Well, the trip to Italy that I have been talking about making for three years is finally on. Oct 13-26. Here is what I am thinking of doing, since this is my first time in Italia. I debated on the big three versus a regional approach, but hey, with my interests in history and photography, it wasn't much of a choice. <BR> <BR>Day 1. Mid-day arrival in Venice <BR>2. Venice <BR>3. Venice <BR>4. Venice and Burano; late afternoon or evening train to Florence <BR>5. Florence <BR>6. Florence or daytrip to Siena (return to Florence late in the evening) <BR>7. either Florence or the above (no set day for the daytrip) <BR>8. very early train to Rome - probably Eurostar - check in and see Rome <BR>9. Rome <BR>10. Rome <BR>11. Rome and maybe Ostia Antica <BR>12. Rome <BR>13. Fly home from Rome <BR> <BR>I could use advice on the travel between cities. Will it be a pain in the *** to check out of a hotel around San Marco and make a late afternoon/evening train to Florence? Will this eat up too much of my last day in Venice? I really just don't want to use three hours of the first day in Florence for a train ride. How much time should I allow to get to the train station and catch the train? Same with Florence to Rome. Better to go in the evening or lose a little time in the first Rome day and spend a fourth night in Florence? For the evening in Siena, is it pretty easy to head back to the train station from central Siena late in the evening (specifically how far of a walk or taxi ride is the train station) and catch a train to Florence? <BR> <BR>After I make all these decisions, I can start reserving rooms.

We had the luxury of three weeks with a car rental for all but the last 4 days(in Rome). The trains should work great for you, keeping to the cities. Only you will know if you really want to do the Burano trip that last day in Venice. You may even want to make an earlier departure for Florence that day. Knowing a bit of your likes based on previous postings, you might like waiting until early Day 7 to go to Siena and spending the night there. (You won't believe how easy it is to get around - on foot - in the historic "centro" of Florence.) It is too bad you can't squeeze in a visit to Orvieto en route to Rome, but I understand the choices you're trying to make! We settled for a daytrip to Siena and know we want to go back. It is a small city, but totally different from the others you are visiting. Take the tour of the Civic Museum, and go out on the balcony at the back of the building. There is an incredible view which you don't need to climb umpteen-hundred stairs in the tower to see! When in Rome, I would highly suggest a daytrip to Pompeii vs. Ostia Antica. It is an easy trip and, well, it does pack an amazing whallop. Especially if it is clear enough to see "what's left" of Vesuvius!

We just took the Eurostar from Venice to Rome - it is very simple and a great way to travel. <BR> <BR>I am going to assume you will have train tickets and reservations in advance. <BR> <BR>The vaporetto from San Marco to the train is about 15 minutes and there is no need to be at the train station more than 1/2 hour before your departure - that was what my hotel told me and it was so true. <BR> <BR>Teh train station in Venice is small - only about 7 tracks I think. There is a large board indicating your track number, and all the cars on the train are numbered. <BR> <BR>There is no need to check in at the train station, you get on the train on the car indicated on your reservation, and sit in your assigned seat - it's that easy. <BR> <BR>Just be sure to stamp your ticket at the yellow machine before getting on the train. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip. <BR> <BR>Donna

In Venice in June, we stayed at the Locanda Sturion, on the Grand Canal near the Rialto bridge. Because there were 9 of us, we reserved a water taxi to pick us up at our hotel and take us to the train station for our train to Florence. It took less than half an hour, and was a very pleasurable way to see part of Venice at the same time. The vaporetto would take longer, of course, but it would still not be a waste of time in Venice, as the trip up the Grand Canal is so beautiful. Someone on this forum will know about how long it takes from San Marco to the train station. (By the way, I'm glad we opted for a hotel in the city but not right by San Marco, so don't limit yourself to that neighborhood. Venice is small.) We took the 12:30 train to Florence because we wanted to eat in the dining car. It was fun to do that, and we arrived at our hotel in plenty of time (a 10-minute cab ride from the station) for an afternoon rest followed by an evening stroll around Florence before dinner. I was OK with just two days in Venice (not that one couldn't happily spend a month or two there, I know that), but I REALLY wanted more than two days in Florence! We loved our hotel (Loggiato dei Serviti) and there was so much to see, that I'll just have to go back. We rented a car in Florence to drive through Tuscany and down the coast to Rome, so I have no input on that part of your trip by train. The Eurostar was very comfortable, though, at least in first class with reserved seats. Your itinerary sounds great.

