We are planning to take the EruoStar train from Rome to Venice (and back) for a very short 1 night stop in Venice. Should we buy the tickets before we leave the US, and which website would be the best? Also, is there much difference in "leg room" between the First" and "Second" class seats? I am planning on getting the second class seats, but need leg room. Are you allowed to get up and walk around on the 4 and a half hour trip? Any suggestions? Thanks!

If you book your tickets in advance at trenitalia.com, the Italian national rail site, you can get discount fares on the EuroStar Italia. For example, the standard fare for Rome Venice is E44.93 in 2nd class and E67.14 in 1st class. An online "in Eurostar a 29 euro" fare is E29 in both 1st class and 2nd class.

In 1st class there are fewer seats in each car and the configuration is different so leg room is better.

You have to register on the Trenitalia site before you can book your tickets. The site is famous for glitches so if you can't complete your booking, wait a few hours and try again. You can book up to 60 days in advance.

I forgot to comment on your question about walking around. Walk to the restaurant car, to the restroom, or anywhere else.

Be aware that Venice has two train stations, Mestre on the mainland and Santa Lucia in the heart of the city. If you book tickets at trenitalia.com, enter Roma and Venezia S Lucia.

Tim has it right.

Be aware that some internet providers block Trenitalia and some other Italian emails. Comcast does and I understand AOL may also. If you use Hotmail you will get your password quickly. The €29 seats sell out almost instantly on this route, unless you're really lucky forget about that.

If time is a factor Alitalia has some promotional fares fco-venice and back. Depending on how far in advance you buy them they run €35 - 47 plus tax the tax, unfortunately, is around €48 so it's not too cheap but might be an acceptable alternative to taking the train both ways. To get these fairs you have to go to http://www.alitalia.it, if you go to alitalia.com they aren't available

If you are booking now, be sure to let your CC company know that there will be a charge from Italy; otherwise, they may block it and you may be uncertain about your booking. Ticketless on Eurostar is the way to go; just bring that confirmation with the reservation # and give it to the conductor. DO reserve as early as possible online (60 days) for the best chance at the 29 E fares. Otherwise, you'll pay more....