ttt for newbies

topping for some recent questions

Great thread and Italy is now 6 weeks away. I'll be cutting and pasting from here. Thanks all!
((c))

Hey everyone keep this thread going. I am deep into it as I plan a trip for June.
We are a family of 4 (Mon, Dad, girl 14 and boy 22).

So far itinerary looks like this
Fly into MXP
2 nights Bellagio: Hotel Florence?
2nights Florence: Hotel Globus
7nights house near Todi
1 nights Ferarra: Locanda Borgonuovo
3 nights Venice: Locanda Orseolo
2 nights Lake Orta: Hotel orta?

Any feedback greatly appreciated.
And, yes we are renting a car.
Thanks everyone in advance...
jgita

Dear JG,

You will get a much better response if you post your questions on your own thread.

People looking for helpful information will not usually be informed enough to help you.

ROME TO POMPEII/HERCULANEUM DAYTRIP DIRECTIONS:
A Rome to Pompeii daytrip takes ~3hrs using the fast trains (ES-EuroStar or IC-InterCity) *to Naples*.
  NOTE: A local commuter train (Circumvesuviana or CV) takes you *from
Naples* to Pompeii, Herculaneum or Sorrento, it's website & timetable directions is listed below. It is a completely seperate company, so railpasses are not valid on it nor can you buy tickets in Rome for it.   You can find the timetables & fares for the Rome-Naples leg at www.trenitalia.com It has an English link and is fairly easy to use when it's working:). When you have brought-up your timetable and choose your train, you can get the Fare by clicking-on the "Red-square/White-triangle" icon.
  Buying your Rome-Naples tickets is easy:). You can do it the old-fashioned way by waiting in a long line at Termini (Rome's main train station), tickets sellers speak English usually. Or you can buy them thru a Travel Agency in Rome or in Termini for a small fee. Also thru the American Express Office near the Spanish Steps.   But the easiest way is from the 'Ticket Vending Machines' located thru-out Termini. They accept CC or cash and have an English option and are *very easy* to use, they walk you right thru the process.   Like anywhere else on public transport weekend travel can be a busy time, if possible plan this daytrip on Mon-Thur.     You can go to either the Naples Centrale Train Station or the Piazza Garibaldi Train Station (which is just an underground metro stop rather than a full-fledged train station) and just follow the signs to the Circumvesuviana (CV) train. The Garibaldi & Centrale Train Station are really the same station, with Garibaldi located 2 levels underground and in front of the Centrale station.
  If you arrive at CENTRALE: In front of Track 13 near the front doors is a wide staircase/escalator which goes down one level. At the bottom of the stairs bear left, you'll enter a hallway with the CV ticket windows on the left (Metro ticket windows on the right).   If you arrive at GARIBALDI: You will go up 1 level and just before you get to the the bottom of that staircase/escalator mentioned above you'll turn right instead.
  After you purchase your CV tickets continue down that (short) hallway and then on the left is a wide hallway with moving walkways to the CV ticket turnstiles.
  There on the wall in front of you are 2 boards that will post the *next* 2 arriving trains, you'll want the *Sorrento* train (don't worry if it's not listed yet). There are 4 tracks, you'll *probably* want Track (Binario) 3 (I've stayed in Naples 3x and it always left from BIN 3!).
  Half-way down *each* platform is another Departure Board and it will list the next arriving train's destination & time. The train's destination for you will be "Sorrento", this train runs ~every half-hour.
  The train stops at Ercolano (Herculaneum) in 17min and Pompeii in 36min and Sorrento in 66min. The stop you want is "Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri" or "Ercolano" for Herculaneum. Be aware that there are a few "Direttissimo" (fast CV trains) which skip alot of the smaller stops and will hit Ercolano, Pompeii and Sorrento in less time.  Exit the Pompeii Scavi Station turn right and walk 50m (I would buy water & snacks from the stalls along there if need be, there's also a restaurant) to the entrance which is set back alittle on the left.
