I am doing a one day run from Venice to Bacharach. I have point to Point tickets from Venice to Milan and Milan to Bacharach (D Bahn savings fare)
Two questions:
1) Is 15 min transfer time reasonable in Milan? I have been there once and found it a bit intimidating.
2) If my train(s) are late for any reason... Will D Bahn put us on the next train or since its the Savings Fare am I out of luck.
Second question first: I am not absolutely sure about an international Savings fare, but I am sure (it happened to me) that with a Dauer-Spezial fare (inside Germany), if your connecting train is late, they will put you on the next available train. But don't just get on the next train; go to the ticket counter and have them stamp the substitution. I can't imagine that it would be different for your case. Of course, if the delay happens in Italy, I am not so sure. Or if you miss your international train because the train into Milan is late, then...?
As for any regional trains to get you to your final destination (i.e., Mainz{?} to Bacharach), there is a clause (Vor- und Nach-Lauf) in the "Conditions of Carriage" that allow you to use any regional trains, until midnight, that you might need to get to your final destination.
Lee's advice sounds correct. I would not be concerned about missing a train. My experience with Italian trains is that in most terminals, 15 minutes will be sufficient.
Be sure to ask the attendant when you leave your train how to get to the correct platform and track. Reading the signs will help, but for me asking is better.
