A friend of mine is planning on renting a villa in the fall in either Umbria or Tuscany. I was thinking about going to Nice, France first for three or four days and then taking a train to Italy. What would make the most practical sense? I live in Chicago. Fly to Nice, take a train to Italy then perhaps fly back out of Rome? Also, how long is the train from Nice to Florence/Umbria. Would it make more sense to take the train back to Nice and fly back on the return round-trip ticket? Thanks for any input.

Hi Dori,

Train schedules, price and tickets are at www.trenitalia.com and http://www.voyages-sncf.com

Nice to Florence via Milan is about 8 hr.

Thanks! I now at least have an idea of the time it will take to get there.