  [This is based on info that I have read from other posters, I've never used these guides. There are licensed guides with ID's outside the entrance that charge 35-40euro hour per tour, *not* per person, same price as for 1 person or for a small group of 5 max.]   The entrance is a small outdoor complex of bldgs containing the ticket windows, w.c., ATM, gift & *guidebook* shop and an info booth. You might want to check at the info booth and see if they have any special sites open, there will be limited entry requiring a free ticket for a certain time (in '02 there were 3 limited access sites opened).   In the middle of this outdoor complex is an octagon bldg in the center that rents the audioguide tours. A CC or any type of photo ID is required for security.   It was my 4th visit to Pompeii and I'm a bit of a history buff, I thought the audioguide was very good. But you might want to have a guidebook with decent map though. I've read a few posts where people couldn't find some of the audioguide sites and I believe I might have had to check my other map also for 1 or 2 sites. Also at the ticket turnstiles (not the ticket sales window) there is a secured "Luggage Storage" room on the right. After you enter the site you come across the Forum, look to the left at the far end, that is the Temple of Jupiter and behind that temple a little ways back is a modern building with a restaurant, snack bar, giftshop, and w.c. If you wish [I highly recommend it] to visit the Villa dei Misteri in the NW corner of Pompeii, do so at the end of your visit (you *cannot* re-enter the site afterwards). You must exit here and walk back (600m) to the same CV station (at this exit there is also a restaurant with a pay w.c.).   
  HERCULANEUM: To visit Herculaneum (Ercolano CV station is halfway between Naples and Pompeii on the *same* CV train line-The stop will say "Ercolano" *only* (NOT 'Ercolano Miglio d'oro') or if they have changed the signs recently it will read 'Ercolano-Scavi'), exit the station (only one-way out) into the *small* parking lot and the *only* street there (45deg to your right), takes you *right* to the Herculaneum entrance after a 6 min downhill walk towards the Bay of Naples. Impossible to get lost or miss [audioguides available and sometimes tourguides]. Also right outside the CV station are taxi minivans that will take you to atop Mt. Vesuvius (not sure of the cost, but they'll be "pitching" to you as you walk by:) also "Let's Go Italy" mentions that there is a bus nearby the station to Mt. Vesuvius.
ALSO WHILE AWAITING your train back to Rome from the Naples Centrale Station, in front of ~track 18 there is a glassed-in sitting room (quiet & secure) for ticketed passengers *only*.  TO VISIT THE NAPLES MUSEO ARCHEOLOGICO NAZIONALE www.cib.na.cnr.it/mann/museum/mann.html closed Tuesdays <<<Across from the CV ticket windows (mentioned above in the Naples train station) buy a metro day pass or 2 tickets, to the left of the booth is the turnstile and directly in front of that is Track 4, go down to track 4 hop on the train and get off at the 1st stop (Piazza Cavour). When you exit the metro turn right on the *busy* street in front and walk (uphill) ~150m, you'll see a large 3 story building with pinkish bricks on the same side of the street, thats the museum.   Also outside this metro stop (P. Cavour) is the bus stop for the 110 bus to Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX To find the Circumvesuviana Timetable go to www.circumvesuviana.com Click-on "Orari" (There is an English version link but it doesn't work properly at this time but give it a try anyway:).   Now click-on "Orario Ferrovia (Interattivo)". Under "Citta di Partenza" pull-down "NAPOLI Collegamento FS". Under "Citta di Arrivo" pull-down "Pompeii Scavi Villa Dei Mi" or "Ercolano Scavi" for Herculaneum.   Set the time (Dalle) and click-on "Prosegui" (Find, Procede, Search). But remember these trains run basically every 30min, so you either make it or wait a half-hour:).