My husband and I did the big 3 in November and flew into Rome and immediately got on a train to Florence. We had not done trains to the extent we did for this trip. It was very easy and everyone is very helpful. We did not buy in advance because of the time of year. We always went to the train station the day before and decided on what would work with our schedule. We stayed at Des Artistes in Rome that was recommened on Fodors. It was 5 blocks from the train station and an easy walk to buses for sight seeing. It actually was the best of all the hotels we stayed in. Have a great trip!!!

Dan and Diane: Just read your postings and I am not familiar with, "Burano" when you both mentioned Venice. I have been to, "Murano" but am too planning Venice in late October and want to know if Burano is spelling error for the glass factory of Murano or if I can learn of another place to visit when in Venice?

Dale <BR> <BR>You said you bought your train tickets one day in advance. What abou the train that you took immediately upon arrival in Rome. Did you get these tickets ahead of time or wait until you arrived in Rome? We are flying into Milan and then immediately heading to Rome on the train. We have heard conflicting opinions about whether or not to buy the tickets ahead of time. I hate to lock us in to a certain time since our flight may be late or we may be able to get to the Milan train station in time for an earlier train. On the other hand, without tickets I suppose there is a small chance that we won't get a train at all that day. Any opinions on what to do?

Thanks for the information. I would love to stay in Siena with one more night. I will still consider it though. I think I will set it up so that I can leave Venice anytime I want on that last day. Rick Steve's was my first source for learning about Burano. He said it is more relaxed and less touristy than Murano. I don't know whether that is still the case after his tv shows. It is known for lace-making. If you want to see good photos of Burano, take a look at www.danheller.com/venice-burano.html.

Hi, Dan! I can't wait to see your photos when you return from Fantastic Italy! All the advice you have received thus far is certainly consistent with our experience there. <BR>Our hotel was near San Marco and it took between 45 minutes and one hour to get to the train station. This was at the end of March, I don't know if October will be more crowded. I would think so. <BR>We are taking the two sons to Italy in about 7 months. I can't wait. Florence is wonderful. If I could live anywhere it would be there. We stayed at Hotel Lombardi in Florence. It was immaculate and so well located. It is easily within walking distance of the train station, Duomo and the #2 bus that transports you to all the lovely sites. We thought the value of this hotel to be very good. Dominique, the owner could not be more helpful. <BR>Good Luck! I am sure you will have a wonderful time! And do let us know about your pictures!!! <BR>Ciao! <BR>Gloria

Dan, <BR> <BR>You MUST go to Burano if you love Photography!! I can't stress that enough! I've never seen another place like it in my travels! My husband and I are both avid photographers and trust me, it's a photographers paradise! We went to Venice last May for 4 nights and one of the lace shops we visited gave us a 2001 calendar as a thank you for a purchase we made. I look at it everyday and smile. We probably spent a total of 2 or 3 hours there and I'd go back in a heartbeat if we went to Venice. I personally like Burano a lot better than Murano. <BR> <BR>Your trip sounds absolutely wonderful! I read your itinerary, sighed and wished it was me who was going! <BR> <BR>Do you think there's anyway you could squeeze in Tuscany? I believe you're going to be in Italy during harvest, I'm sure you'd get some lovely photos! <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful time! <BR> <BR>RMC

Thanks for the affirmation of Burano, RMC. I am really having a time trying to decide where to go when. My head is spinning. The air is set, so I have to make the best of what I have. I think what I will do is stay three nights in Venice (leave open fourth day for either early or late departure) and four nights in Florence (which will allow me to spend either three or four days in Tuscany depending on my desires at the time) and five nights in Rome to allow for either four or five days in Rome. I am planning for Tuscany and the Cinque Terre to be the foci of my next Italy trip, although who knows when that will be. With that in mind, I am concentrating more on Venice and Rome this time. Then the Veneto, Dolomites, and lakes. Then Naples, Amalfi, etc. Life if too short. <BR> <BR>I do have a question for you. What film did you use in Italy, and how well did it work? I am leaning toward Fuji Reala 100 and Supra 400, my two standards these days. However, I have a feeling slide film would work wonders. I am taking two cameras, but honestly I have no desire to carry both most of the time.

