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-   -   Venice or Rome to Le Marche? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/venice-or-rome-to-le-marche-654944/)

abbydog Oct 25th, 2006 02:46 AM

Venice or Rome to Le Marche?
 
I'm spending a week with friends at a villa in Le Marche, not far from Ancona, at the end of June. I'd like to fly in and out of Venice or Rome and tack on a few days there at the end of the trip. But I am torn!

From my home in DC, I can fly direct to Rome but not Venice, and the flight is cheaper too. But friends tell me both driving and taking the train from Venice to Ancona is faster (longer distance but more direct routes?) Plus, it would be cooler in Venice.

Another question is, if I drive, which route has more interesting places to visit along the way? Would you recommend any stops between Rome and Ancona or Venice and Ancona? I could save both cities for a visit at a less crowded time of year and instead devote my extra days to traveling around between the airport and Ancona.

All advice is welcome! Thanks!

nessundorma Oct 25th, 2006 03:03 AM

Have you checked out flying into one city and out of the other?

When you talk about "cheaper," how much cheaper?

Have you checked into taking a flight to London and then flying directly to Ancona? (Or Forli/Bologna?)

I recommend renting a car -- but if you have never been in Italy before it can be very hard to choose what to see enroute to either place.

From Ancona to Rome you would have the opportunity to see Ascoli Piceno, the Piano Granda and whatever you like in most of Umbria. You could drop off your car in Orvieto and take a train to Rome, an hour away. In June, the Piano Grande is spectacular. If nothing else, I hope your friends take you there!

From Ancona to Venezia, you could cut into Le Marche to see Urbino and San Leo (and many other fascinating small towns) and make time to see Ravenna, too!

If you don't rent a car, you probably can take a train from Ancona to see Ravenna or Bologna on your way to Venezia. From Ancona to Roma, I think stopovers in Assisi or Perugia are doable, as well as Orvieto. Check out Trenitalia.

Of course, many people will tell you to simply go to Venice or Roma for however long you can, but if you don't like crowds and can go back at some other, less crowded time, I say have fun seeing other places, with a car if possible.

hope that helps

nessundorma Oct 25th, 2006 03:04 AM

Oops! Make that spelling "Piano Grande"

nessundorma Oct 25th, 2006 03:07 AM

One other consideration: It is more difficult to drive in Italy without a passenger/navigator to keep on eye on the map and roadsigns. If you will be traveling alone for that part of your trip, it might be better to work up an interesting train itinerary.

toni_g_b Oct 25th, 2006 03:54 PM

If you haven't been to this site yet, the Marche Voyager has invaluable information about the region, including the various routes to explore the area and its towns/villages.

http://www.le-marche.com/Marche/index.htm#


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