I am hoping to see a lot of Italy in two weeks time. Ouestion, after landing in Lugano, spending one night there, and then going to Como for one night, should I get a car in Como for the ride to Venice,(Where a car may be cumbersome I've heard.) or should I rely on trains? Next stop after Venice would be Florence where a car too might be difficult. What to do... Feedback please. I guess to some degree it's a personal perference. Thanks.

Do it all by train. No need for a car at all.

We just got back from Italy where we started in Lake Como, then went to Venice, Rome, Siena, Florence, then Cinque Terre. Our experience was great. We had a car the entire time and did not have a single problem. Travel in a car is quick and easy. We parked in Venice at Tronchetta (sorry for spelling) and had an easy water bus (valperetto) into Venice. The cost for parking was $24/day, but 1/2 price if your hotel offers a parking coupon (ours did). In Florence we parked our car in a garage for $24 a day and left it. You do not say how long you will be in the cities. If you are primarily staying in the cities, then take the train. We found the country side to be great and spent alot of time exploring. You can not do this by train. Also note: There were two minor train strikes while we were there. People were only inconvenienced by one day, or even hours, but we were happy to have our car and go where we wanted when we wanted. <BR> <BR>We would not have traded our car for the trains for all the lire in the world. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps. <BR> <BR>

We do Europe quite frequently. We always rent a car so we can be more flexible. We never have any problems with a car there that you do not run into here. We have one rented for upcoming Italy trip and plan to explore the small towns and go at our own pace. Bottom line: get a car, you can always train somewhere if you need to for a short trip.

Just returned rom Italy; if you are interested in getting from point A to point B I would suggest using a train. We travelled from Florence to Venice during a 24 hour strike and the effects of the "strike" were non apparant. Since there is no need for a car in Venice or Florence it would only be taking up space in a garage with you paying the bill. If you were planning on exploring the countryside between the cities then a car would make sense. I just depends on your needs and I would guess comfort level in getting around as the trains are so easy to deal with.

If you are traveling "light", take the train, otherwise drive.