My wife and I, who have never been to Italy, will be in Rome for 6 nights in March. I would love to get to San Giavanni di fiori in Calabria to spend a day looking for some of her relatives. I htought that it might be possible to take a very early train south to Cosenza and rent a car to drive inland to San Giavanni di fiori, get a room for the night and then retrace this route in the morning.<BR> Is this possible or totally nuts? Should we content ourselves with seeing some of Rome?<BR> Thank you. <BR>

GR, I don't know exactly where this place in Calabria is, but I can tell you that a whole gaggle of relatives and myself did a similar trip a few years ago. We took a train from Rome to Reggio di Calabria, taxid over to the airport there and picked up a rental car which we then drove to the other side of the peninsula to the town of Siderno onthe Ionian coast. It was a little nerve-wracking at times, especially since we arrived well after dark and had a little trouble finding the hotel, but all in all it was a great trip.<BR><BR>After a few days there, we then drove up to Sorrento, then back to Rome to fly out. I highly recommend it. Finding your roots is important. Just be prepared to deal with road signs that are sometimes none too understandable, but people who are very helpful. It is a rugged land, but beautiful. You will never regret it.

Jan,<BR> Thank you for the feedback. This town is about 1/3 the way down from Rome and a bit inland. Your experience may sur us to it!

Hello GR,<BR><BR>Your journey time to Cosenza is about 5.5 hours. <BR>The earliest train leaves Roma Termini at 07.10 and arrives at Cosenza at 12.35, with a change of train at Paola.<BR><BR>Alternatively, if this doesn't allow you enough time - have you thought of travelling overnight? <BR><BR>Let me know if I can be of more help ...<BR><BR>Steve <BR><BR>

Steve,<BR> Thank you very much for your very helpful response!! Do you know if there are overnight trains running to Cosenza? Would it be diffcult to rent a car in Cosenza to then drive to San Giavanni di Fiori? Thanks again.<BR>Sincerely,<BR>Geoff

There is an overnight train leaving Rome (Roma OSTIENSE Station) at 01.15.<BR>With a change of train at Paola (06.27), you arrive at Cosenza at 07.35.<BR><BR>The drive to S.G is 37 miles.<BR><BR>Hope this helps ...<BR><BR>Steve

Steve,<BR> You have been more than helpful!!!<BR> Two more questions, since you have had more information than I could possibly have hoped for, can you recommend a car rental company, should I make a reservation before leaving the US, and do i need to get any special permit or license to drive in Italy? Also, would it be foolhardy to just rent a car in Rome and drive the entire way? <BR>Most gratefully,<BR>Geoff R

Geoff - There are 2 car-hire companies which list offices at Cosenza StationBR>HERTZ - www.hertz.it/indexen.html<BR>MAGGIORE - www.maggiore.it<BR>Others have agencies in the city.<BR><BR>You will normally get a better rate by booking in the US, I believe. <BR><BR>Driving from Rome? Well, - it looks like a 750+ miles round-trip to San G in F. Sounds like a rush in 2 days ...<BR><BR>Hope this helps ...<BR><BR>Steve

Steve,<BR> Thanks yet again.<BR>Geoff