Per the advice found here I went to railsaver and purchased and received our train passes for Italy. Now do I need seat reservations (5/10-5/24), book now on line (how), book there, or what?
I know these trenitalia questions are ubiquitous but I haven't really found a direct answer to this question. Thanks in advance!

Hi sue,

You must purchase reservations for ES* trains - about 9E. You can do this in Italy at a train station or a travel agent.

If you wish seat resevations for IC or IC+ trains, they are about 3E.

Thanks Ira-I almost hated to ask because it should be self evident but I am glad to know.

If you book a Eurostar ticket the seat reservation is included in the price of the ticket.

You can book ahead (seat reservations) and if you do so you'll save money by NOT using an agency such as RailEurope since their charge is much more for seat reservations than you'd be charged by Trenitalia direct.

Unles you are traveling at some really PEAK travel period you can usually wait until you get to Italy to make seat reservations; often a day or so ahead of the travel date is plenty of time.

If you do wait, you can do it either at a rail station or at a local Italian travel agency.

Oops..sorry...Ira is correct about your needing to book seat reservations separately (with passes) for Eurostar trains.

Thanks Ira and Intrepid I guess that was mainly the issue: was a day ahead enough?- and I am hoping that in May it won't be really peak/crowded.

Hi sue,

>... was a day ahead enough?<

More than likely, unless you are traveling on weekends or holidays.