Have three days in Chianti at Castellina and wanted to spend four days so we could do day trip from Castellina to Pisa and Florence, but hotel is full for 4th day. Here are my new thoughts - day we check out early to Pisa for 2 or 3 hours and then spend the night in Florence. I would have that afernoon and the next morning in Florence and then go to Venice. Also I will have a car, chould I turn it in Florence and take a train to Venice or drive to Venice? Which would be shortest?? I have to make those two trips as I am going with another couple and they want to see Pisa and Florence.

topping

I have not driven from Florence to Venice, but I would assume it would be much easier to take the train if you are not planning on making stops on the way there.

The Eurostar train ride is about 3 hours and it is very relaxing. You can't use the car in Venice, so that would be my thoughts on it.

We drove from Florence to Venice and it took about 2 1/2 hours. That was with stopping on the way in Padua.

Hi donnabee,

What did you see in Padua?

We just mostly drove around the city - only stopping to get a fast bite to eat. My husband was looking for the University. He said it's the oldest University around. We never really did find the main building. It was a very nice town.

While most people take the train, we drove from florence to venice. It was autostrada the whole way and we thought it was very easy (follow signs for the cities, Bologna, Padua and Venice). It took us about 2 hours and 10 minutes... but we were going very fast.

Can;t comment on how much time we saved over taking the train. Guess it would depend on how much time you devote to getting to the station in Florence and waiting for the train. The train and car drop are at virtually the same spot in Venice so that part makes no difference.