Car rental vs eurail

Maralee, As this is your first trip to Europe, my first suggestion is to pre-read the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door before you get too far in your planning. It will provide a lot of good information on "how" to travel well in Europe. If I read your post correctly, you're planning to visit eight locations in a 10-day time frame?, starting in Germany, then Italy, Geneva, Monaco, Marseille, Paris and then back to Frankfurt??? Does the April 18-28 dates include the two days you'll "lose" in getting to Europe and back? Regarding car rental, given the area you're planning to cover and the time frame, I would not recommend trying to do that by car. Even using fast trains, it's going to be "challenging" to get to all the places on your list. Another point to mention is that you'll require the compulsory International Driver's Permit for driving in Italy. When you enter Switzerland, you'll have to purchase a "highway permit" (can't remember the exact name?) but that will also add to your costs. You'll also need to allow for tolls on the Motorways, which can be expensive (and especially in France, the toll booths are frequent). Then of course the cost for fuel (our European members will be able to provide the current charges). Finally, a GPS along with good Maps would be a really good idea! Given the short time for your trip, I really believe you'll need to drop a few of the places on your list. I'm sure the group here will have lots of suggestions. Good luck with your planning!

"I feel a car rental will be best for us and allow us more flexibility to stop along the way if we see things that interest us." It's generally better to the places you want to visit in advance. It's very easy to get information these days and to plan. Having a car in Paris, Milan, and even Marseille is a liability. With only 10 days, there's not much time to go sniffing roses with your ambitious itinerary, and you don't have time to get lost. I'd use the trains. A first-class, 7-day pass in the saver version for 4 countries goes for $479 per person and should cover your whole journey: http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/select.htm

Go back to the drawing board with your plan. That's entirely too much for the time you have allotted.

Maralee, As much as I love driving in Europe, this is way too much for the time alloted. If you go to the "viamichelin" site you will find that you're looking at a minimum of 1725 miles 26 hrs. on the road, tolls of about $200 fuel of around $600 cost of rental car You might rent a car in Monaco and drive thru Provence to Marseilles, this is a beautiful drive. I would use the high speed trains the rest of the time. Cars are not convient in the cities...tickets, parking fees etc. if you do elect to drive, park outside the city centers and train in.
Good luck, and have fun planning

You need to join the our travel group meeting on the third Saturday of every month. What you are suggesting on the surface - 10 days or less - is not doable. You have some massive distances involved.

"You need to join the our travel group meeting on the third Saturday of every month." Something tells me these meetings consist of plenty of talk of (German) train travel. They will set you right!

Marelee, Sorry to hear that your Mother suffered a stroke. I hope that she recovers quickly and without any problems. Best Wishes!

I have to comment on the Geneva to Milan driving portion. Just FYI, there's a large mountain range (the Alps) in the way. Sorry to be sarcastic, but in April there will still be a lot of snow on the passes. Obviously you're used to driving in snow in Denver, but with the tour busses going to the ski areas on the A5, it could be really slow going. Also, someone else mentioned the tolls from Southern France to Paris. There's websites that can calculate the tolls from various points. Worth a look. I also think it's too much, there's 4 full days of driving in a 10 day plan. Skip Milan and Paris, just see the relatives and see what's around their towns.

Thanks for the great input -- BUT as of today the trip is cancelled. My mother had a stroke yesterday and I will be using my vacation time to go to Illinois for her. My son said he will get to the relatives and Milan on his weekend travel days, so he will just have to get me lots of pics.

My deepest sympathies.

Terribly sorry to hear that, Maralee. My hopes and wishes that she recovers well and quickly. I'm sorry that your plans have been disrupted.