Has anyone taken the overnight train from Bari to Venice? We're considering taking it in October and wanted to know what to expect.

It's my wife and I, so are there compartments for two? Are there even compartments? Should we get 1st or 2nd class couchette service? It's kind of difficult to get details on the trenitalia website.

Also, it doesn't look like you can book that online yet. Any idea when you can?

The train category is InterCityNotte.

Thanks for any insight! It's our first trip to Italy and we're really looking forward to it.

Usually you can book no more than 60 nights out although for some trains (in some countries) that can be as many as 90 nights out.

If you are speaking of ICN #776, yes it usually carries sleeping cars.

I believe the train has T2 and T3 sleeping compartments. Couchettes have four or six berths in a compartment, so don't consider them.
There should be two possible options for a two-berth compartment: either book a T2 compartment or (for a higher fare) book a T3 as a double (one of the bunks will be folded away and you'll have a little more space). There are pictures and descriptions of the different types of sleeping accommodation on www.seat61.com.

Geoff..thanks for posting that website. Gave us a feel of what we'll have in store.

Dukey...thanks for the information on advanced bookings.

Has anyone actually taken this route?
Thanks!

I haven't actually used the Bari-Venezia overnight train, but I have been along that route, and I have used Italian overnight trains.
The sleeping cars used are common in much of western Europe. T3 compartments can be configured to have one, two or three bunks. T2 compartments are smaller and have two bunks. Both types have wash basins and space to hang clothes, but toilets are along the corridor. Each carriage has an attendant who can usually supply drinks and will wake you in the morning. The compartments can be locked from the inside.
The line from Bari follows the coast most of the way to Rimini, then goes inland via Bologna. It's flat and fairly straight.