Tips for purchasing train tickets in Italy. The Trenitalia website is www.trenitalia.com
For high-speed, Frecciargento tickets:
Buy in Advance: Advance purchase tickets are always cheaper than tickets purchased on day of travel. For instance, to purchase a ticket from Florence to Venice might only be 19 euro if purchased far enough in advance whereas the cheapest day of travel ticket will probably be about 50 euros. Tickets can be purchased on www.trenitalia.com up to 4 months in advance.
Saturday Tickets are 2 for 1: They are available if purchased early enough in advance.
Sometimes Business Class Tickets are the Same Price as Economy Class: Make sure to check prices of ALL tickets before purchase.
Check Italatreno.it for Tickets Too: There is another player other than Trenitalia. Although they don't run as frequently or from as many train stations, there is other high-speed luxury service.
It Can Be Easier to Purchase On-Line than In-Person: Ticket vending machines in Italy don't always take American credit cards. Lines at train stations can be extremely long. Buy ahead on-line.
From more information about small group tours to Italy, see www.travelingprofessor.com