My wife and I will go by train from Rome to Venice. Yes, trenitalia.com is not very helpful. On the Eurostar, it won't quote me different prices for first and second class. Do they have 2 classes? What do you get in first class, as opposed to second?
Thanks!

You can only price/buy tickets within 60 days of your trip. If you want to know what that price will be, just enter a date in the next 60 days.

Yes, the ES trains have 1st and 2nd class and your seat will be included in the price. Sometimes you can find a bargain fare for 29 or 39E 1st cl.

Yes, there is a second class.

The difference between first and second class in Italy is a matter of some controversey among travelers as well as Italians. One thing is indisputable: You get served free coffee in first class, but not second class.

Whether first class is more comfortable or identical to second class is the subject of heated arguments.

Being a very tall American, married to another tall American, I think first class is a tad roomier. (Actually, if you take out a ruler, it is.) However, for most people (and certainly most Italians) the millimeteres *feel* negligible. For me, on long journeys (and I consider Venezia-Roma a long journey, I spring for 1st class.)

The difference in price between first and second class is usually significant: 30 euros or so, if you are traveling a goodly distance. You can often beat that price if you travel on Saturdays or during other times Trenitalia offers sales. (I am not an expert on the discounts. Try the Slow Travel website if you can't get the info here.)

In both first class and second class your seats are reserved.

I always recommend buying your tickets in Italy. I usually buy them at least one day in advance. In high peak, I would buy them 48 hours in advance, or as soon as I know which train I want to take. Travel agents sell them. Ask your hotel where is the nearest travel agent if you don't want to schlepp to the stazione.

Hope that helps.

Whoa! I did it: 29 Euros apiece for first class on the trenitalia site. I never would have thought to look at the promotions, and I probably would have gone second class. Thanks very much to you all.

You won't be sorry--until recently, the majority of my European travel relied heavily on the train systems. It really does make a difference on longer trips.