We need some help with our Italy, France and Spain itinerary in October. We were thinking of flying into Rome, and returning from Barcelona. Does anyone have any experience with driving or taking the trains?

We have been to Florence and venice, so we will spend at least 3 days in Rome, go through tuscany, the italian riviera, and the french riviera. Do you think 2 1/2 weeks is enough time for this trip, or do you think we should visit Barcelona on an other trip?

Thanks!

If you drive ensure you can drop off the Italian car in Spain and then ensure the repatriation charges are low. Usually return charges are very high. You will also have to check if you can take the hire car out of Italy and into France and Spain, sometimes you are charged extra for this privilege.

I would leave Barcelona for another trip. There's plenty to see and do between Rome and Nice for 2.5 weeks. You could also add a day or two to Rome since 3 days is really not enough if you've not been there before.

I agree with both of adrienne's points except that I would add even longer to the time in Rome

I agree--save Barcelona--spend a week in Tuscany.

Visit one country or the other. Each is worth a lot more than 2 1/2 weeks.

Thanks all! I thought it was going to be too much to visit Barcelona. What airport do you recommend flying out of instead of Barcelona?

In October I would start north and end south--into Nice and home from Rome--for weather reasons.

That's a good idea!
What are the best places to visit from Nice to Rome?
Please let me know if you have any favorite places to stay.

Well from Nice to Rome,

I would recommend 4 days in Nice, with a couple of day trips to Cannes and Monoco.
From there you could got to Milan or straight across to Venice. I personally wouldn't recommend Milan just because its excellent for clothes and fashion, but I didn't particularly enjoy the city.
Instead I would go to the Cinque Terre which is absolutely stunning and spend 2 nights there. From there onto Venice which is a must see city and i would recommend 2 nights there which is a perfect amount of time to stay.
From there you can go Florence and spend 3 nights there which was one of my favourite cities.
Lastly from there you can get a train to Rome and spend the remaninder of your time there, which surely will not be wasted regardless of how long you spend there.

I have been to all these cities, on this exact route as well and had an amazing time. Also i ahd no problems with trains all around this region of Europe and sure you won't either.

Safe travels.

OHandrew

OH-Holidays

CT and Tuscany--that gives you 4 dynamite destinations.

Thanks! I think we will spend 4 days in Nice (vist Monaco, Cannes, Eze. We will probably go to Cinque Terra after Nice and Monaco, then to Tuscany and end in Rome (at least 4 days). As we have been to venice and florence. Where do you suggest we drive vs. train?
Any great hotel recommendations?

I would train as far as the CT--staying in Monterosso--and then get your car in la Spezia or Pisa as you head to Tuscany. Drop the car in Orvieto and train into Rome. Hotels would depend on your budget.

How long is the train from Nice or Monaco to Cinque Terre? Also, how long is the train ride from Orvieto to Rome?

Thanks!