Dear Dan, <BR> <BR>After waiting 5 years we finally made it to Italy for our 20th anniversary. At the end of May we did a similar tour as what you are describing and had the trip of a lifetime! <BR> <BR>If I could make some suggestions - Go to Burano on day #3 it's about an hour's boat ride and you will want to spend time there and have lunch - it's very scenic. (Buy a 3 day boat pass - it's the best bargain in Venice - and you don't have to worry about buying tickets all the time) Take the ride to the top of the Bell Tower at St. Mark's Square - the view is fabulous. <BR> <BR>Venice is so great that the 3 nights weren't enough, but we were glad we had a "later" train ride at 2:30 pm. Do take the Eurostar 1st Class with RESERVED seats. You'll get to your hotel at about 6:00 PM, check in, get set-up and get adjusted to city life (traffic noise) after coming off the Grand Canal. (There was an adjustment period for us.) Then you'll be ready for a full day on day #2. <BR> <BR>Have reservations for the "David" at the Dell Academia or do what we did - which was to show up at 5:00 pm where we owned the place (when we arrived there in the morning there was a 2 hour waiting line, which my husband would have no part in!) <BR> <BR>We had only 3 nights in Rome - and loved it- go by the Coloseum at night and the Trevi fountain. Take a tour at St. Peter's Cathedral at the Vatican - we went with Roman Holiday Tours and had Kevin and Carla? who were great and was money well spent - if you walk into Vatican City you may see an American woman with some sort of Floppy hat - who is Debbie and she will set you up on any tour you may want. The place is amazing and you'll get so much more out of having a guide - they are so smart and friendly. <BR> <BR>We finished up our trip on the Amalfi Coast for 4 nights, which was another highlight. <BR> <BR>We hope to go up to the Lakes Region next. So if you get there before we do - pass on some tips please. <BR> <BR>Have Gelato everywhere ...... <BR> <BR>Ciao! <BR>

Dan, <BR> <BR>It was very useful for us to have 100ASA and 200ASA film. 400 might be useful in certain low light situations but we didn't use it much. I think it's all a matter of taste, especially with regard to slides vs. print. It depends on what you ultimately want to do with the pictures. I believe we used Kodak Gold 200, Fuji Super HQ 200 and Kodak Royal Gold 100. We didn't get too fancy and we also didn't make any enlargements greater than 8 x 10. <BR> <BR>One other suggestion: a few years ago we went to Yosemite. In the bright sunshine, we took some nice photos on a tripod with Kodak Royal Gold 25 (do they still make it?). Anyway, the enlargements were great. If you have the right situation, you might consider carrying a film like this. <BR> <BR>All the best!! Have a WONDERFUL time! <BR> <BR>RMC & Mike

Kodak RG 25 was excellent, but alas they stopped making it about two years ago.

Dan, <BR> <BR>Your trip sounds great. Here's my two cents: Burano is also extremely touristy, but totally charming, and don't miss Torcello. I think the vaporetto goes to Torcello first and then to Burano (just a five minute ride). Torcello is the least touristy of all 3 islands and has an extraordinary 11th century church which is quite austere and very different from the rest of Venice. Torcello itself looks like farm country--very few buildings, lots of grass and open spaces. Be sure to read "The Stones of Florence" and "Venice Observed" by Mary McCarthy--they're great introductions to the cities.

Dan, <BR> <BR>If you do go to Torcello, have lunch at the Locanda Cipriani. It's no where near as fancy as the Hotel Cipriani so don't let that sway you. It's very rustic looking, much more laid back and the food is great! We had lunch there and we highly recommend it! <BR> <BR>RMC

Back to train schedules. Check out raileurope.com. There are trains running almost every hour between Venice, Florence and Rome. I think you can make reservations on the web site but we made first class reservations through our travel agent. Even picked our seats on the side of the train where we wouldn't be sitting in the sun. You shouldn't have any trouble in October but sometimes buying tickets at the stations is a hassle. I think your itinerary is great. In Venice you can leave your hotel about an hour and a half before the train leaves and have plenty of time. You'd better get on those hotel reservations right away. Enoy your trip.

My only advice would be to make sure you don't take a lot of luggage. Keep it light. When you travel on trains it is really a pain if you have a huge or heavy bag. Or several bags. <BR> <BR>When you're packing, don't give in and "just take it". If you need anything, you can buy it there and prices are great.