ROME CATACOMBS VIA ARCHEOBUS TOURS:
[The 1st half of this post is from Mar02 and the 2nd half from Mar02]
This is the easiest way to get to the Catacombs and the other Via Appia sites, of course it can be done on public transport (bus or metro/bus) I've done it before. But this is hassle-free, you won't get lost:) plus hourly transport between the sites. Even if you didn't get off the bus, the tour of this route is worth it. It costs 7.75euro in a 16 passenger bus with a guide and it's a "hop on-hop off" route. On Sundays the Via Appia is closed to auto traffic, great for walking or renting a bike (ask the guide). I was going to write a trip report about the Archeobus Tours but in my search I found this *very* informative trip report website. www.mmdtkw.org/VArcheobus.html
I'd just like to add "Summer hrs 9am-7pm Winter 10am-4pm", cost 7.75euro, take a lunch and picnic at the Aquaduct Park. And alittle more detail on the location *at* Piazza Venezia. Standing in front of the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument facing (North) the Piazza Venezia. Look to the leftside of the Piazza Venezia which is across the street and you will see the Piazza S. Marco (small tree and grass park-don't confuse it with that small island piazza on the *extreme* leftside of this Monument which is *surrounded* by busy traffic with many buses parked alongside it).
  Walk across this busy street to the Piazza S. Marco and go to the left (SW) corner and you'll see a Pinecone water fountain. That is where the Archeobuses leave from and if you look to your left (west) down Via S. Marco you'll see a green kiosk/ticket booth on the sidewalk ~30M away which sells the Archeobus tickets.
  Any of the Rome Tourist Info booths and probably your hotel will have Archeobus pamphlets. You might want to reserve by phone esp in peak season. (06) 46952343 or 46952252 or 46954695 (9am-8pm). www.parcoappiaantica.org/en/homeng.asp (this link goes down all the time, it's ok but nothing major if it's off-line) P.S. I did an Archeobus tour again earlier this year (Mar03), so I have a few things to add.
You might not want to do this tour on a Monday because many of the sites are closed (Villa/Circus of Maxentius [Circo Massenzio] & Tomb of Romulus, Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, Villa dei Quintili, Porta San Sebastiano Museum also the Baths of Caracalla close early on Monday). You must also plan around the opening times (8:30-noon & 2:30-5:00) and closed days of the 3 Catacombs (San Sebastiano M-Sa closed in Nov, San Callisto Th-Tu closed in Feb, San Domitilla W-M closed in Jan). The easiest 2 to visit are the San Callisto & San Sebastiano Catacombs. The bus drops you at the entrance to a park and San Callisto is within 200m. Also you cross a tree lined road/footpath just before you get to this catacomb, after your tour you follow that to San Sebastiano (10min walk). San Domitilla is ~750m from that bus stop, you would cut thru the park and walk along a rather scary (no sidewalks or shoulder if I remember correctly from '96) section of road for ~300m. To give you a timeline I took the 10am Archeobus to San Callisto. I waited ~10min for the English tour to start, after that I walked over to San Sebastiano (10min) and waited (~15min) for the English tour. I was finished by noon:).
The Archeobus picks-up around this area (San Sebastiano to Mausoleum Cecilia Metella 550m) at ~30min past the hour. There is only 1 restaurant in this area, it looked nice (outdoor seating beneath trees) but was rather expensive although one poster said the food was very good. So pack a lunch or bring some snacks and water. Also the "Blue Guide Rome" covers these sites fairly well with a map.

Wow, great information here, thanks to all. Even the bickering ones!!!!

ANCIENT GAME BOARDS ETCHED IN THE ROMAN FORUM:
I love the Roman Forum and have spent many hours just wandering around looking for little things that remain or left there mark from the past. These game boards are one of them, they were played by the poor average Roman citizen just idling away the one thing he was rich in...free time:).
  Below is a trip report on the location of the games I've found. Regards, Walter
  
