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That's all very good to know... It sounds like train is the way to go. What I was planning on doing is taking a day trip from Rome to Pompei (sp?), and maybe head up to Venice for a couple of days...
1) Do you know any good tour operators who conduct tours from Rome to the volcanically survivable challenged city?
2) How much would one expect to spend on a train ride from Rome to Venice?
3) Have you flown into Ciampino airport, and if so, how far away is it from the city and how difficult is it to get into the city from there?
Sorry about the questiions, but I appreciate any answers anyone has for me!
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Forums are made to ask questions and get opinions of other people...
1) I don't know any of those, as some of my Italian friends have taken me around, but I think it wouldn't be hard to find out.....just go there, where all the Italians go, not where all the tourists are hauled to! Remember that during your whole trip in Italy! Always stick to the Italians, they wouldn't choose something bad....
2)
http://www.ferrovie.it/
If you understand a little Italian, you can figure out all train timetables and fares.... For your trip: Rome-Venice you can plan on around 5 hours train trip time if you change trains in Bologna, and 6 hours if you take the direct train. The current fare is $47,66 including all taxes and everything, for a second class return ticket. You definitely won't buy first-class anywhere in Italy as there is NO differnce between first and second class!
I would defintely go to Venice if I were you! Don't miss the chance in Venice to catch a boat-ride to the island "Murano"!! You can visit there all the glass-blowing manufacturies and buy them very cheap! Also take a boat-ride to "Burano". They produce all the Masks for the "Carneval" there, which is quite interesting....
3)
http://www.adr.it/content.asp?L=3&IdMen=200
I'm wondering if the International carriers really fly into Ciampino, as this Airport is mostly used for domestic and very short flights(20mins-1hr.). Most of the International flights come into Fiumicino, which is by far bigger....look on their website(they have an English Version too!) and you will find very useful transportation information.
BTW, most Airlines start their "high-season" in the middle of June....