Mack

In late May we will be taking the Eurostar from Venice to Florence, and back the following week. The train makes 3-5 minute stops in Mestre, Ferrara, Padova and Bologna Central during the 2 hour 49 minute trip. Are these train stations near the historic areas so we can get a brief idea what they are like, and what is the countryside like? We are looking forward to the train ride almost as much as our visits to Venice & Florence.

Nick

I recall the train ride being a nice ride through the countryside, and nothing else. Its a pleasant ride, but don't expect nothing more than roling hills and farmland and countryside.

Rex

&lt;&lt;train stations near the historic areas so we can get a brief idea what they are like&gt;&gt; ???<BR><BR>You see the tracks and approaching rail yards of the stations; I don't recall getting any sense whatsoever of having "been through" any of the stops you mention.<BR><BR>You can have a nice meal on the train if you go at lunch or supper time, though!<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Geoff

Mack,<BR><BR>All you'll see is the inside of a train station, even the ones inside the center of a city. There is barely time for people to get on and off the trains before they leave, so do not expect to be able to make any judgements about any place you pass through the station.

jahoulih

If you can spare the time from Venice or Florence, consider stopping for a few hours between trains in Padua, Ferrara, and/or Bologna. You can leave your luggage at the train station, walk or take a cab to the center of town, visit the cathedral and/or a museum, have something to eat, and then catch a later train.

christina

ciao mack<BR><BR>if you stop at the different stations for a while take notice of the newest things on eurostar. since the 27th of january 2002 (i just took the eurostar firenze roma, roma firenze on the 31st january and back 1st february, so i know what i'm talking about) you must have a reservation for the train you take. on the ticket is the wagon number, seat number, date etc. this ticket is only valid for this train. it's erverything written on trenitalia site but till now i found it only in italian. if you do the changments without a valid ticket, you have to pay 8 euro extra inside the train. that mean you must have for the different parts between the stops different tickets. if you want to switch a train you have to change the ticket into another one on one of the counters at a station. they changed the whole things with eurostar tickets. <BR><BR>but anyway, try on www.trenitalia.it maybe in some short while they will explain it even in english.<BR><BR>tanti saluti<BR><BR>christina