There are game boards (tabulae lusoriae) etched into the marble steps and pavements in and around the Roman Forum. "...boards for games of skill and dexterity, used by the boys, loungers, and idlers who, as ancient sources record, crowded into the Forum every hours of the day and night." ["The Roman Forum" Soprintendenza Archeologica di Roma]   I don't think anyone really knows exactly how the were played. A guess? Because they were in public places vs homes perhaps some could be played at the "spur of the moment". Meaning the board is already there and the game pieces would have had to have been easy to access, such as coins, dice or small stones. Or they could have been played by regulars who would have say the gamepieces (metal or marked bone poker-like chips, dice, etc) and possibly entice passers-by in a little game of chance? Rather like the "3-Card Monte" dealers on streetcorners in major cities (1 theory and circle game photos
http://home.austarnet.com.au/maat/contorniates.html ). The majority are what I'll call "Hole Games", these are holes usually bored into steps http://www2.siba.fi/~kkoskim//rooma/pages/350_002B.HTM. They are deep enough to catch something that could be pitched (or possibly rolled...small ball?) like a small stone, a small coin, dice, etc.   They are mostly found where there would be a backstop such as the next step or a wall. They are sometimes in a neat order [::::] or scattered
[:?.??:.?].
  They went to alot of trouble to bore these deep holes into the marble steps whereas the other gameboards are just etched into the marble. That and the backstops leads me to believe that something was tossed in this type of game. Next were "Circle Games", usually a circle cut-up like a pizza (in eighths) and usually on a pavement or a wide step. Although there is a large version in a rectangle in the Forum of Nerva and 2 half circles on the steps of the Basilica Julia with a backstop.   And finally "Rectangular Games" (rare I've only found a few) the rectangle is usually divided either vertically or horizontally by lines and between the lines are symbols. The best one is on the pavement in front of the altar steps in the Forum of Augustus (across the street from the Roman Forum), it is groups of laid-down 8's like the infinity symbol and groups of X's. I'll start at the Via dei Fori Imperiali entrance to the Roman Forum. Before you enter turn right and walk down the sidewalk along the main street over to between the 2nd & 3rd lampost. Walk over to the sidewalk railing and look down on a large section of large marble pavement slabs.   The distant 2 slabs have a rectangular game cut-up into eighths on one and a circle game on the other with another faded circle game just below that one on the same slab.   Now look to your left and the 2nd slab from the far end also has a circle game on it.   Look over your right shoulder 45deg, far across the street is the Forum of Augustus. Viewed from the sidewalk over there looking straight down in front the steps to the altar towards the left end is a rectangular game with symbols and 2 circle games (faded) on the small remaining sections of pavement, 1 just above it and the other to the right of that one.   Walk back over and enter the Forum down the ramp. Turn right and walk towards the "Arch of Septimius Severus" down the Via Sacra, all along your right are the remains of the "Porticus of Giaus and Lucius" this was a columned walkway (with steps). Behind that was the "Tabernae Novae" merchant stalls, mostly money changers (bankers) and behind that was the "Basilica Aemilia" (these were all connected and formed 1 large building).   Now just past the halfway point of the Portius after an open entranceway into the Basilica you will see a marble base of what looks like a headless man with outstretched arms. In front of that is a step (fragment) with the half remains of a "circle game".   Keep walking and you will come to a marble ring with a plaque. That is the "Shrine of Venus Cloacina", look over past it to the left and you will see a "hole game" on the steps. Also to the left of the Shrine closer to you a step fragment with another "hole game".   Now turn around and face the fenced-off Forum Square. You will see pedestal bases, walk over to the right of the 2nd one and peer over that large stone block. The stone block behind it has a "hole game" on it.   Now walk to the Arch of Septimius Severus, the archway on the left has 3 games in it. When in the middle archway look at the left side of the doorway that goes into the left arch there is a "hole game" there. Walkout of the middle arch and look into that same left archway, there is a "hole game" on the rightside of the doorway and a faded circle game on the pavement.   Now look over to the "Temple of Saturn", the road on the right is called the "Clivus Capitolinus" and goes uphill to the Capitoline Hill. Oddly there are 2 "circle games" on the pavement stones at the top section of this road. The 1st is faded and just past the "Portico of the Consentes" and the 2nd clearer and just before the end where the modern steps are.   