We are flying into Rome and out of Venice and are travelling by train between the two. We'd like to spend one afternoon and night in a town somewhat on the way that is easily accessible by train. We ruled out Florence (an obvious choice) due to the limited amount of time we have. Any recommendations would be appreciate.

Bologna is an easy intermediary stop between the two.

Orvieto is a very easy and enjoyable stop by train. It is a one hour train ride from Rome.We have done that on a Venice to Rome trip.

I feel that is a perfect scenario for Verona. Good luck !

I hope you'll reconsider Florence. We arrived there at about noon, and were checked into our hotel room by 1. By 2 p.m. we were at the top of the Duomo...by 3:30 I was looking at David in the Accademia, and by 4:30 I was in line (for 45 minutes max) for the Uffizi, where I saw the Birth of Venus and a number of other pieces of art.

Yes, it's rushed, but you can get a taste of Florence, see the big stuff, and enjoy a night on the town before heading out. We left for Rome at noon the next day.

Now I can at least say I've seen some of Florence, got a taste of it, and have every intention of going back for more.

Happy Travels.

Jules

Hi Fordham, I love Bologna and consequently agree with WillTravel that this would be a wonderful city to stay in on the way to Venice. Bologna is easy to walk around in and the train station is just north of the historical center. The food is wonderful btw. and Bologna is a beautiful city.

If you do want to see some of Florence do know that the historical center of Florence is compact and also easy to walk around in etc. Also the train station is right there so that would be easy for you. I agree that you could see quite a bit of Florence as the train from Rome only takes something like an hour and a half to reach Florence. You could be there in time for lunch without being rushed.

I really like Orvieto but I would choose Bologna personally.

Verona is a lovely city but the trains I have taken (Venice to Florence and back) have never gone via Verona but probably there is another train that could take you north to Verona as BtheN really knows Italy. But you would spend more time travelling it seems so that would eat into your short stay on your way to Venice.

Anyway, I would chose Florence or Bologna if it was my choice. Best wishes to you for a beautiful trip.

Fordham - If you want somewhere en route and have discounted Florence, I'd say Bologna or Padova.

Alternatively Verona is a great choice - but would require a detour.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

P.S. Orvieto would leave you with a long onward journey (close to 5 hrs) to Venice ...

Hi F,

I agree with Jules.

If you arrive Florence in the early afternoon and leave about noon the next day, you can get a nice taste of the town.

Padova is worth a visit, but it's so close to Venice that it hardly counts as a "stop."

How about Assissi? The trains are direct to Rome. You can cover it well in a day. Save Florence for when you have more time.