Sidetrip to Ravenna...by train?
 

February 2001...Rome and Florence mainly, but would like to go to Ravenna from Florence, and need some tips on easiest connection...do not want to drive car. Also, maybe a stop in Orvieto going back to Rome, if possible. Any experience with the FlexiRail passes? Would love some help. Thanks.

Carol: You will have to change trains in Bologna from Florence to Ravenna. I've always used www.raileurope.com for schedules. Sorry, I've no experience with the Flexipass.

Friends: You can take buses for this trip too and they can be arranged by someone at your hotel. I suggest a trip to San Gimignano (The City of Towers) too. It is about a 1 hour ride from Florence through hilly grape fields and sits on top of a hill with great views. It is somewhat touristy but you can get away from the crowds on the windy little streets. There is a great German-like bar just outside of the gates to the city where you can sit all by yourself and look out over the valleys. Very peaceful! Make sure someone checks the train schedule for your time period (right before you leave for Ravenna). Italians are famous for their train strikes that sometimes last for 2 hours or 2 days. It is always best too to go during the week if possible. Less crowded conditions. Happy Travel.

Carol: Another thought would be to spend the bulk of the day looking at the mosaics in Ravenna, then train back to Bologna and spend the night there. Bologna IS worth a visit! It's one of those - what do we call it? - undiscovered gems?

Carole, Italian Railways have a web site: www.FS-on-line.it and you can view train schedules at http://orario.fs-on-line.com/fsbinx/fsqueryx?lang=it <BR>-unfortunately the site seems to be only in Italian. <BR>Orvieto, especially its fine cathedral, is certainly worth a stop on your way to Rome. Buon Viaggio !