my daughter age 50 and i age 80 have planned a trip next spring. we plan our first 3 nights in paris. art museums, sights and jazz music are main interests. we will go through interlakin to gimmerwald where we stay for 2 nights then to milan for a day to vernazza for 2 nights then base in florence 3 nights. during this time we will take a train for a day in venice. from florence we will take a night train to rome. after sightseeing for the day we plan to stay the night and fly home the next morning. we have made plans on paper and would like any practical advice concerning night train travel and if our time allotments are realistic. other suggestions are welcome. thanks fran
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
This is an ambitious itinerary that gives you a taste of many things, and entails lots of time on trains. That's not bad, but is it what you want?
For instance, your two nights in beautiful Gimmelwald is really only one day, as you will be arriving late from Paris and then leaving early for Italy. Similarly your day trip to Venice won't leave you much time in Venice.
On the other hand I admire your taste in destinations. Could you possibly spend more time abroad?
On trains: I suggest spending some time extracting travel times from the German rail site. Plug them into your itinerary for a reality check. I don't think there is a night train from Florence to Rome, but the Eurostar will get you there in less than two hours.
Good luck planning, and let us know how it goes!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23268 posts
Your night train from Florence to Rome will be pretty short since it is only a 2 hrs ride. Also you need to day trip to Venice from Milan rather than Florene -- wrong direction. Rome really deserves more than one day.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Take more time , your trip would tire me out, I can tell you must have amazing stamina ,, but this is a bit of a march through Europe..
I think everywhere you have chosen to go is wonderful, I just think you should seriously consider either adding three days, and making your two night stays three nights, or cutting out at least one place.