How does any one make this work so that it is less expensive than point to point fares? This question comes up often.
With the rail pass you've got three or four, 24 hour days. What can you possibly do in four days that makes this a better option than point to point tickets.
I would love to hear some very creative takes on this...
Several times I bought a France-Italy pass. I took a couple of long train trips that included both countries and a couple of longish trips in each country. Paris to Venice, Monterosso to Paris, Rome to CT, Paris to Rouen same day return. Sometimes it's just simpler to have the pass and not have to buy a separate ticket when crossing country borders.
I am also going to reply to this question. I have traveled extensively in Italy and never made prior reservations.
Swan has given good examples of how a multi-country railpass that includes Italy can be a good choice. However, I am confident from the price comparisons I have done that P2P tickets are cheaper than a railpass for trips solely within Italy.
I don't think it is a question of it working, sometimes it is a question of what travel agents can sell. I remember a post a few weeks back about someone asking about a pass and a travel agent replying she "couldn't imagine" that a pass didn't save money, and coyly offering to "help" buy the pass if the poster wanted it.
Francis, this september i will be travelling to Italy only, i will pay half the price i would have spent on a 3 days in 1 month pass by buying point to point fares. I am covering a lot of distance too, but i will take IC, or regional train, and always 2nd class.
