from bologna, where should i head first by train route?

Question

i am starting in bologna and ending in rome. i want to travel to cinque terre, florence, siena, and venice. can someone please recommend the best order to travel by train? also, any certain trains that i should use?

Answer 1

You didn't say how long you have but be careful not to try to pack too many places in or you'll miss so much of what there is to see. Better to focus and get the most from each destination - and don't forget that getting there takes time too!

The Italy timetables are accessible from this site:
http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/specialty/es.htm

Our travelogues will provide lots of tips for all of your destinations. Use the search: http://www.thetravelzine.com/search.htm

Have a great time!

Answer 2

Starting in Bologna and trying not to cover the same ground twice, I would suggest: Go to Venice, then trek across Lombardy via Milan and Genoa to Cinque Terre (staying in La Spezia). From there to Florence via Pisa. Siena will have to be a side trip from Florence. And then from Florence to Rome. That allows for a wide variety in scenery from day to day: Great food in Bologna, romance and unreal scenes in Venice, nature at its best in Cinque Terre, great art and medieval living in Tuscany on to ancient Rome.

Answer 3

Bluegrass has the right idea.
I would do things the other way around. Bologna to Firenze to Sienna to Pisa to Genoa to Milano, to Torino and back. To Verona to Vicenza to Padua finishing with at least 3 days in Venezia.

Each of these cities requires at least 3-4 days.

Answer 4

Pick up the red and white book of European Timetables and keep it close by as you travel... it's available at all news stands in Europe and many bookstores in the U.S.