Europe by Rail

Pat I think your question is too broad to get a very relevant answer. Most commenters here do travel by train with some budget flights on the longer routes. I suggest that you focus more on deciding where you want to go in Germany, and perhaps also in Switzerland or Austria on the way to Italy. Many towns of all sizes are accessible by train, so you can almost just assume that it will work out. As you read through any Rick Steves guidebook to your preferred destinations, a suggested itinerary by public transport and city-to-city transport info will always be included. Night trains are not going to be everywhere, but you might fit one into your plan. If you want to start learning more about train travel, then see the articles at https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains. If you want to fly toward the Cinque Terre, Pisa airport is closest, then Genoa; www.skyscanner.com is a useful search engine.

In addition to the links and advice Laura has given you, an excellent reference for research on riding trains in Europe is http://seat61.com/.

Pat, I love rail travel. Here's two thoughts: rail passes encourage you to visit more places, further apart, so you spend a lot more time in rail stations and on trains than if you concentrated on a specific country or area. If you're OK with that, and want the flexibility of a rail pass, look at the one or two country-specific passes, or regional passes, that each country's rail system sells. They can be substantially less expensive than Eurail and just as convenient.

The main advantage of rail passes is flexibility - if you want freedom to change your itinerary while traveling. If you have fixed dates for planned travel between stops, buying point-to-point tickets in advance will be even more advantageous.

I tell my friends that if they only visit one country in Europe, it should be Italy (I think Rick says that too). Its easily worth whatever time you have to see it, and you can get to most of the interesting places by train. In fact, you can use the itineraries that are used by the Rick Steves tours as a good model to base independent travel too.

i

"I tell my friends that if they only visit one country in Europe, it should be Italy (I think Rick says that too)." Sorry Stan and Rick, I disagree, even though Italy is great.

Four of our trips have been major, multi-country, rail pass trips of 23 to 30 days. Our next trip this year will be 75 days on the ground with a 15 nt cruise home - I have been comparing point to point tickets with a rail pass and for us I think the flexibility will out weigh the added cost of the pass.

We absolutely LOVE travel by rail and really enjoy the relaxing journey and the beautiful scenery. We have done several night trains as well and sleep just fine. We consider the journey part of the trip...not just getting from point A to point B.

It's not for everyone...folks all have their own travel style & preferences - no one way is right or wrong - it is just what works for you!

Bruce, you disagree that if you could see only one country in Europe it should be Italy. So which country should it be?

We went from Budapest to Bratislava and from Vienna to Prague on the trains in late April. And it was an old, beat up train car with poor a/c--and we were uncomfortable. I'd hate to see what it's like mid Summer. But 3 1/2 hours is about my limit on a train.
I'm a big fan of traveling by car throughout regions and then flying on a budget European air carrier to the other end of Europe.
Italy is the exception as they have fast trains from big city to big city, but I'd get a car in Florence to hit the Tuscan hilltowns. Then I'd fly to some place completely different--like Copenhagen or Lisbon--on the way home.

Thanks for the links Laura. There is a lot of great information there, and I have been looking at and itinerary and we are very much open for change. I am using a Eurail suggested itinerary as a starting point. I used the seat 61 link this past year planning our trip in Poland and to Prague. you are right Nancy, it is very helpful. The points about the time spent in train stations and flexibility of itinerary are very valid and we will give them thought as we think the through Stan. Bruce I too would like to know if not Italy, where? I was inspired to hear of your rail travels Christi. Like you I too find train travel exhilarating.
The modified Eurail Itinerary that we are beginning with is: Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Munich, Fussen, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terra. Again this is a very early plan and will need a lot more work.
Thank you everyone! If there are more thoughts they would definitely be appreciated.