A guess?: This wasn't a crowded roadway because it lead mainly to the "Temple of Jupiter" on the hill and was mainly used for Triumphs (military victory parades). And I believe there was a more direct access via a staircase behind the Arch of S. Severius that led to the Tabularium and the middle of this hill (Arx) which was between the 2 major temples. Also in the winter this section of road was probably exposed to the Sun for most of the day, if you're going to hang around all day might as well be in the warm Sun:).   On the leftside of the "Temple of Saturn" is the marble protruding base of the Temple (like a step) and directly beneath the left/rear column on that side is a "hole game". Walk past the Temple of Saturn over to the other Via Sacra section which runs down the otherside of the Forum Square. The Forum Square will be on your left and the Basilica Julia on the right. http://www2.siba.fi/~kkoskim//rooma/pages/FBIULIA.HTM They have found ~80 game boards on the steps and on the floor of the Basilica Julia. The basilica is fenced-off so only the games on the steps are viewable.   In the basilica they held civil tribunals (court cases), the interior could be curtained-off into multiple court rooms or opened-up for larger high-profile cases.
  I suppose if there were no chariot races or gladiator combats going on this would be the place to go for entertainment esp during a high-profile court case:). I have read that lawyers sometimes would hire these "loungers and idlers" to cheer their defendant and jeer the opposition. Cicero (not in this basilica) once hired orphans off the street to play the dependent children of his client:).    On the steps are where most of the games in the Forum can be found. You will come across the 1st and most famous in ~10m http://www2.siba.fi/~kkoskim//rooma/pages/165_021B.HTM No one seems to know what the letters mean but that odd "A" I have seen in a word on a ancient pot in the Forum Museum. Also a few inches above the "R" there is a piece of metal fused into the step. This basilica has burned down a few times, most notably in the 410AD Visigoth sacking and burning of Rome.
  Walk slowly along the steps and you will see alot of "holes games". Also in the Forum behind you between the 2nd & 3rd large brick column bases, ~2m from the fence you will find a "circle game" on the actual Forum pavement.
  The last section of steps at the end of the basilica have some interesting games. On the top step (hard to see) between the 3rd & 4th column stump from the end is this game
http://www.vroma.org/images/forum_pr....gameboard.jpg And on the steps in the area of the 2nd column stump are two half circle games (faded) on the 3rd step.
  And if you walk down the short side of the basilica on the Vicus Tuscus there are some hole games on the 2nd entrance stairs also farther down is a single step in the grass with a "hole game".   In this area on the steps of the basilica you will notice what looks like molds cut deep into the steps. In the Middle Ages the basilica was used as a lime kiln. My guess is that these were molds for hammers or wedges to split the marble. Also there is a deep bowl-like mold on the 2nd side staircase, could this have been used for crushing/pounding the finished lime from the burnt marble? Fill the bowl with molten metal and stick a metal rod into in and you would have a large pestle "----l)"? I hope to find out someday, I'm very curious and someone went to alot of trouble to cut these into the marble steps. Now walk over to the nearby corner of the Forum Square, there is what looks like a small brick building. That is the remains of the "Rostra ad Divi Julii (Divine Julius)".   There is a fragment (next to the waste bin:) of a "hole game". Turn left on that short street that connects the 2 Via Sacra's. Looking into the Forum Sq. you will see a "hole' and "circle game" on fragments. Now on the otherside of this street there is a large rectanglar block of stone directly in front of the "Temple of Divine Julius" right alongside this street. That was the base of the equestrian statue of Julius Caesar. There is a "hole game" on top of it and some type of graffiti. On the ground on the otherside of it is a fragment with a "hole game".   Now walk over to the Temple of Divine Julius, on the steps to the right of the entrance over to the corner are 2 "hole games". And on the rightside of the building there is another "hole game" and a small graffiti on those steps.
  Now walk over to the "Temple of Antoninus and Faustina". The steps have been reconstructed in brick with the few remaining marble steps in place. On the 3rd step on the extreme left is a "hole game".   The next games are at the other end of the Forum area. They are on the marble steps that lead into the "Temple of Roma and Venus". They go from the "Arch of Titus" over to the modern building that houses the Forum Museum. On them are "hole games" at each end and a "rectangular game" on the 6th step along the metal railing on the arch side.

