I have read a LOT of helpful information that has influenced decisions I have made for an upcoming trip to Europe. However, I remain befuddled by the trains. I will be joining my daughter in Paris in December. She and I then wish to travel by train to Florence during the day and travel through Switzerland. We want to see the alps by train. Once we are in Italy we plan to spend 3 days in Florence (one day will be a side trip to Le Spezia where my mother was born) and then travel by train to Rome for another 4 days. We return to the states via Munich so we are thinking of taking the Michaelangelo train to Munich so we can relax on the train and watch the beautiful scenery. Can anyone here advise me on what type of train passes we need? My daughter is 21 so I know she can get a discount but I don't know if buying a pass is cheaper than point-to-point. As I said I am getting very befuddled about the trains and need any help anyone here can provide. Thank you!!

Hi al,

Before you buy any railpasses enter your itinerary at www.railsaver.com and click "only if it saves money".

the railpass that most likely will be your pass to Europe is the EurailSelect Saver pass good for 4 countries - France, italy, switzerland and germany. Compare at railsaver as Ira says or call BETS' European Rail Hotline (800-441-9413) to get the same info in person and all your questions answered by experts. Ask for their free European Planning & Rail guide that will also answer many questions and give tons of info for novice Euro rail traveler. Euraide is also said to offer a similar phone answering service but havn't tried it myself. Rome to Munich is 165 euros first class or about $210 and Paris-florence via Switzerland about $150 and florence to rome about $40; florence to LsSpezia about $25-30 each way so a pass should be a good deal. Note: you can wade online to www.sncf.com or www.treitalia.com and get hard to get discounted PREM fares Paris-florence or Rome-Munich at greatly reduced prices but you have to act 60 days ahead it seems when the few allotted tickets at these prices come online. For walk up tickets the pass will be a good deal for you. A 5-day Eurail Select Saver Pass (two names on one pass - you must travel together) costs in 1st class $352 p.p. - six days $386 - I gave you first class fares - if you went buying second class tickets as you went along it may be a bit less than a pass but huge benefits to having first class. Your daughter could get a youth pass but then you'd have to buy a single adult pass at more - the saver pass pp in first class would approximate the cost of a single adult pass and a youth pass - the youth pass would be in 2nd class - your pass in 1st class so the only way you could sit together would be in 2nd class - better to buy the saver pass.

Dear PalQ and Ira:

Thank you for the helpful information. Please bear with me as I ask 2 more questions. Since the Michelangelo train passes through Austria, wouldn't I need to buy a 5 country pass and not a 4 country pass? I'll call the number you suggested and get the information. Am I correct in assuming that the trip from France to Italy through Switzerland is beautiful and the same for Rome to Munich? Again, thank you immensely.

Yes for seamless travel you'd want to add Austria onto you pass at an extra $36 p.p. - about what you'd pay for a point-point first-class ticket Brennero-Kufstein (Austrian portion) - you were talking about Switzerland and when i quickly read your post i thought you may be taking the switzerland route from Italy to Munich - but yes the direct route you'll be taking does pass through a bit of Austria.
If on your way down via Switzerland if time stop off at Interlaken/Grindelwald area - the essence of the Swiss Alps just off the main rail route (change at Spiez or Bern for trains to Interlaken, 20 mins from Spiez, on the mainline to Italy. Grindelwald lies at the foot of a panoply of awe-inspiring glacier-clad peaks - cable cars, mountain trains and hiking trails go everywhere.

Please bear in mind that there are several routes from Paris to Florence you can choose from. Going through Switzerland does NOT mean you have to go through Austria at all unless you wish to do so.

PalQ has given you excellent advice about actually seeing the Alps (many of which you will NOT see by simply passing through Switzerland on the usual rail routes).

To avoid Austria altogether you simply need to route yourself eventually through Brig and then through the Simplon tunnel into Milan and on into Florence.

You can travel through Western Austria over the scenic Aarlberg Pass and then route yourself southward over the Brenner Pass and through the Dolomites to Verona and then to Florence..longer trip than the route through Brig-Milan but if you are willing to spend the time I think you'll find it worth it.

I'm typing fast before the usual suspect jump in and tell you to fly over the whole thing.