I believe I understand that individual, point-to-point tickets are best for the Italian portion of my vacation. I'm visiting five towns with four fixed days of travel. That leaves the Amsterdam to Venice train trip open to suggestion. The straightest trip, which takes me through Germany and Austria, takes about 15 hours (as far as I can determine). I may be interested in a sleeper compartment. I would be grateful to hear any ideas on how this should be done.
Maybe what I need is some expert service to call or write to make the arrangements for a lazy type like me.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
Actually if you want to do Amsterdam to Venice via night train, the easiest route (least amount of transfers) is via Paris. From Amsterdam take the 3:16pm Thalys train to Paris Nord. Then either walk or take a taxi to Paris Bercy Station. From Bercy there is a direct night train to Venice which departs at 8:33pm arrives Venice 9:30am. Of course you could also take an early morning train to Paris and spend the day exploring Paris before heading to Venice.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19240 posts
There is also an ICE/ICE/CNL connection through Munich. Leave Amsterdam at 12:34, 1/2 hour change in Düsseldorf, then to Munich at 8:05 PM, in time to catch the 9 o'clock (21:03) CNL night train directly to Venice at 6:38.
Or, as you previously noted, there is the all daylight, 15 hour trip, with changes in Frankfurt, Munich, and Verona. You can book the Oberhausen-Verona part of that trip as an Europa-Spezial-Ticket for as little as €39.
Posted by
Austin
976 posts
Not rail, but if the thought of 15 hours on trains concerns you, BA has flights starting at $99 plus fees for only 4 hrs 15 min of travel time, plus the airport travel, waiting, standing in security lines, etc. just a thought.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
I do not recommend night train travel to Italy. I'm half-Italian, and believe me: those night trains to/from Italy are the worst in Western Europe. Take a flight, instead.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
120 posts
Well, I'm half Italian myself. We may be part of the problem. Anyway, a train it must be, and I thank all of you for your input.