David

We are spending 4 days in Rome with teenagers and wondering if a day trip on the eurostar to Florence is a worthwhile side trip? Never been there and appreciate your advice. Thanks.

Ed

There's so much to see in Rome I'd not cut into a short (four full days, or partial days?) visit like that with a day in Florence. But it is an easy trip as you probably know, less than two hours on the Eurostar. <BR> <BR>As to sights in Rome you "ought" to see? <BR>See www.twenj.com/romesights.htm

Sandy

David, <BR> I would recommend taking a day trip to Florence, although it is possible to spend many more days exploring. The trip is 1.5 hours by Eurstar each way. As much as I love Rome, the city/traffic/crowds can get a little overwelming after a few days. The pedestrain areas of Florence are wonderful, and the Duomo and Uffizi should not be missed. Seeing Florence will give you a taste of a different kind of Italy, where the pace is much slower than Rome. I love the San Lorenzo outdoor market-the teenagers should too, and just spending the afternoon, climbing to the top of the Duomo and strolling all over the Pedestrian areas. If you have hit many of the major sites in Rome, and want a break from the traffic, etc. Definitely see Florence. I have been to Italy many times, and I always manage to spend some time in Rome, Florence, and Venice. They are all great for different reasons. Enjoy!

lexandra

Hi, David <BR> <BR>I would recommend the day trip, for sure.. We are going to Rome for 4 days and will be doing the same thing, even though we have been there before. I know you'll enjoy it..

Fred

I took the Eurostar from Rome to Florence. It takes only 1 hr and 35 minutes. The ride is grat. Make sure you go 1st class or you will be stuck will all the smokers. Before you go to Florence, make sure you have reservatios at the Uffizi and Academy, or you may not be able to get in

John

I would skip Florence . . . even though it is accessible in a short train trip the travel is really round trip and local travel on both ends - probably more like 5 - 6 hours. <BR> <BR>Four days in Rome is hardly enough. <BR> <BR>Do a bit of research on what Rome has to offer consistent with the interests of your teenagers. You will fill much more than 4 days. <BR> <BR>My apologies to you if you are trying to convince your teenagers that Florence is a must see because you really want to touch a taste of Florence.

Ken Hobbs

By all means go to Florence. My wife and I went in March. It was my second visit to Florence. We left Rome around 8am and left Florence to come back to around 8pm. The train station is quite central but be prepared to walk your feet off. Rome is ancient history at its best. Visiting Florence is stepping into the Renaissance. Well worth a day trip.

Bob

Hi: <BR> <BR>Do not miss Florence. The Renaissance is centred there. Spend an overnight there and bring them to Uffizi. This is an education any young person travelling to Italy should experience.

Gerry

I just did that trip in March. It's as easy as everyone has said. Don't worry about the smoking in second class. The train we took (Eurostar) was non-smoking. <BR>You should know that 3 days in Rome is not enought time. If you do go to Florence for a day you will be doing a trade off of sights missed in Rome. If it were me, I would spend the 4 days in Rome and save Florence for another trip. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip, <BR> <BR>Gerry