I am traveling with my husband and 2 children and my husband is not a fan of flying- getting him to Europe is a feat, an extra flight is not his idea of fun and he will avoid at all costs. We need to be in Venice the third week of July to meet some family, but we would like to spend some time in Spain prior to. I have read about ferrys and of course, the train. Having trouble getting train quotes. Anyone have any suggestions and/or idea of price? Is this even do-able?
Thanks in advance!

If you decide to fly, Vueling has very good prices.
Not sure if the train is a good way .

You could fly on Vueling for 70 Euros including taxes and fees from Barcelona to Venice mid July. See their website for more details at www.vueling.com.

I figured flying is going to be the most reasonable way, but I told my husband I would at least look into other options. Thanks for the heads up on Vueling! I am open to any other thoughts.

Hi SD - Train would probably take 20 hrs on that route - and would cost much more than flying

Steve

There are ferries from Barcelona to Genova, Livorno or Civitavecchia (www.gnv.it and www.grimaldi-ferries.com). These are ships with cabins, restaurants, lounges, sun decks and, mostly, swimming pools.
By train, the easiest is the overnight train from Barcelona to Milano, then an onward connection to Venezia, taking 18-19 hours altogether. For fares, try www.renfe.es or www.trenitalia.com for the overnight journey for which the fare will depend on the type of accommodation you choose.

Just a few more particulars which may make your decision easier.

The TrenHotel direct services Barcelona Sants - Milano Centrale take 14 hours and you'd have to add in a couple more for the leg onward to Venice.

www.elipsos.com

Vueling, Myair, and Clickair all fly the BCN-Venice route

www.skyscanner.net