bardo 1 and Seamus-- I know, as some posters say, flying in would be much quicker and perhaps cheaper, but the 4 of us are REALLY lookng forward to the overnight train. Just something so "European" about it. Think we've seen waay to many movies! Thanks so much for the encouragement. Will need overnights Paris-Rome and later Rome-Nice. Think day train Rome to port will be a cinch. AND still have to book Eurostar London to Paris for our first train travel.
I've taken the Eurostar once but never any other train in Europe. I've always rented and driven myself. This overnight train thing is all new to me. Not so sure booking will be a breeze. Got to think positive. You all have done it so I guess I can too--with some assistance, I'm sure. Thanks
Judy

If a gazillion college kids with Eurail passes can manage, you can, too. ;-)
Just remember that you can't reserve those overnight trains on the continent until 2 or 3 months in advance, so mark your calendar. For Eurostar there is a much longer window, and the discount fares sell out fast so start checking now. BTW, the London station for Eurostar will change from Waterloo to St Pancras in November.