fast train travel in france and italy
 

We are a family of 5 travelling for 6 weeks through Italy and France using fast trains where possible. We come from Australia. I've been looking at rail europe site to get idea of prices. Has anyone used this site? Is there another site cheaper but reliable that people have used or should I go through a travel agent?

Here is the site for trains within Italy. You can get deep discount for purchasing in advance. The summer schedules are not loaded yet, so use dates within a month or two to check the possibilities if you are traveling after the first week of June.

http://www.fsitaliane.it/homepage_en.html

rail europe is a resller and typically charges a premium over full prices. Go to the train company of each country to see individual fares.

also try maninseat61.com - to see if a rail oass makes sense for you - versus discounted individual fares.

Use bahn.de for scheduling information and buy through the country's' railroad system. Deep discounts are available if willing to purchase in advance and lock in your schedule. Generally the discount tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded so be sure of your schedule. Rail Europe is a travel agency and not a train company.

Flights can be cheaper if you are attempting to get from Paris to Venice or Rome. There are a lot of budget airlines in Europe.

What's your itinerary?

We have our whole itinery set so easy to buy in advance!Thanks for sites! Do any of you live in Australia and have bought tickets from these sites? Any problems encountered?

Caroline if you tell us your itinerary you will probably get some good information. Be prepared for some critical comments though if its unrealistic. ;) There have been several threads recently from Australians who have unrealistic itineraries. Are you travelling over Christmas? The reference to six weeks makes me think you might be.

HERE IS OUR ITINERY( Now be kind to me)
1-8June London
8-13'' Paris(eurostar)
13-17th St Remy (tgvfrom Paris-Avignon)
17-18 Nice tgv from Avignon-Nice
18-21 Florence(train from Nice-Florence
21-26 Amalfi coast-based in Minori
26-29 Rome
29-6July cruise around greek isles(departing from Venice
6-7 Verona
7-10 Lake Como?
11 Milan?
12 July Fly home from Malpensa airport at 12.00