At the end of October, we found ourselves in Rome with a cancelled return flight to England, but it was not difficult to plan how to spend the next few days until we could return home. We were spoiled for choice. All the usual sights were uncrowded and without its usual chaotic traffic, Rome was easy to navigate. But we were tempted to go further afield and see the famous gardens at Tivoli, something on every bucket list and an opportunity not to be missed.

We were without a car, but it looked easy to get there by train…or so we thought. From Termini station there are morning trains to Tivoli, but with two changes, despite the fact that Tivoli is only 40km from Rome. Another problem is the very short turn-around time between one train and the next. Knowing Italian regional trains quite well, and their habit of being late, this can prove quite a headache.