Transportation within Europe - Trains?

So, you're both 21 and I presume still planning to do the complete itinerary within 4-5 weeks, starting from July 5, as mentioned in earlier threads.

London - Amsterdam - Fly Easy Jet or similar, see www.skyscanner.com.

Amsterdam - Paris - Trains always pass through Brussels. If you want to stop and see it, then you need separate tickets or seat reservations.

Paris - Munich

Munich-Venice

Venice-Rome

If the travel dates from departing Amsterdam to arriving in Rome fit within 1 month (such as from July 10 to August 9), then you can get a 5-day flexi Global youth pass for $340 per person. Or if you travel Amsterdam-Paris on a direct Thalys train without stopping in Belgium, then you can use a 4-country Select pass for France, Germany, Austria, and Italy for $310 per person. If ordering any of these soon, then be sure to use our $50-off coupon code. You should make seat reservations to and from Paris in the same booking, to be sure that they're available. Seat reservations for all four legs add up to $65 or 70 per person in 2nd class.

You can also fly more legs or you can explore what advance discounts are currently available for booking reserved train tickets a month out. Full-fare tickets cost over $500 in 2nd class (not including London-Amsterdam).

kayla,

A few thoughts.....

• London / Amsterdam - I'd also use a budget flight on that route, and easyJet would be my preference. It's important that you book as early as possible and note that the cheapest tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable. Read their Terms & Conditions carefully with respect to baggage allowances.
• Amsterdam / Paris - a direct (no changes) Thalys train would be a good option (3H:18M). Those have compulsory seat reservations, which you'll have to buy separately if using a Rail Pass, as Laura mentioned above (she's an expert on that).
• Paris / Munich - although it will be a longer trip, I'd suggest travel by high speed train which travel at up to 300 km/h, as you'll get to see some of the countryside. I'd probably use the departure from Paris Est at 09:10, arriving Munich at 15:28 (time 6H:18M, 1 change at Mannheim, reservations compulsory on both segments).
• Munich / Venice - the easiest choice on that one is a direct departure from Munich at 11:38, arriving Venezia Santa Lucia at 18:10 (time 6H:32M, reservations compulsory). That trip goes through the Brenner Pass, a trip I always enjoy.
• Venice / Rome - definitely high speed train! On that route you can use either Trenitalia or Italo Treno (the competing rail network), but if using Italo be sure to confirm whether it terminates at Roma Tiburtina or Roma Termini (the latter is the one you want). If using Trenitalia, a train departing Venezia Santa Lucia at 10:25, arriving Roma Termini at 14:10 would be good (time 3H:45M, reservations compulsory).

If you decide to use a Rail Pass, it is VERY important that you have reservations for the high speed trains, especially in Italy, as they're compulsory. The reservations are specific to train, date and departure time so can ONLY be used on the one train listed. Whether using a Rail Pass or P-P tickets, if you're caught without valid reservations for the train you're riding on, you'll face hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!

Note that most cities in Europe have more than one rail station, so it's important to be clear on which station you're using in each case.

You can buy tickets for trains in France, Germany and Italy (and possibly also Thalys, can't remember) at www.captaintrain.com (it's very user friendly).

Happy travels!

For what travel dates? Check the DB (German Railways) site for "Europa-spezial" fares from/to Munich. Here's what I found:

Paris-Munich: Sample date July 28, €69-€79 for morning departures (reservation included)
Munich-Venice: Sample date August 3, €49 for morning departure at 9:38 (reservation included)

Discounted prices rise as tickets sell. Buy early and commit to a specific train trip for the best price. There are penalties for refunds.
Europa-spezial details: https://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/prices/europe/europa-spezial.shtml