Originally Posted by
fishingfrye
We were looking at first class just because we will each have luggage we are traveling with and it looked like there was more storage space.
Perhaps a bit more storage space - but you will also have many more US tourists w/lots of luggage traveling in First Class
Originally Posted by
fishingfrye
I am also interested in the difference between purchasing individual tickets and purchasing a rail pass and paying additional for the reservation.
Prices tend to fluctuate and railpasses can be nice - but probably won't save you significantly given your limited travel.
Trenitalia is the state owned rail system; Italo NTV is a new, privately operated competitor. I would wait until January and check to see if Italo NTV is still around - and then determine if their amenities/timetables make it worth your while.
Whatever you do, do NOT book through raileurope.com - as their surcharges for ticketing can sometimes double the price of the ticket.