eurail and tours?
Jan 16th, 2005 | 05:30 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2005
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eurail and tours?
Should I purchase a Eurail pass or just buy point to point when we are there? We will be in italy and Paris for ~3 weeks and want to take 2 overnnight trains. Should I just purchase the overnight tickets? Where is the best place to book italy tours (Rome, Florence)? I have been reading all the forums and haven't seen info on this yet. We are going in June/July. Thanks
Jan 16th, 2005 | 07:18 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
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You need to specify the specfic routes you want to travel by train - - and then, the website www.railsaver.com will help you see the cost of point-to-point tickets versus a rai pass. Be sure to click "only if it saves me money".
But I am curious TWO overnight trains? Does that mean that you are traveling from one country to the other by overnight train and back again? You may want to consider an open jaw flight to/from europe (into one country and back home from the other) or flights between France and Italy - - see www.whichbudget.com - - unfortunately, there are far fewer (low cost) flights between the two countries since Volare folded.
Best wishes,
Rex
But I am curious TWO overnight trains? Does that mean that you are traveling from one country to the other by overnight train and back again? You may want to consider an open jaw flight to/from europe (into one country and back home from the other) or flights between France and Italy - - see www.whichbudget.com - - unfortunately, there are far fewer (low cost) flights between the two countries since Volare folded.
Best wishes,
Rex
Jan 16th, 2005 | 08:34 PM
#3
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,260
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For cheap flights you should definitely check www.whichbudget.com for possibilities as recommended above.
For overnight rail travel, be aware that sleeping cars can usually only be booked a maximum of 60 days/nights ahead.
You may be able to book those journeys directly using the www.sncf.com website.
If you decide to book through an agency such as RailEurope or Railsaver or Railpass you will have to pay (in some cases) shipping and handling fees as a minimum additional charge and the amount of those charges varies widely among agencies.
You'll get a cheaper price for the sleeping car accommodations if you already have a railpass BUT the savings may not outweigh the cost of passes vs. point-to-point tickets. Unless you are going to use the passes (such as the France and Italy Pass) for further rail journeys within those two countries you may be better off buying point-to-point tickets throughout.
For overnight rail travel, be aware that sleeping cars can usually only be booked a maximum of 60 days/nights ahead.
You may be able to book those journeys directly using the www.sncf.com website.
If you decide to book through an agency such as RailEurope or Railsaver or Railpass you will have to pay (in some cases) shipping and handling fees as a minimum additional charge and the amount of those charges varies widely among agencies.
You'll get a cheaper price for the sleeping car accommodations if you already have a railpass BUT the savings may not outweigh the cost of passes vs. point-to-point tickets. Unless you are going to use the passes (such as the France and Italy Pass) for further rail journeys within those two countries you may be better off buying point-to-point tickets throughout.
Jan 19th, 2005 | 07:36 PM
#5
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2005
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Thank you for all the advice. I priced out the point to point
(took awhile) and it is much cheaper just to purchase those than the rail pass. I'll make sure to purchase the sleepers when the become available (60 days prior). Thanks again. This forum has been so helpful.
(took awhile) and it is much cheaper just to purchase those than the rail pass. I'll make sure to purchase the sleepers when the become available (60 days prior). Thanks again. This forum has been so helpful.
