Milan to Naples overnight train - book in advance?

I am planning to take an overnight train with my wife from Milan to Naples around August 9 or 10. I checked the Trenitalia website, and it looks like we can get an "Amica" fare and get two Couchettes for 53.80 Euro each.

We've never been to Italy, so we're looking for some advice. It seems like the overwhelming consensus on the Thorntree is to not buy tickets until we get to Italy. But does that hold true for overnight trains in August (high season)? We definitely want to avoid sleeping sitting up in regular seats. How far in advance do we need to book overnight bunks in August?

Also how comfortable are the couchettes? I've slept comfortably in overnight bunks in Thailand, Malaysia, and China, so I'm guessing the Italian trains should be fine, but I wanted to make sure.

Any other overnight train tips are welcome.

thanks!

You will be travelling in the main Holiday season, so YES, book in advance, book it until the End of June.
If you are outside Europe, buy the Tickets on www.trenitalia.it<BR>Couchettes are bunks, you will get a sheet and a cushion, and there will be 6 (or 4) People in one compartment.
They are more comfortable than Seats and will allow you to relax.

Thanks for the advice. Are there any major restrictions I should know about the Amica fare? (Is it restricted to certain types of people?)

I tried to read the description of the fare on the Trenitalia website but I found the description to be very confusing.

I would book in advance for an overnight train. I don't find the overnight trains very comfortable. I never get any sleep. Maybe I'm just getting too old! Ha! The bunks are OK. The fewer bunks the more room you'll have. In 6 couchette cabin you can't really sit up very far on the bunk without hitting your head. It beats wasting a day in transit and you will save the price of a hotel the night you are on the train.

Book in advance for August

click here These archived experiences might provide some insight.