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We would like to precede our cruise (from Genoa) with 4 nights each in Florence and Rome, and then travel to Genoa. What advice for travel arrangements? Is it possible to get transfers to the rail stations where the agent places the suitcases on the train because we are Seniors who cannot handle the bags. We have not been lucky enough to find porters on our last trips. Thanks

I am not sure about whether that is available...although if you emailed your hotels they may be able to arrange something for you.

I would repost this with a more detailed title (maybe something like - train travel in Italy, how to get bags on train with mobility issues)

There are only a few major stations where you can arrange porters in advance.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD

There's also DHL luggage service, but I think it's only at major stations also.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD

I would arrange with someone like Rome Shuttle Limousine to pick you up at the airport in Rome and transfer to your hotel. You could also schedule them for transfer from your hotel to the train when you get ready to leave for Florence.
www.romeshuttlelimousine.com

I do not think that the Rome Shuttle driver will go inside the train station, wait with you and put your bags on for you. Hotel as suggested may find someone you can pay.

Have you thought about packing very light and using rolling suitcases?

I'm just throwing some ideas out there.

I assume majority of the large luggage is due to the cruise?

Is it possible to:
1) Send the big and heavy cruise suitcases from home to X hotel in Genoa in advance
2) For the pre-cruise travel in Florence & Rome, just use a small and light rolling suitcase for those 8 days
3) When you get to Genoa, retrieve your large suitcases from the hotel and get on the cruise