Ok, I have been to www.seat61.com and other sites, and public transportation confuses me! haha

So, does anyone know of a rail pass, maybe a 1 month pass/3 week pass that we can purchase while in the US and just use it everywhere (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy). It would be nice to prepurchase this so we have it when we arrive-easing some stress when we get there. Also, we would truly consider 1st Class on the rails.

This thought crosses my mind as so many have advised us not to rent a car in one country and drop off in another country. I agree-thus I have to ask about rail passes/buss passes. I'd like to keep it simple, even it means we have to pay just a bit more. My perfect pass would include rail/bus transportation in all countries above. It would also not limit us to a number of uses, allowing us to jump on & off trains & busses at will!

Again-everyone here is most wonderful!! thank you for all your input!

Without knowing a more definite itinerary, no one can tell you whether a pass (or which type) is best. On some trains, you have to buy seat reservations even with a pass. Is your trip 21 days or do you mean you will be on a train 21 days?

Passes typically don't cover in city transport (buses/metro/trams). Here's the list of bonuses for the global pass.

http://www.raileurope.com/rail-ticke...l-bonuses.html

Bonus list for the select pass:
http://www.raileurope.com/rail-ticke...ass/index.html

Here is the itinerary, from another post I have out there. One reason I'd like an "open" pass is because I'm assuming my mom will tire out earlier on in the trip than she plans! (This is her itinerary thus far-I have already added days & cut out locations). Madrid-we have family there and will not be touring a lot-nor will transportation be an issue. I have considered driving Germany & Switzerland, training the rest, going via trail for all of it (minus Switzerland as we NEED a car there), and I have also considered driving all of it. I was hoping to use trains for speed-and maybe even some rest! That all in mind-This itinerary does not have to be in this order if there is a better transportation plan! Also, Rome is not in order of any sightseeing plans-just her ideas of some of what she wants to see.

Day 1: Fly Cleveland to Munich
Day 2: Arrive Munich; Check-in, Family’s castle tour, dinner (HOTEL)
Day 3: : TOUR NEUSCHWANSTEIN AREA (Somnerrodelbahn), 1hr castle tour, Marienbrucke for pics-bus to bridge.
Day 4: Drive to Aeschi. Stop for meal in Austria on the way (HOTEL in Aeschi or Speiz)
Day 5: Travel Aeschi for family cabin
Day 6: Travel Switzherland (Travel to top of at least one mountain)
Day 7: Travel Switzerland
Day 8: Check out Aeschi-drive to Venice (HOTEL) (Possible Dolomites?) (Venice night ghost walk)
Day 9: Venice touring/Gondola ride
Day 10: Check out Venice-Fly to Naples, Bus to Sorrento (HOTEL) -Walk around Sorrento, no evening plans-relax.
Day 11: Capri day trip (Blue Grotto & Mount Solaro)
Day 12: Pompeii/Vesuvious Day trip (Climb to top of Vesuvious?)
Day 13: Amalfi/Positano/Ravello day trip (private driver)
Day 14: Check out Sorrento: Train to Rome abut 1.5hrs (HOTEL)-Arrive approx 1400, Evening sightseeing
Day 15: Rome travel: TREVI FOUNTAIN, COLLOSEUM, SPANISH STEPS, PALETINE HILL, SISTINE CHAPEL, PANTHEON. (Some can be done on day 16, or maybe 1 night added to this portion-cut from somewhere else in trip)
Day 16: Day trip to Florence (1.5 hr train ride) (Piazzale Michelangelo)
Day 17: Rome Leave afternoon/evening flight. About 2-3 hr flight to Madrid
Day 18: Travel Madrid
Day 19: Travel Madrid
Day 20: Fly Madrid to Cleveland

That is a terrifyingly frantic itinerary!

And there is no 'pass' that will do all that.

Easiest would be to just buy your train tickets as you go. More expensive as you won't get any advance purchase discounts, but at least if you do change your mind about how much you can realistically do in your time because of tiredness you haven't wasted money buying tickets you find you can't use

I think the only saving part of the itinerary right now is that the first two days are slow and so are the last 2! Now, much of this is weather permitting, so, that we have factored in that we might have to miss things due to that. Also, Switzerland is a bit slow too. I hope I can keep up with mom!