Dale_M

We (my wife and two sons 12 and 15 years old) are going on our first European trip this June. We are flying into Rome, and out of Madrid. 2 week trip. Our inbound flights have been booked, but that is it so far. We need to get from Northern Italy to Spain. My first choice would be to drive and see the countryside (e.g. Parma to Barcelona), but looks like a very long day (or more), and with only two weeks, seemed like the drive would take up a large piece of the trip (plus I have zero European driving experience). Has anyone done that drive and can give me any insight? The next thought was the ferry from Genoa to Barcelona, but, that is an 18-hour ride. Has anyone taken that ferry, and if so, does it run close enough to the shore to view the country side? For example, we took a cruise from San Diego to Mexico that was so far offshore you couldn't see any features of the terrain without binoculars. Third option is to fly. Any expert advice?

thursdaysd

Fourth option - night train to Barcelona. See elipsos.com/en

greg

First use online rental car sites to sanity check your proposed car rental arrangement.

Besides driving TIME, you realize you will get hit with a breathtaking cross border drop-off charge. For example, at Hertz for a tiniest of tiniest car rental FCO-FCO vs FCO-BCN difference is $1400!!!

For this kind of connection, Vueling would be a choice. They fly to Barcelona from Milan, Venice, and Rome.

I hope you had a good reason to want to connect two distant destinations in one trip.

kybourbon

If you pick up a car in one country and drop in another, you pay a big drop off fee. There are lots of tunnels Italy/France depending on where you depart so perhaps nowhere near as scenic as you might be thinking.

Overnight ferry or train are options, but it's probably best (and maybe cheapest) to fly. There are lots of budget airlines, but without knowing your itinerary, it's difficult to suggest which one. You can look at these two websites for flights.
http://www.skyscanner.com/
http://www.whichbudget.com/

bobthenavigator

I would change your itinerary if you can.

cruiseluv

If for whatever reason the OP wants to do a few sites on two countries in two weeks I dont see why he needs to change the itinerary. I dont know enough of his plans to tell him that. Having said that, I agree with Greg, the only mode of transport that makes any sense (even if you had more time) is to fly.

Dale, could you give us more details of what you're planning to see in each country?

annhig

Dale,

no 1 - don't drive. not just because of drop-off fees [though they could be steep] but because it's a very long way to be cooped up in a car if you are going to do it in one/two days, OR it'll take a large chunk out of your trip if you take it more slowly.

Flying would be the conventional way to go, but with the two kids in tow, i think that i would think more about the ferry - it won't be anything like a cruise and might be a fun and unique experience for you all; I've done a few longish ferry trips and even though you might not see much land, kids seem to find them quite a adventure.

but like bob, i have doubts about combining Italy and Spain in one two week trip - have you any special reason for doing this? and i'm a bit confused about your flight plans - you say that you've got your inbound flight booked, does that mean that you haven't picked your return flight yet? if so, I'd be thinking about staying in Italy. honestly there's loads to do in Northern Italy in 2 weeks.

Dale_M

All,
First time I have used this forum, and am impressed with the participation. Thanks to all. You confirmed my fears about driving...too big of a time commitment with only two weeks. I looked into flying, and that looks like the leading contender right now. Regarding the itinerary, The itinerary (both inbound and outbound)could be changed, but not without difficulty (i.e. cost). We used airline miles that have taken about 10 years to accrue, so we don't expect to be re-visiting Europe for a long time as college tuition will get in the way. I realize it is preferable to spend time in one place and really explore and enjoy, however, we would like our sons to experience different cultures and languages, hence two countries instead of one. The tentative itinerary is Rome for 3 days, Florence for 3 or 4 days (making side trips), then Barcelona for the remainder.

Dale_M

Forgot to mention that I looked into the train (Elipsos) so thanks for that tip. Still considering that.

ekc

Dale, I am really glad you posted this question because we are toying with the idea of a similar trip in September (but looking at Florence/Umbria for a week and then Spain/San Sebastien for a week). Regarding the days you mentioned, I would think about 4 days in Rome and 3 in Florence (with 1 side trip out of Florence). There is so much more to see in Rome that it will take you at least three full days (not counting arrival) to even scratch the surface.

kybourbon

For discounts on the Elipsos train, book the Smart Fare.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD

You might also check for discounts on the Grimaldi from Livorno (port near Florence) to Barcelona.
http://www.grimaldi-lines.com/en

Genoa/Barcelona on GNV.
http://www2.gnv.it/en/ferries-destin...ml?view=gnvmap

enzian

The overnight ferry could be fun. Grimaldi has a " superfamily" fare that might work for you. You are on the ship overnight and most of the next day, arriving in Barcelona in the evening.

For Barcelona to Madrid, you can save a lot on you train tickets by buying them in advance on the Renfe website. The Web fare is a 60% reduction. The AVE takes only 2.5 hours to make the journey and is very comfortable and convenient. I am a huge fan of the trains in Spain!

dreamon

A few years ago we flew from Venice to Barcelona with Vueling. It was trouble free. If you book in advance, fares should not be too bad.