Itinerary Help Needed

Yes, the big destinations you listed, Paris, Interlaken, Nice, CT, Rome--all by train.

Thanks Kent. I forgot to ask. Are there train routes (covered by Eurorail pass) that go directly to those places as I mentioned? Or will I need to go to other major cities first, then take private trains to get to Interlaken and CT?

"Or will I need to go to other major cities first, then take private trains to get to Interlaken and CT?"

No, the regular public trains go to Interlaken and CT.

I'm going to let others answer your questions about pass versus point-to-point.

Thucuc,

One other important point to note is that your Railpass will not include the reservation fees that are compulsory for some trains. You'll have to pay those separately.

For example, your trip from Paris to Interlaken will most likely be via TGV for the segment from Paris to Switzerland. Reservations WILL be required on the TGV.

In order to get to Gimmelwald, you'll be taking the local Berner-Oberland train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. From Lauterbrunnen you'll transfer to the Post Bus and then the Cable Car to Gimmelwald. The fares for the Post Bus and Cable Cars may be discounted, depending on the Railpass you're using (check the information provided with your Pass, or ask at Interlaken Ost when you arrive there).

Thanks Steve.

Ken - How much does it cost for a reservation on the TGV and where do I go to make the reservation. Actually, how do I find out what trains will require reservations?

Since I really only have only 1.5 days in Switz, I think it's probably better to go straight to Lauterbrunnen from Paris so I can get to Gimmelwald. Do you know how long it takes and how much it costs to get to Gimmelwald (Post Bus and Cable Cars)?

Thucuc,

As I recall, the reservation fee for the TGV is US$11-15 PP for international routes (France-Switzerland). You can make the reservation at train stations in Paris or you might try the SNCF Boutiques which have several locations in Paris (check www.communitywalk.com/sncf_boutiques_in_paris/map/59822#00041Wb= for details).

You can go straight to Lauterbrunnen from Paris, but you'll still have to go through Interlaken Ost. From what I remember, it's about 30 minutes from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, the Post Bus (bright yellow, you can't miss it) from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg is about 20 minutes and the Cable Car to Gimmelwald (which is the first stop on the Schilthornbahn is about 5-7 minutes.

Cheers!

Great! I will look at those websites and try to make reservations online when possible. Thank you for your help.

Thucuc,

I wouldn't bother making reservations on line. That will likely cost more, and it's very easy to pick them up when you're in Paris. If you're travelling with a Railpass, you'll have to stop at a ticket office anyway to get your Pass validated.