It looks like plenty of "US" tourists use the overnight train in our travels in Europe. So, how about helping one another by commenting on 1- the route you took (from what city to what destination) 2- Did you stay in a seat, couchette or sleeper? 3- Were you served breakfast? 4- Would you do it again.<BR><BR>My answers areBR>1- I took the night train from Paris to Venice<BR>2- I took a 1st class sleeper for me and my wife.<BR>3- We were served breakfast that we actually liked.<BR>3- Would gladly do it again. We felt we got to save on accomadation and transportation in one. We are planning a trip in March and are already thinking of taking the overnight train from Munich to Venice.

Kirk: How much was the trip? (and when)?

www.seat61.com Although his journeys start/end in London, the overnighters leave/arrive in Paris. Regards, Walter

Dear Mr Richardson<BR><BR>There is a note on getting the best from sleepers and couchettes on http://www.twenj.com/tipsnighttrains.htm<BR><BR>Ben Haines, London

- Spring 2000, night train with 1st class sleeper, Paris to Florence. Return first class sleeper, Venice to Paris. <BR>- Dining car served dinner for additional charge. We sprung for it on the way back and sat with a lovely French couple on their way home from holiday. The food was not bad.<BR>- Continental breakfast was served.<BR>- Spring of 2002, deluxe first class sleeper from Paris to Venice with shower, toilet and sink in our room. <BR>- Champagne served on arrival and continental breakfast the next morning. <BR>- We skipped dinner as we had stocked up on various baquette sandwiches.<BR>- Turns out to be our only stand up shower on our entire trip (those hand held things get old when you're not used to them.)<BR>- I think the Spring 2000 surcharge for the sleeper each way was about $80 for two. I think the Spring 2002 deluxe sleeper was $110.<BR>- If we were traveling any distance again, I don't think we would do it any other way. We had a great time. <BR>- Only regret was waking up at 2AM to the whistle as we chugged through the Alps and not being able to see what I knew was out there!

Let others learn from your experience. The windows out in the corridor have blinds that you can roll up to see the Alps by moonlight. And if you ask your conductor before you sleep he or she will show you how to raise both curtains and blind for your compartment window.<BR><BR>Ben Haines <BR>

Fifteen years ago we took a sleeper with another couple from Stuttgart to Paris. We booked the "Orient Express," not realizing it was a ROUTE, not a luxury car!!! Four fools, bundled into tiny bunk cots, with a ridiculous amount of luggage surrounding us... It was noisy, hot, and had filthy bathrooms! We would not do that particular transport again. But we LOVE reminiscing about that "sleeper car" experience, and arriving for our first visit to Paris just in time to awaken with the city.<BR>

Many years ago, on our first trip we went from Paris to Bern and Lausanne back to Paris in a couchette. This was not private and I haven't and wouldn't do that again.<BR><BR>We have since slept in a sleeper several times. You don't get as good a sleep than in a hotel room.<BR><BR>On our last trip we didn't use a sleeper but on the trip before we did 3 times in 2 weeks. That was too much. I would definitely do it again for 1 night on a trip.<BR><BR>There doesn't seem to be any reason for getting or not getting breakfast. We either got it or not. I'm not sure why.<BR>

3 times: Twice Vevey (Switzerland) to Venice and once Venice to Paris (via Milan). In a private "wagon-lit" compartment. Coffee upon request (small extra charge) in the morning. I'd do it again in a minute!

ttt