traveling from La Spezia to Munich

"I'm looking for the cheapest route, and am not opposed to using an over night train." Anytime you ride a night train in a couchette or compartment, it's not going to be cheap (although you will save the cost of a hotel room), particularly in a compartment, so by the above statement, I'm assuming you mean a seat on a night train. Yes? The cheapest train route from La Spezia to Munich will probably include a direct train from Verona to Munich. With sufficient advance purchase, you can get seats on one of these train for about €39/p from the German Rail (Bahn) website, but for July 16, I don't think you'll see a big discount. For Verona to Munich, the best I can see for the 16th is €49 on the day train from 17:02-22:25. There is also a CNL night train from Rome to Munich. For the 16th, you can still get online tickets for a seat for €73 or for a single sleeper for €169. Of course, you still have to figure in the price of getting to Rome or Verona. There is a day train from Bologna to Munich (one of those that go through Verona) with an advance purchase fare for the 16th of €69 still available.

The best route using a night train is La Spezia-Firenze-Muenchen, departing at 17:41 and arriving at 08:23. La Spezia Centrale to Firenze S.M.N. will be on a Regionale train and the fare is €11.30. No reservations are possible and there is no discount for advance booking. Firenze-Muenchen will be on a CNL night train. At this late date the cheapest discount fare tickets are long gone. All 6- and 4-bunk couchettes are sold out. However, if you book NOW on the German Rail site, you still can get a fare of €73.00 for a reclining seat, €129.00 for a bed in an economy 2-bed sleeper, and €169.00 for a bed in an economy 1-bed sleeper. If you book either the 2-bed or 1-bed sleeper, your luggage will be more secure and you'll sleep a lot better.

You both are SO informative! Many thanks for your help. All booked and ready to go. Thanks!