Part 3 and the final part of our trip from Germany to Italy using trains and a boat.We used the excellent information at the man at seat 61 website to plan the trip. This was the sea leg from Split to Ancona on the Eastern coast of Italy. The tickets for the night ferry cost £69 GBP (€79 euro). From Ancona we travelled north by train to spend a pleasant morning in Pesaro before catching the train to Rome in the afternoon. The Pesaro to Rome leg was picturesque in parts through the mountains.
The boat to Ancona was a basic ferry type voyage. We travelled in April and there was nothing going on in the way of entertainment. the boat leaves between 8-9pm so its a good idea to have some food then get to bed.
The food was pretty good Croatian/Italian fayre. I had a broth like soup with spaghetti bolognese as a second course. We paid for an 'outside cabin' (a window with an outside view) that included breakfast which was plentiful. There were lots of people sleeping rough on chairs an settees in the main rooms which would be a good option for budget travellers. It reminded of my days roughing with my parents when they did booze cruises across the Irish Sea!
When we got to Ancona, its a short walk to the bus stop which takes you a similar distance to the train station (just follow everyone else) It would be possible to walk to the station but we happened upon the bus an decided to get on it. (pay as you board).
The ship was operated by Jadrolinija Lines this ferry was basic but it was good value and a fun way to cross the Adriatic Sea.
Happy travels!