Can anyone tell me how to get train tickets and cost from Rome's airport to Florence and from Florence back to Rome's central train station. Thank you.

From Rome's airport you will have to train to the main station in Rome (11€ per person). They depart every 30 minutes and travel time is 30 minutes.

From Rome Termini to Florence SMN will cost about 36€ per person one way for the fast trains. You can take slower trains cheaper.

Trenitalia is Italy's main train system. There are a few regional train systems in some areas too.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...0080a3e90aRCRD

Which hotels can you recommend in Florence that's fairly priced, conveneient to the train station and is a nice place to stay. Thank you.

What's your hotel budget for Florence?

$150-$200. I would prefer to spend less if possible. Since we will be coming by train, I thought the area around the station would be convenient even though I understand it can be hectic. Has anyone heard of Albani Hotel? It seems to be on a less than attractive street;however,it gets some decent reviews. Thanks.

ttt

Sorry I can't help answer your question about hotels in Florence.

Trentitalia has different types of trains, the trains that are fastest on the Rome to Florence service are the Eurostar trains. The station you want to travel to in Florence is Firenze SMN stn. When booking tickets try to purchase a discounted amica fare, this will give you 20% off regular prices.

I stayed at Alloro B&B (between the train station and Duomo) in September. It's on a quiet street with an interior courtyard. I paid 60E for a single. The rate I got (e-mailed asking about a room) was cheaper than on their website.
http://www.allorobb.it/Eng/index.html

You do not need to stay near the train station in Florence. Central Florence is small and walkable, so any hotel within the city center will work for you. I'm not a fan of the area near the station.

You might consider an apartment in Florence- it may be cheaper and give you more space-

http://www.residenzailcarmine.com/

A great B&B, very central-

http://www.inpiazzadellasignoria.com/inglese/home.php

You can do a forum search for other Florence hotel recommendations from other posters.

I like Annhig's suggestion of staying the in Umbria countryside. It would be the perfect contrast to Rome and you can't beat Umbria in May.

My wife is really looking forward to Florence and a day trip to Siena if it make sense timewise. I would expect on another trip to spend more time in the countryside. We have made reservations at the Hotel Casci in Forence. Thank you all for your help and suggestions.

Is a day trip to Siena easier from Rome or Florence? We are in Rome for 5 days and Florence for 3 days. We don't expect to be driving; rather, using trains and buses. Thank you

From Florence--about 1:20

Are ther any tours in Rome (Vatican/Sistine Chapel) and/or Florence that are worth the money? The main feature seems to be the time savings by not waiting in line? Thanks.

You could consider staying in Siena and making a daytrip into Florence. Siena might be a little cheaper and you can look over the walls onto the Tuscan farmland, maybe do a bus trip into the countryside. That would give you a change from the city.

On the other hand, if you love Renaissance art and architecture, stay in Florence.

Which museums are a must see in Florence? Would you take the Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour sponsored by the Vatican?

We're landing in Rome at 7:45 AM then taking a train to Florence. We have three nights in Florence and then we will train it to Rome for 5 nights and then fly home. We have in the past rushed through our vacations so as not to miss anything and it becomes a blur. As much as we would love to see Siena, considering our itineray should we pass on Siena and just focus on Florence and Rome?

Hi 14,

>considering our itineray should we pass on Siena and just focus on Florence and Rome?<

I would, this time.

Have you considered visiting Orvieto from Rome, for the hill town experience?
http://www.orvietoonline.com/

((I))

Yes, if you're trying to get over your rush-around syndrome, then just stay in Florence. There's more than enough for 2 days.

Regarding museums in Florence, everybody here on Fodor's adores Michelangelo's David in the Accademia. And the Uffizi is one of the premier art museums in the world for its collection of Renaissance paintings. You really need a reservation for the Uffizi. Here's the site for making reservations at all the Florence state-run museums: www.b-ticket.com/b-ticket/Uffizi. There are also tours available.

In Rome the one place I think a guide makes a big difference is the Forum. All you see is fragments of buildings, pieces of marble carvings and broken columns. You don't really know what you're seeing without a guide.

I sort of cringe when I see all these postings with itineraries for a city. I like to keep all the options in mind, and pick according to the weather and how we feel (especially if jetlagged). But some things require reservations.

ya, don't be too rushed in Italy. five days in Rome with three days in Florence is a lot as it is. you will enjoy it!

147747 - I have stayed at Hotel Casci in Florence five times in the past 10 or so years. It is marvelous. It is not fancy but it IS immaculately clean, has fabulous bathrooms (try to ask for room 10) and the people who run this small B&B and incomparable to any other place I have ever been. Nothing is too much trouble for them and they WILL bend over backwards to help you with anything you need. Ask them by e-mail to make reservations for you at the Accademia (David) and Uffizi museums (these are musts). Breakfast is large and filling and their location cannot be beat. Right in the middle of the city but still quiet and pleasant (Don't be put off by the fact that it looks like an office building - they are on the second floor).

Since you will have limited time and not be renting a car, I do recommend using Luca as a guide from www.hillsandroads.com. He is the reason we fell in love with the Tuscan countryside so many years ago when we used him for two separate touring days when visiting with my Mom and sister.

He is a wonderful and intelligent young man who will tailor your touring day to what you like, abilities, interests, etc. He is a wealth of information, can take you to some wineries as well, a safe and courteous driver. He picked us up from our hotel at the appointed time in the morning and dropped us back there in the evening (at Hotel Casci). His rates are hourly and so you can choose to take a full or half day tour.

Let me know if there is anything else specific you would like to know, happy to help.

Have a wonderful trip, Italy is magic!!