In May we are taking an escorted tour which includes four days in the Tuscany region (hotel is Grand Bellavista Palace - Montecatini). Two of the 4 days include escorted tours of Florence and the surrounding area. We have two free days for whatever we want to plan. We'd like to know if it would be reasonable to try to take a day trip to Venice or Rome by train from there? Would we need to get a Eurail pass before we leave on vacation? We would love to see one of these two cities but don't know if it would be too much to try in a full day. We are not experienced travelers in Europe. Do you know anything about this hotel? <BR>...Marie

You could day trip Rome or Venice if you leave early and return late. Check raileurope.com for train schedules. A Eurail pass would not be economical, but suggest making reservations (first class) before you leave. Venice would probably be easier because many attractions are around San Marco square, easily reached by ferry boat from the train station. <BR>

I would just enjoy Tuscany. The food, the wine, the views! Save Venice and Rome for another trip when you have time. One day isn't enough for either and you 'll just want MORE!

Thanks so much for your reply. I'm not familiar with the difference between a "train" or "eurail". You say a Eurail pass would not be economical, but suggest making reservations (first class)before we leave. Do you mean before we leave home, we should make first class reservations? If yes, on what? A train or the Eurail? Are they both the same and just the Eurail pass is a bad idea. I hate to sound so stupid but I need your suggestion in a very basic form. Would you mind please explaining this to me in more simple yet more detail. Sorry for being so unknowledgeable about all this. Should we just wait until we get there and ask our Tour Director how to go about it? <BR>...Marie

Thanks so much for your thoughts. I'm wrestling with your perspective and our desire to see Venice or Rome. I'm sure you know from experience but ..... <BR>Thanks again. ...Marie

Eurail passes allow "unlimited" travel on a variety of train systems in Europe for a fixed period of time. In your case, buying one-time round trip tickets would be cheaper. Go to raileurope.com and pick your schedule. Then book your trip and obtain tickets in the States in advance through raileurope or your travel agent. The site tells you how. In May, you can probably buy tickets on the spot in the station in Florence but it can be a hassle. <BR>

If you are determined to go, then go. Eurail is very helpful with advance tickets. When I went to Italy and France both, it was cheaper to buy point to point then the Eurail pass ticket. As Rod says, Eurail is good for longer stays. Price it out with the Eurail people. Have a great time!

Marie- We were in Italy last year and took the train from Florence to Venice. It was a short ride-a few hours, and very pretty-lots of poppies! We got our tickets at the station a day or two in advance-We got reserved seats as it was only a bit more expensive, but it made it easier for us to store luggage etc. We also were worried (unnecessarily) that we wouldn't get seats together!! I dont remember how much the train cost, only that it was relatively inexpensive compared to US. We loved Venice and the experience of no cars was interesting. There is alot to see there and could be done as a day trip pretty easily. Write if you have other questions-have a great trip-Tuscany is the most beautiful place-I really want to return there! Sharon <BR>

Parts of either city could be visited on a day trip from Florence, but Rome is a city with SO MUCH history and beauty that two days will not do it justice. Trying to see Venice in two day trips would be a rush, but you'll see a larger percentage of it. Leave as early in the morning as you can, and stay as late as you dare. Prices for train travel in Italy are MUCH lower than those in the U.S. <BR> <BR>In May, you should be able to get round trip train tickets at the Florence rail station, but remember: the ticket sellers are paid to sell tickets for Italians, NOT understand English. If you aren't fluent in Italian, have some one who is, write out what you want before you go to the ticket counter. This can be done by the Visitors Info Booth at or near the rail station.