My wife I will be flying to Milan(on UA) in a few weeks and will then use a first class Italian railpass to travel to Venice, Rome, Naples and then back to Milan.
It is a lot of hassle and expense to arrange seat reservations from Australia especially when we are reliant on an "on time" arrival at Malpensa to fit in with a Milano Centrale departure .
Do you think that reservations are essential at this time of year and in first class?
Many thanks,
Ozflier