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Traveling from Rome to Bordeaux

I need advice about getting from Rome to Bordeaux.

My family has rented a house starting 7/4/09-7/11/09. I'd like to be in Bordeaux by 7/5 or 7/6.

We can leave Rome 7/3 or 7/4. There are two of us traveling- we are young (30's) and up for adventure-the journey is part of the fun.
I've looked at flights, ferries, trains, and rental cars.

The flights I found were roughly $450/each.
I was excited by this itinerary, but think it might be too crazy:
Begin in ROME
2hr train Piombino (cheap)
2hr boat to Corsica (20 euros each)
5 hr boat to Nice (20 euros each)
8 hr rental car drive to Bordeaux (have rental car for the week and return it to Bordeaux 7/12 which is about $350- this is a bonus to have a car for the vacation)

I also looked at taking a ferry to Barcelona and driving from there, but ferries are only offered on particular days which doesn't work for our schedule. I was surprised to see it was a shorter drive from Spain than Nice.

Trains from Rome to Bordeaux singular tickets are expensive. Eurail for two countries, 4 days travel in 2months, for two people 2nd class: $574

I'd love some input/advice. I had thought the inter-european flights were cheaper than they are...although I think the prices reflect the fact that I am a last-minute planner (i realize this flaw).

Thanks very very very much!
Heather

Posted by
6898 posts

Your plan to get to Bordeau via Corsica sounds quite OK. Renting and returning a car in France - OK. You've done some very good research and planning. One hint. For the travel you describe, you don't need a Eurail pass for either country just to take a few train rides. Point-to-point tickets should serve you well.

Posted by
445 posts

I would like to comment on the drive from Nice to Bordeaux. Expect an enormous amount of traffic in Nice and along the Med. coast. It won't be quite as bad as in August but be prepared!!!