Magic in Italy: Getting There
Trip Report Index:
Introduction
Getting There
Hotel Review: St. Regis Rome
Hotel Review: Hotel De Russie
Visiting Rome
Hotel Review: The Westin Europa & Regina
Visiting Venice
Hotel Review: St. Regis Venice San Clemente Palace (previously reviewed)
Driving around Lake Garda
Hotel Review: Hotel Sirmione
Day in Sirmione
Dinner in Sirmione
Hotel Review: Hotel Ideal
Night in Verona
Lake Idro
Lake Iseo
Lake Maggiore & Day Trip by Train
Hotel Review: Sheraton Milan Malpensa
Retrospect
I had booked our flights in Lufthansa First Class using miles before United’s devaluation which meant only 67,500 miles per person. Arriving at the airport, I went to Terminal 1 for a quick check-in. I almost always travel with hand luggage only which shaves off time on both ends of trips. There was time to go to a lounge or get something to eat before boarding but I wasn’t hungry yet so I just caught up on some work. I knew I would be enjoying the meal service later.
Lufthansa’s 747-400 has first class upstairs, which meant that we got both a comfortable seat AND a full bed. You aren’t right next to someone if you are traveling with them, but since there are only 8 seats the cabin is usually quiet and you can always join them for a while.
One of the best parts of the meal is Lufthansa’s delicious caviar offering.
With a quick flying time of barely 7 hours, I had just enough time to eat and take a nap. The cabin was a bit warm for my liking, but the bed was extremely comfortable and I felt refreshed upon waking.
Once in Frankfurt, instead of going to one of the regular lounges, I went to the separate First Class Terminal that Lufthansa offers. It’s a little out of the way depending on where you arrive but a really a cool experience.
One of my favorite lounges worldwide, I can always find something to enjoy off of their buffet or menu.
They even have a wall of bottled waters from around the world.
After a good meal, I went to freshen up. There are showers, but I opted to take a bath, which came complete with one of their coveted rubber duckies.
A little lounge time to daydream about all the fun we’d have in Italy was next.
When it was time to catch the connecting flight, an attendant came to get us. Sometimes if there are a handful of people on the same flight a van will be used. Luckily, it was just the two of us this time so a Porsche was ready to take us directly to the plane, via the tarmac.
After the flight, we caught the Leonardo Express train from Rome’s Fiumicino airport to the main train terminal which was 14 EUR per person, much easier than renting a car to drive. The nonstop train leaves every 30 minutes and is “guaranteed” even in times of strike (which is always a possibility in Italy). A cab straight from the airport to your hotel is a fixed price of 48 EUR so if you have more than two people in your party it would be quicker and cheaper to just take a cab.
The weather was warm, but the air conditioning was working great so the train was nice and cool. Plus, it was a scenic route and fun to watch the surroundings go by.
The ride was quick, as it only takes half an hour to get to the main train station.
Next stop, St. Regis Rome!
