Expert: Claire Symons - 10/17/2010

Question
hi, we have a trip planned to stay in timeshare in austria 30 miles outside of salzburg.  I would like to see italy on this trip.  We will have a car but i am open to option of train also.  I would like to spend 1 to 2 nights in italy.  What would you  recommend?

Answer
First of all, I would really recommend the train. You can bring a book or cards to pass the time, you'll be able to get up and walk around when you get stiff and you can nap whenever. It is a long drive - 9 hours (give or take) from Salzburg to northern Italy. When I did that trip, we booked an overnight sleeping train berth called a couchette. That way, we didn't lose a day getting there. Since Salzburg is not a major train hub, that may not be available, but if it is, I would recommend it. I know that the overnight train does go from Vienna (which is a beautiful city and definitely worth seeing), so you could catch it from there.
In regards to the Italy part, you will need to decide what you want to see. Rome is considerably further south than Florence or Milan. Venice is going to be further because it is more east. I spent time in Florence and Rome. Both are beautiful cities and I would recommend both. Of course, nothing can compare to Rome. I have heard that a good idea is to find a smaller town and explore, but I don't have experience doing that myself. You could go to Florence and if you feel like it, take a day trip out to a smaller town.
I hope you have a wonderful time. Please feel free to ask me follow up questions if you need to. :-)