Train or Car from Sorrento to Sienna to Bologna to Venice?

Question

We are flying into Naples and return from Venice for 12 days in late Oct and early Nov. Advice needed as to which transportation (or both) is better for a family of 2A and 2C ... and luggages. Train prices (family package?) vs Car (rental/gas) and the journey time. What to avoid. More information like places to visit, things to do and don't in these towns would be appreciate. Information is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

i think a train would be the best way to go because they drive crazy in italy and if you dont have a european drivers license you could nt drive there anyways and the gas is really expensive, the train will take you were u need to go and you wont have to worry about getting lost.

Answer 2

You don't say how young your children are but if they are not able to help carry their bags and/or you have a lot of luggage (more than a small rollaway each) then I would recommend the car.

Train service to Siena from anywhere is not very convenient. The only lines that go through there are slow trains, and I think you have to make it to a major Tuscany transportation port in order to get a train to Siena. I haven't checked (see train schedules at www.trenitalia.com -- they have an English version of the site) but I'm guessing a train trip from Sorrento to Siena would require a minimum of two if not three train transfers -- in other words a bit of a nightmare.

Driving in Italy is not for the weak of heart. He who hesitates loses is a good driving motto here. But I do think it would be best for the first part of your journey. Gas is expensive (around $4/gallon) and parking can be a nightmare. Still I think it's the better option until you get to Bologna. Four people on the train is costly too and the car gives you much more flexibility.

My recommendation: If you have a hotel in Sorrento that has parking, I'd get the car right away at the Naples airport. Drive to Sorrento. From Sorrento drive to Siena, where a car can be valuable for excursions into the countryside, and Bologna (again, booking hotels with parking -- shouldn't be a problem). I'd drop the car off once you get to Bologna -- there are usually no or minimal one-way rental fees in Italy. Everything you need to see in Bologna is accessible by walking if you stay in a central hotel. The train from here to Venice is easy and fast -- and of course cars are useless in Venice.

A few tips: If possible, rent a car with a GPS system. It's worth the extra money as signage can be poor in Italy. When on the Italian autostrada (tollway) you can pay by credit card if you use the Viacard lanes. Usually much faster and you don't have to have the cash on you. Cars are smaller here than in the U.S. so be sure you get something big enough to carry you and your luggage comfortably.

Let me know if you need anymore help. I do travel planning for people here.

Answer 3

A train would probably be the most convenient, but if you had your own car you could stop anywhere you would like.  Personally I like the freedom of a car.  

I dont remember if they are on your route but Padua and Verona are very nice places to visit.  My family is from Gualdo Tadino (Umbria) so I would have to say to visit there.