 per night, booked through the hotels site at worldhotels.com.
We plan to drop our bags at the hotel, since our rooms won't be ready (we land at 840am), freshen up a bit in the lobby restrooms, and hit the Vatican. We figure we can take our time at the Vatican, then head back to the hotel when our rooms are ready. Then we'll shower (or not, depending for those who want to stink!) and hop on the metro (I believe it's about 300m from the hotel) and head off to see the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. I'm sure at that point we'll be ready to eat, get back to the hotel and sleep!
The next day involves a 1/2 day tour (Ancient Rome) from romaround.it The rest of the day is up in the air.
Saturday morning we're headed to Termini (with bags, would we be better off getting a taxi on a Saturday morning, or dealing with the Metro???) to catch a train to Florence.
Picking up the rental car in Florence (not booked yet), staying in the Caterina at the Podere Montecuccheri apartments, booked through labellatoscana.net for 500 Euro for the week.
During our week there, we'll be seeing villages and towns around the villa/apartment, a day trip to Pisa, at least one full day in Florence, and much to my dismay, and VERY LONG day trip to Venice. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against going to Venice, I just would prefer to have longer there. But, I don't have to go if I don't want to, although I'm sure I will, since I have no clue when I'll be able to go back to Italy!
We leave out of Florence the following Saturday, through Milan and PHL, back to Tampa (and SC).
I almost hate that the tickets and accomodations are booked already...I can't imagine how long the next 216 days are going to be.
My neighb-icle (the gal at work who sits in cubicle on the other side of my office wall) is not looking forward to it either, especially since I kept track of the days until my trip to London last year, starting at 75 days. She was not impressed with my daily announcement of the number of days remaining! She's even less impressed with my learning Italian in my office while I'm working!!!
I appreciate any and all comments I might receive on our itinerary, but please keep in mind, I'm not in (I can't believe I'm saying this!) total control of the choices made on this trip, so there's not much I can change. I can strongly suggest, but apart from using physical force, I'm trying to be a nice, patient travel companion!!!
We booked our tickets today, the villa is booked, and we booked the hotel in Rome also.
Being the control freak that I am, I've had a hard time sitting back and letting others do things, but I'm getting much better at it! Our itinerary, as it stands right now is as follows:
Depart Tampa (and Columbia, SC) on Weds. 10/11/06. All 5 of us are on the same flight from PHL to FCO. ($893 RT all taxes etc from TPA, $959, I believe, for the lone SC traveler).
We're using rome-shuttle.com for transport from the airport to the hotel (68 Euro for the 5 of us).
Hotel in Rome is the Grand Palazzo Carpegna near the Vatican (not my choice, but damn it looks nice!) the double room was $130 and change through Orbitz, per night, including hot buffet breakfast (as opposed to the English breakfast they offer). The triple room was $177.00 per night, booked through the hotels site at worldhotels.com.
We plan to drop our bags at the hotel, since our rooms won't be ready (we land at 840am), freshen up a bit in the lobby restrooms, and hit the Vatican. We figure we can take our time at the Vatican, then head back to the hotel when our rooms are ready. Then we'll shower (or not, depending for those who want to stink!) and hop on the metro (I believe it's about 300m from the hotel) and head off to see the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. I'm sure at that point we'll be ready to eat, get back to the hotel and sleep!
The next day involves a 1/2 day tour (Ancient Rome) from romaround.it The rest of the day is up in the air.
Saturday morning we're headed to Termini (with bags, would we be better off getting a taxi on a Saturday morning, or dealing with the Metro???) to catch a train to Florence.
Picking up the rental car in Florence (not booked yet), staying in the Caterina at the Podere Montecuccheri apartments, booked through labellatoscana.net for 500 Euro for the week.
During our week there, we'll be seeing villages and towns around the villa/apartment, a day trip to Pisa, at least one full day in Florence, and much to my dismay, and VERY LONG day trip to Venice. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against going to Venice, I just would prefer to have longer there. But, I don't have to go if I don't want to, although I'm sure I will, since I have no clue when I'll be able to go back to Italy!
We leave out of Florence the following Saturday, through Milan and PHL, back to Tampa (and SC).
I almost hate that the tickets and accomodations are booked already...I can't imagine how long the next 216 days are going to be.
My neighb-icle (the gal at work who sits in cubicle on the other side of my office wall) is not looking forward to it either, especially since I kept track of the days until my trip to London last year, starting at 75 days. She was not impressed with my daily announcement of the number of days remaining! She's even less impressed with my learning Italian in my office while I'm working!!!
I appreciate any and all comments I might receive on our itinerary, but please keep in mind, I'm not in (I can't believe I'm saying this!) total control of the choices made on this trip, so there's not much I can change. I can strongly suggest, but apart from using physical force, I'm trying to be a nice, patient travel companion!!!
