We are going from Germany to Italy in Oct and need to see what is the best route and most reasonable way to travel. Our time is limited so we would like to get places by the fastest routes. We've never been to Europe and appreciate any advice. Thanks for your help. Linda
There is a night train from Munich to Milan. You can book it online at http://buchung.nachtzugreise.de. Looks like it only has seats and couchettes (4 and 6 person). A couchette 4 is €130 per bed, but if you book early enough, you can get a non-refundable SparNight fare for €49 per person. That is for both the rail portion and the accommodation usage.
There are day trains leaving Munich at about 9:30, 11:30, and 13:30. Full fare is €95,10, but there are also a limited number of non-refundable Euro-SparPreis Italien fares for the 13:30 train at €32,50. See Bahn.de for these trains.
When the €32,50 SparPreis-Italien fares sell out there are others available in €10 or €20 increments.