PISA DAYTRIP DIRECTIONS:
These are directions from the Pisa Centrale Station from Mar'03. 
The Centrale Station is roughly 1.8km south of the Campo dei Miracoli (Piazza del Duomo) where the "Leaning Tower" is located:). The train station and Piazza are connected by a bus route but the walk is only ~25min.
  The Leaning Tower has turned one side of the street flanking the Piazza into a long row of tacky souvenir stalls. But just turn your back on them and you have a lovely piazza with a beautiful cathedral, baptistery and a campanile that just happens to lean:).   To climb the Tower you need a reservation, you can try to book when you arrive for a later time but only 30 people are allowed in each group which was every hour. Or you can prebook online at www.opapisa.it/boxoffice/
  There are 5 sites at the Piazza that require admission, a combo ticket for all 5 is 15e and they have other lesser combo tickets available (Duomo (cathedral), Baptistery, Camposanto, "Museo dell' Opera del Duomo", "Museo delle Sinopie").
PISA CENTRALE STATION:
  Luggage storage (Deposito Bagagli) is manned (0600-2200) and just recently opened (~Jan03), the self-storage lockers are still closed. On arrival don't enter the station but turn right and walk down Track 1, it's in a open hallway past the closed lockers.
  When you enter the station there is a Tabacchi on the right and a newstand on the left that both sell bus tickets (€0.80, buy 2:).   Walk out of the station and look 45deg to the right and walk over to that lamp post ~40m away. You will see the bus sign for the "A" bus line (an A within a pink circle), which will also list your stop "Piazza Miracoli Museo Opera" (in yellow).
  Your bus will have an "A" on the back and over the front entrance and in the front will say "NAVETTA "A" Torre Park Pietrasatina".   The driver takes his break there so just board and validate your ticket. Your stop could sneak past you if you're not watching or standing so try and sit on the right side of the bus. Before you get to it you will see a large "red cross sign" and when you get to that you will see the fortress-type wall (~40m away) with the Duomo dome above it. (The return stop is across the street and the bus will be say "NAVETTA "A" Ospedale Stazione FS").
  After you enter the Piazza on the right (~125m) you will come across the "Museo delle Sinopie" you can buy the regular tickets (Duomo & Museums) there or at the other end of the Piazza at the "Museo dell' Opera del Duomo" (and possibly at the Camposanto?).
  To pick-up your reserved Tower tickets or to make a reservation, walk to the end of the Piazza and turn left. Walking between the Duomo and the Tower you will see a building in front of you. Walk over to it and turn right in 30m you will past the door to a gift shop, next is the ticket office and next is a baggage storage room with free lockers for those climbing the Tower. The lockers are small but will hold a daypack, no bags are allowed on the Tower climb. Outside this door is the meeting point for those climbing the Tower.   When walking over to the Tower position yourself within the other 29 people, meaning if you're young or in good physical shape get in the front section of the group, if you older, overweight, been smoking for years you might want to take-up the rear:). You will not be rushed and the rear escort is in no hurry to get to the top *again* (that is 1st hand info:).   When you get to the bell landing (1 level from the top) you will walk halfway around the Tower on the outside and then climb to the top. There is a steel rail around the edge but there are 4 narrow steps that go longways around the Tower, so it puts you alittle higher up compared to the rail. I made it about 2 meters and got a major attack of vertigo (just like in the Hitchcock movie:) ) and couldn't make it around. But the other 29 people had no problem and in time my fingernail marks where I crawled back to the doorway will fade:).

