From Barcelona I want to go to CT, Florence, & Rome. What's the best order of things. After Italy, we fly to Paris. Hgh-Speed Rail vs flights between Barcelona to Italy? I appreciate any help as I plan this trip for me and my mother. She is 77 and has always said that one day we would go to Europe. I have barely traveled and now need to plan this grand and very special trip and can use all the help I can get. Thank you so much for any tips.
Posted by
Chicago
8279 posts
There is no direct high speed rail to Italy from Barcelona. So if I did not have any interests in seeing Provence Cote d'Azure region in Southern France which is where the train lines from Barcelona on the way to Italy run through :
I would fly Barcelona to Florence
Florence
Take the Train to Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre
Take the direct train from La Spezia to Rome
Rome
Fly to Paris
Paris
Posted by
OP
Murrieta, CA, USA
3 posts
Thank you so much! I will look into the Coast of France train just in case. I hadn't thought of that.
Posted by
Chicago
8279 posts
Yes. One time I took Barcelona to Nimes high speed and toured that area 5 nights which has the Pont du Gard and the beautiful hill villages of Provence.
From there you can go to Nice which has the train that will take to cross the border to The Ligurian coast on your way to Cinque Terre
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
You can also fly nonstop from Barcelona to Pisa, if those schedules or prices are more attractive.
Barcelona to Monterosso in the Cinque Terre takes 15.5 hours by train at the fastest, including 3 connections, and will be more expensive than flying. I would not take this route unless staying a few nights in France.
Posted by
OP
Murrieta, CA, USA
3 posts
Thank you Laura. I will do the Barcelona to Pisa flight. Sounds great. Are my best price deals for those flights to book now, or can I wait until I'm in Barcelona?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I would book the flights in advance for best price, perhaps a couple of months out.