PalenQ-Can you tell me why you strongly suggest first class tickets on Trenitalia? I read a thread some time ago (I believe on Fodors) that stated they did not see a difference between first and second class tickets and to opt for second class. Just curious.

kybourbon- Thanks for the info on Capital One. I already have a business Capital One , but will definitely look into getting another card if it's a good promo.

RitaZ - the debate over first vs 2nd class is ongoing here. But I will stand by my advice for the average tourist on the trip of a lifetime pay the extra for first class as there is a significance difference - first of all the seats are much bigger - 3 seats in a row instead of 4 in the same size train car as in 2nd class.

And more importantly IMO you can get so-called isolated seats in first class - a seat with an aisle and a window - solo seat and for couples you will find some of these face each other with a table in between them - to me these are the ideal seat for couples (as long as one is not aloof to 'traveling backwards')

And in my decades of riding Italian trains first class usually has IME several empty seats - I can always find a seat near me to put by baggage on (and keep a good eye on it) rather than fending for limited space in often IME overcrowded overhead luggage racks in 2nd class where the seats are much much more often chock full - no doubt because of the cheaper fares and online specials.

so all in all a much more leisurely experience and with a pass the first class rate is not all that much higher than 2nd class - so pass even a better deal in first class.

I will strongly re-state my opinion that those who say there is little difference between first and second class simply have never ridden in first class. And this is not to say that 2nd class is not adequate - it will get you there - but it's like you can eat perfectly well at McDonalds in Italy but would rather when on holiday pay more for a proper restaurant, etc. A night in a one-star hotel can get you a perfectly good sleep, etc.

I am flummoxed why the mantra here often is to nickle-and-dime on train rides - often by going a cumbersome route of advance online bookings on a site - trenitalia.com that frustrates so so many to save a few euro and sacrifice going in style.IMO apply critria to train travel as you would to a hotel or restaurant - if on a starvation budget go 2nd class - if not go first class.

bourbon - I have several credit cards and they all charge 3% - is it worth it to open a new credit card just for a few charges on a few week trip? For frequent Euro travelers yes but for the average Joe not worth the bother IMO.

BTW, the same discounted promotional "MINI" fares which can be booked through the Trenitalia website, and which can give discounts between 20% and 70%, are available in both FIRST and SECOND class. It never hurts to inquire about the availability of the "MINI" fares, even the day prior to travel (when the likelihood of availability is often slim). Remember the following:

1. Don't MISS your reserved train if you hold a "MINI" promotional fare ticket. It becomes worthless if you MISS the train, even by one second.

2. Don't buy a discounted "MINI" promotional fare ticket if you're UNSURE about your departure time or date.

3. Don't buy a discounted "MINI" promotional fare ticket if you're just arriving by plane, because of the uncertainties of whether you'll be able to make the train departure (unless you allow an ample cushion of connection time).

4. The "MINI" fares are NOT available on any of the unreserved, undiscountable regionale trains. These fares ARE available on the fast trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca, Intercity, Intercity Night, Espresso).

5. If you need to change your seat reservation on a train for which you hold a promotional "MINI" fare ticket, you must do so no later than MIDNIGHT (11:59 p.m.) of the day beforehand. The new reservation must be for a train departing AFTER (not before) the original departure time. You'll also need to pay the difference in fare between the "MINI" fare and the regular, undiscounted "base" fare.

Again a pass or full fare ticket as GAC illustrates can easily be changed to another train - you only need change the reservation - the ticket or pass can be used on any train. But discounted tickets have different caveats regards change and some like the MINI fares as GAC says are basically worthless if you miss the train unless changing by midnight the night before. Come with a price.

PalenQ - Thanks so much for your thoughts on first vs second class tickets. Based on the info, we will most likely purchase first class tickets.
GAC- Thanks for the info and your time!
Once again, thanks so much to all that took the time to respond to this thread. You've all been most informative!

If you want to have a good look at what first-class train cars and seats look like on Italy's newest train - the AV that runs between key cities look at the opening of the current film The Tourist - the train parts were filmed in a Trenitalia first-class car on an AV - high-speed train - note how plush this looks - how comfy - how uncrowded with more space to each person than in 2nd class, etc.