Julius Caesar 'Ides of March' Assassination Walking Tour:
This is too long to post (11 printed pages) here. I tried posting it on Usenet and using a google achives URL but it wouldn't post the photo links properly (opened & not complete).
I'm not a good writer :) but it starts in the Roman Forum the night before, goes to the assassination site and back to the Forum for the funeral. It shows the sites in detail with photo links, the possible events that transpired and the people involved. Of course you can always find different version of certain events :), I just choose the most probable.
If you're interested e-mail me and I'll sent you a copy.
Just put ROME JULIUS CAESAR in the subject line so it doesn't get spam-canned :).
Regards, Walter

Thax for some very helpful information, ParadiseLost

It is now possible to purchase tickets on line from Trenitalia.

Go to www.trenitalia.com andclick on the Italian flag.

Click on "registrati ora"

Fill in the blanks.

In an hour or so, you will receive confirmation of your user ID and a password.

When you make your booking, click on "ticketless".

You will get a confirmation number. Bring that number and the same credit card to which you billed the tickets with you to the train station to get your tickets.

You can purchase tickets from FCO (Fiumicino Aeroporto) to Roma online.

PS,

Give it a day or two for your user ID and password to be entered in the system.

ttt

For anyone seeking Rail fares in Italy - here's a quick reference list of the most commonly requested:

EUROSTAR fares (approx) between the main cities:-

Fares given are 2nd class (1st class in brackets)

ROME-NAPLES
€ 22.50 (33.00)

ROME-FLORENCE
€ 29.50 (42.50)

ROME-VENICE
€ 45.00 (67.50)

ROME-MILAN
€ 46.50 (67.50)

FLORENCE-VENICE
€ 27.00 (39.50)

FLORENCE-MILAN
€ 29.00 (42.00)

MILAN-VENICE
€ 22.50 (29.00)
(Most trains on this route are INTERCITY not Eurostar, with similar fares)

Notes:
- Eurostar fares INCLUDE seat reservation.
- Return/round trip fares are double.
- Don't forget to VALIDATE non-Eurostar tickets before boarding.

------------------------

INTER-REGIONAL fares (approx) between other cities:-
(Return/roundtrip fares are double)

FLORENCE-PISA
€ 5.00

FLORENCE-LUCCA
€ 4.50

FLORENCE-CINQUE TERRE
€ 8.00 OR
€ 18.50 using Eurostar train

LIVORNO-FLORENCE
€ 6.00

CIVITAVECCHIA-ROME
€ 4.00

All fares are rounded.

Ref:
www.trenitalia.it
- for all Italian rail fares & timetables.

Steve

Author: Steve_James
Date: 01/19/2004, 09:02 am
Message: For anyone seeking Rail fares in Italy - here's a quick reference list of the most commonly requested:

EUROSTAR fares (approx) between the main cities:-

Fares given are 2nd class (1st class in brackets)

ROME-NAPLES
€ 22.50 (33.00)

ROME-FLORENCE
€ 29.50 (42.50)

ROME-VENICE
€ 45.00 (67.50)

ROME-MILAN
€ 46.50 (67.50)

FLORENCE-VENICE
€ 27.00 (39.50)

FLORENCE-MILAN
€ 29.00 (42.00)

MILAN-VENICE
€ 22.50 (29.00)
(Most trains on this route are INTERCITY not Eurostar, with similar fares)

Notes:
- Eurostar fares INCLUDE seat reservation.
- Return/round trip fares are double.
- Don't forget to VALIDATE non-Eurostar tickets before boarding.

------------------------

INTER-REGIONAL fares (approx) between other cities:-
(Return/roundtrip fares are double)

FLORENCE-PISA
€ 5.00

FLORENCE-LUCCA
€ 4.50

FLORENCE-CINQUE TERRE
€ 8.00 OR
€ 18.50 using Eurostar train

LIVORNO-FLORENCE
€ 6.00

CIVITAVECCHIA-ROME
€ 4.00

All fares are rounded.

Ref:
www.trenitalia.it
- for all Italian rail fares & timetables.

Steve

Molto grazie Steve--you have saved me the trouble.
Also, saw a great tip in a recent article worth passing on. The 18:45 mass at San Marco basilica allows you to see the famed mosaics in full light. The priests turn on the interior lights then, but you must stay for the mass.

Oops ! I should have said 18:45 SUNDAY EVENING.

Here are some driving tips for Italy:

DRIVING IN ITALY:

Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps?study them in advance?and have a good NAVIGATOR.
* We have rented a car for 20 of our 22 trips to Europe. Our only mishap was a minor fender bender in a leased car, and that was in France.

Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is AUTOEUROPE [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, full mandatory insurance coverage, and VAT taxes. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.

Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers?both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing?you should too !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the on-coming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.

OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign ? SENSO UNICO? and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb?300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do not attempt to follow road numbers?that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA?SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.