Paris to Rome and Back? Help?

First off, it is more than a night train to Rome. It is a long ways. Second a European discount airline would make more sense unless you have a lot of luggage. While waste time and money returning to Paris. Fly home from Rome on an open jaw ticket. And you might try pricing a three leg ticket Home-Paris-Rome-Home. I am sure it would be less expensive than a return trip by rail to Paris. If you want to take a train to Rome, break it up with a stop in Milan or Florence.

At this point the tickets are set (free tickets with my miles). Perhaps flying a discount airlines would be best. Is it worth the trip? Or should we find some where in France to travel? We have not made Plans at all outside the plane.

Question: How old are the kids? A couple of suggestions: Figure out your travel time between destinations. Factor in first day in Paris as a recovery day and last day as all getting to the airport, 3 hrs. before departure, etc. That is the amount of time available to actually see Paris, Rome, and whereever else you are going. If the frequent flyer suggestion doesn't work out for Rome, research skyscanner.com for cheap airfare from Paris to Rome. Just read the fine print for airline restrictions. Paris is good for many weeks. But if you want to go somewhere else, go to the countryside. I would suggest the Loire Valley, close to Paris and a short train ride away. Then rent a car to see the chateaux and the countryside. If you have WWII buffs in the family, Normandy is a great place to go as well. Car or train and car will work.

I found easyjet for the tickets total for 4 tickets was 400 USD. looks like Paris from Monday to thursday and the rest of time in Rome with a one day stop in paris we can stay near the airport. Where should we stay in Paris? Any suggestions for Rome?

You can take night trains b/n Paris and Rome - that makes sense, BUT assume you and your family will get NO sleep for that night. Then, you have to sight-see the next day; your room probably won't be ready until some time that afternoon...so no nap. IF I were to do that, I might consider taking the night train the very first night in Paris and just getting the first N/T over with! You could fly b/n the two, at least one way. Or, perhaps call your airline about changing one of the legs of your flight...those night trains are going to cost some money, so remember that when confronted with airline change fees. OR - Break it up with a couple of nights along the way. Think about why you want to go to Paris and Rome - are one or two other cities that are closer together as satisfactory or not? Do you just want to go to 'France' and 'Italy', and Paris and Rome were the obvious choices? How old are your children - are we talking 3 or 30?

Thanks for the suggestions. I am more interested in Rome for the History. I have been to Paris and it was interesting and I think the family will like it. A friend of mine from Germany said he thinks Rome is the most interesting city in Europe "all roads lead to Rome" October will be cooler in Paris.

Your N/T tickets will cost ~$182 p/p...+/-... If you stick with those two cities, I would definitely go on to Rome ASAP. That way, you've got your 'Rome chunk of days' and your 'Paris chunk of days'. Maybe spend the first night in Paris...This would be especially helpful if you plan on using consecutive-day museum passes, metro passes, etc.; just things to consider.

Very cool Idea. Sounds like the plane is cheaper and faster. Where should I stay in Paris and Rome?

Durrell. I think that you are crazy for not spending all of your trime in France; especially when there are so many neat things near Paris. If I was there again, I would at least make sure that my kids went to Normandy, to understand history, and the sacrifices our fathers did for us. Very moving. And you have the added advantage of also staying on an absolutelyy beautiful coast. But, that is not what you want. So let's focus on your questions. When we go to Paris or Rome, we rent an apartment thru VRBO.com or Homelidays.com. We found that the absolute location is not important; but that the location in regards to transportation/ support/ neighborhood is REALLY important. Our rome apts was a mile outside of the city, but was on two hi-speed express bus routes. It was a fantastic neighborhood, with lots of shops and restaurants, a park, river, etc. In Paris we stayed at the top of the 15th, neat two Metro stops. Again, it was near lots of support functions...and it was in a quiet area.

Two years ago, I spent time in Rome with my son. My budget was a factor, so we stayed at Hotel Portamaggiore. It is a 3 star, had a elevator and a nice big, clean room was cold A/C and a continental breakfast every morning. It was a few blocks from the train station and the bus stop was out front. It is kind of away from the main sights, but that is OK with me. We also hired a guide for 3 days. She knew how to save us time in lines, jump on buses away from the tourist traps, etc. We saw a lot more of the city than we would have if we were navigating on own our. I can share her website if you send me a private message. Rome was amazing! Of course it was fun to eat authentic pizza and pasta. The city map is fairly easy to read, so you just need a good pair of shoes and lots of energy. In August it was HOT (105) and crowded!