Two of us will be going to <BR> <BR>france-netherlands-germany-czec rep.-austria-switz.-italy <BR> <BR>We have about 14 days of travel.. but we were trying to work out different options than just going via eurail/pass. Hopefully it'll be cheaper as with eurail, we would have to take the 2 associated country option with netherlands and austria. <BR> <BR>We're not planning on travelling consecutive days. And would be hardly a week in any other country apart form switzerland and italy. <BR> <BR>Firstly in switzerland, does the eurail pass, provide any discount in going up Jungfrau or the Schilthorn? <BR> <BR>I've heard that it's possible to get a german weekend railpass relatively cheap? <BR> <BR>Also czec. rep. isn't covered on the rail pass.. is it expensive to travel in czech. We'll only be in Prague. <BR> <BR>Help would be appreciated.. this is a lot more complicating that I would have thought. <BR> <BR>Thank you. <BR> <BR>

The passes can be time and stress savers, but go with what feels good. If you have a pass it is good to the Czech border. In 1995 we paid about $4.00 each to get from border to Prague and about the same going out. You can get the tickets at the train stations, but in Prague I would go to Cedok on na Prinkope (about two blocks east of Wenecslas Square) on the south side of street. They are very helpful and speak good english, which is not readily found at the train station. If you purchase a Eurrail pass and travel at night you can get a couchette for around $15 to $20 per night and save some time. We rented a room at the train station in Prague our first trip, but make sure you know where it is before you agree to stay. <BR> <BR>The Pension Unitas is a greta place near the center of the city for about $35/night for 2 w/breakfast - bath down the hall. <BR> <BR>Probably more than you wanted to know. If you want more give me an e-mail.

Amanda; 1st, I think you are trying to see too much in the time you've alloted, 7 countries in 2 weeks. 2nd, to get to Holland from France, you must cross Belgium. 3rd, rail travel in the Czech Republic is REALLY cheap. I would go for the Eurail Youthpass, 15 days of travel for US$376. You must be under 26 years of age, but you must be under 26 to have the stamina to do the itinerary you describe.

Rick Steves has a section on his web site dealing with rail passes, best type to get, etc. Lots of information. <BR>ricksteves.com Then click on The 1999 Railpass Guide. Hope this helps. There are many options to choose from. We did the Jungfrau and Schilthorn several years ago. I think there was a discount with the rail pass.

There is definitely a significant discount on the Jungfrau excursion with a Eurail pass. <BR> <BR>I would do a lot of research (try www.raileurope.com) before buying those extremely expensive passes. I've used several and the only time it was worth it was when I just graduated from college and did a whirlwind tour in 6 weeks. But please note that I bought the youth pass. The adult passes are not worth the expense. By the time you pay all the supplements and reservation fees and wait on the lines to buy them, you might as well have bought point to point tickets. Also, travel in Cz. is cheap. If you have a pass, you will be tied down to using it and will not be able to go with other last minute options such as renting a car or a bus. <BR> <BR>My vote is to not buy the pass. I've decided that I'm never buying one again.

Thanks for the advice.. I am now doing further research. <BR> <BR>Has anyone heard of the German weekend pass which is apparently really cheap and takes you from one end of germany to the other?

You may not need a pass for your trip. If anything, a 5 day in two month Europass may work out. You may add additional days if you wish. With a partner, you pay less with such a pass. I doubt adding additional zones to your pass will pay off. If you plan to take 4 or 5 night trains or long train rides in Ger, Switz, France, then this pass may work. Generally, if your trip is two weeks or less and you are over 26, a pass is less likely to be a good deal. Call 18007822424 for more on German railpasses and deals. Feel free to contact me for more rail analysis.

I just thought I'd clarify .. that the trip is going to be approx. 6 weeks long. But we have 14 travelling days in-between that time. <BR> <BR>Sorry to be unclear.