My family of 5 (2 adults & 3 children ages 11,9 & 7) are planning a trip to Italy in April 2001. We are starting in Milan and plan to go to Varenna, Venice, Florence, Naples, Sorrento and Rome. We believe Italy Railcards are the way to go. I am concerned about getting supplements for the ETR Pendolino Trains & reserving seats for our family once we arrive in Italy. Does anyone have advice? Thanks.

Hello Kathy <BR>We were in Italy in April this year. Our starting point was Rome and our first stop was Varenna. We booked our first train journey (Rome to Milan) from home (Australia). In Varenna, we found a wonderful little travel agency (near the railway station beside the Hotel Beretta) with very helpful staff and we made the remainder of our reservations and paid supplements through them. But you do need to know the dates on which you plan to travel to be able to reserve more than one step ahead. If you need more information please feel free to email me directly.

Dear Glen, <BR>Thanks for the response. I wonder if you speak Italian and if not was it a problem in your travels? Thanks. <BR> <BR>Kathy

Dear Kathy <BR>We don't speak any Italian and we had no problems. We used the Rick Steves phrase book which we found really helpful. One of the reasons we found reserving seats in Varenna so easy was that the staff spoke English, there were no long queues at railway stations etc. We went in and explained to them what we wanted, left them with a list of trips and suggested times, went off and did some sightseeing and returned a couple of hours later when they had had a chance to organise things. I hope you have a great trip. <BR>Glen

Dear Glen, <BR>Thanks again for your quick response to my questions. Your comments have been greatly appreciated. <BR>Thanks again, <BR>Kathy

Not sure how others feel about the Italian railcard but I have traveled throughout Italy with and without the railcard. I don't recommend anyone buying it unless they plan to spend everyday of their vacation sitting on the train or money is no problem. The trains in Italy are very inexpensive. For example, Venice to Florence is only $20.00. As mentioned, I have used the railcard and also had to pay extra for the supplements, which added to the cost of the railcard. I traveled from Milan all the way to Naples with lots of side trips and found I would have saved a lot of money without the railcard. <BR> <BR>Reservations shouldn't be a problem either. Car No. 1 of the fast trains is open seating and not a problem if you don't have reservations. Also very comfortable. <BR> <BR>You will surely have a good time. <BR>

We've used the railcard and added the supplements where necessary and reserved seats when necessary. Overall one trip using the Kilometro ticket for 3 of us we spent a total of $185 + about $40 for the extras--traveled the 3,000 kilometers and felt it was a good buy. Marilyn