Hi all! Firstly - a report. Last week we traveled Germany and Austria and had a blast. We used rail passes - which, in my opinion were MUCH easier then dealing with group tickets on regional trains. Landed in Dusseldorf - ICE to Wurzburg. Then on to Bamberg (regional train); ICE to Nurnberg; ICE/EC to Salzburg; EC to Munich. Beautiful weather - loved every minute. so ... We want to go back - didn't spend enough time in Munich. Just saw Super Saver First Class tix into Munich (land Dec 22) and out of Milan (Dec 29) ... 7 nights which is fine with us. The plan would be two nights in Munich and on Christmas Eve night train to Florence. Five nights in Italy - maybe two in Florence, 2 somewhere else (fine with one night stops) and last night in Milan ... something like that. So - my issue is when will I know if overnight trains are offered during that period? Looking at Bahn.com it shows the CNL running for the first half of December but then shows no schedule available after Dec 8, 2012 (likely too soon). ASny educated guess as to whether the CNL will run Christmas week?
Posted by
OP
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
Lee - one more question to pick your brain ... Looks like the schedules for December may not be out until September - so, keeping in mind that we will be reserving a "couchette / sleeping car" - would you risk reserving the airfare even though train schedules aren't released? I guess I am wondering what the chance is that the City Night Line wouldn't run between Munich and Florence (the Munich - Rome line) during Christmas week ... Anyone? I'd hate to lose this airfare as it is a good deal (Supersaver on United operated Business/First)
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19240 posts
My guess is that it will run but will be crowded. The only time I have ever found an express train in Germany standing room only was on Dec 26 (a holiday in Germany, second Christmas). The reason that that train doesn't show up is that the schedules run for six month starting in early June and again in early December. The schedule for Dec 2012 to June 2013 just hasn't been loaded yet.
Posted by
OP
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
Thanks Lee! We loved Germany. My husband, also Lee, really wants to get back to Munich - we were just there one night and we'd like to return and stay in a more central location. My son - really wants to take a night train. So - this may cover both their wants. We have never gone away for more than 7 nights and while this is 7 nights I would love to make this trip a little longer - being one night would be on a night train but am only seeing the SuperSaver fares for these dates. I have the tickets held and am thinking about it. My one concern was that there would be no overnight trains at Christmastime but that sounds unlikely ... Thanks for all your help. Like I said - we LOVED Germany and Austria!!