Question 1

What is seating like on trains?

Accepted Answer

The configuration and type of seating you'll find when you get on a train in Europe can vary quite dramatically from one country (or one train) to the next. You may encounter an arrangement that differs from the examples below, but we hope that this information will help you find your seat more quickly.Seat NumberingTo find your seat number, first find the correct car number indicated on the outside of the car. Then make your way down the aisle until you see your seat number. Numbers are displayed above seats in a similar fashion to those on airplanes.On some train cars, many of the seats are facing each other, with a small table in between. Ticket vendors assume that, for instance, a couple traveling together will want to sit across from one another. The numbers for the seats are usually consecutive for adjacent seats, however, so when you look at the reservations for you and your partner's seats it may look like you're not sitting together. You are - you're just sitting across from each other. The numbering system for this reason can be a cause for confusion even before you get to the train platform - especially if you're traveling with another person or in a group.If you'd prefer adjacent seats, make that clear to the vendor at the ticket counter beforehand. Note that ItaliaRail cannot change seat assignments, as right now they come automatically from Trenitalia. You can attempt to change them at the station prior to getting on the train, assuming there are open seats to which you can be moved.The same potential confusion exists with sleeper compartment bunk numbers, too, so don't worry if the numbers for you and your partner appear to be in different compartments. When you book two seats or bunks at the same time, the assumption on the part of the ticket seller is always that you want to be together. Confirm or clarify if it makes you feel better, of course.Seat ReservationsSome trains require seat reservations, and on other trains it's optional. If you're riding a train on which reservations are only recommended or completely optional and you don't have a reservation, you can sit in any available seat in the appropriate class you have booked.Note that in these trains there is often a spot for reservations to be posted at each seat, even if the seat is reserved for later in the trip. If your journey has you getting off the train before the reservation's starting point, then, you're welcome to take that seat.Compartments vs. Open Train CarsIn an open-saloon style car, seats are clearly numbered once you get on the train, usually overhead (similar to where the numbers are on an airplane). The aisle seat is often depicted with a person standing next to it, and the window seat with a rectangle representing the window.Some open-saloon cars also have bench-style seating as opposed to individual seats. In this case, they're typically not reserved, so you can sit wherever you like.In compartments, numbers are typically on a diagram outside the door of the compartment, and may also be inside at each seat (but don't count on it).

Question 2

When is the best time to travel to Italy?

Accepted Answer

What's best in this case varies significantly depending on several factors - including your itinerary, budget, and travel style. Here are some things to consider when determining what's ideal for your trip.WeatherItalian summers can be extremely hot, while winters are typically cold and wet. The heat can start as early as late April in some places, so don't count on spring being mild. November is almost universally the wettest month.If your travel dreams include beaches, hiking, or other outdoor recreation that relies on sun, the summer months are likely your best bet for ideal weather - keeping in mind that strenuous activities should be done early in the day before the heat gets too bad.If your travel dreams include skiing and hot spiced wine, the winter months are your best bet.If you don't mind the potential for rain, spring can be an excellent option.BudgetSummer is Italy's high season, when prices are usually at their highest, but the high season these days begins as early as April and runs through early October.On the other hand, in areas where snow sports are big business, the winter months are the high season.For most itineraries, the late fall through late winter are generally the most budget-friendly (excluding major holidays such as Christmas and Carnevale).CrowdsThere are few times in Italy's most popular cities that are truly crowd-free. High seasons draw huge crowds, from summer travelers to people visiting for brief holidays.It can be a good idea to consult a calendar of Italian holidays while planning your trip so you know if your travels overlap with any big local celebrations (which can cause not only larger-than-expected crowds but also extremely full trains).

Question 3

How do I pack for my trip?

Accepted Answer

The dilemma of what to pack for a trip to Italy faces every traveler, but there are some specific things you might want to consider if you're packing for a train trip in Italy.Everything is a Carry-On BagWhereas you might have checked an oversized suitcase on your flight to Rome, once you're taking the train all over Italy you'll be carrying your luggage on and off train cars yourself. There are some door-to-door luggage transport options, but they're limited to only the high-speed Frecce trains and only certain cities. The safest thing to do is assume that you will be responsible for carrying your bags on Italian trains at all times. Traveling with a bag that is considered carry-on size by airlines, then, makes the task of climbing into and out of train cars much less physically taxing. Maneuvering smaller bags through crowded train stations and narrow train aisles is easier, too.Maximize Luggage SpaceWhen you limit yourself to traveling only with carry-on sized bags, you definitely have space restrictions that you don't have with full-sized luggage. The truth is that most travelers need far less than they actually bring—you can get away with wearing the same few outfits over and over (washing them periodically, of course), since no one will see you enough times to notice—so try to be ruthless when you're packing.Leave bulky items at home, or plan to wear them on the plane so they don't take up space in your bags. Kindles, iPads or other e-readers are wonderful space savers for book lovers. Travel-sized toiletries may run out during your trip, but Italy has things like shampoo and toothpaste, too.Carry a backpack or messenger bag (this can easily be your personal item on the plane) that's large enough to hold your valuables, any prescription medication, and maybe even a few items you picked up at the market for your on-board picnic. With this as your second bag, getting on and off trains is still easier than with a full-sized bag and you can keep all your valuables nearby even if you're stowing your luggage at one end of the train car.Ship Souvenirs HomeTravelers who plan to shop while in Italy may start with excess room in an oversized suitcase, with the intention of filling it with souvenirs to bring home. There's nothing wrong with that, except the aforementioned issues with hauling heaving oversized bags on and off of trains.Consider boxing up your goodies and shipping them from Italy to your home so you don't have to carry them or pack them. Some shops will take care of the shipping for you—especially if you're buying something large or expensive, such as wine or ceramics—so you won't even have to find a Mail Boxes Etc. in Florence.Another option is to pack a duffel bag or another collapsible bag inside your suitcase—lay it flat and it shouldn't take up much room. You can expand into that bag as needed. It might make getting on and off of trains a bit more cumbersome with three bags (including that personal item bag), but some stations have trolleys you can pay to use.

Travel distance	442 miles
Fastest time	5h 45m
Daily trains	22
Ticket from	33

Naples Turin

Train from Naples to Turin

Train from Naples to Turin

Amenities on the trains between Naples and Turin

Naples Naples to TurinTrain from Naples to Turin Turin

Train from Naples to Turin

Train from Naples to Turin

Amenities on the trains between Naples and Turin

Naples Turin