Okay. I have 5 days for a France/Italy/Ireland pass. (Ireland is moot...I've got a car). HOw can I best use the train in France and Italy?

Should we take a day and just get off and on at intriguing stops (and how would we know?) or for a long journey, say Pompeii to Venice?

We plan to be in Rome 2-3 nights, then going down to Pompeii. Should we use the day then, or get a bus and save the day for another day?

My son wants to see as much as possible. I want to experience a city/region for a few days. We can compromise. All advice welcome. Thanks!

Pretty hard to help you since you don't tell much about your travel destinations. But I would use the pass much more in France than in Italy as train trips in Italy are very cheap and a pass is really not needed there.

Larry J

Hi spoot,

Are you sure you need a pass?

I suggest that you go to www.railsaver.com and enter your itinerary. click on "only if it saves me money".

It will tell you if the pass is cheaper than point-to-point.

Ira gives good advice I think buyt I also think you might want to (try to) factor in the "cost" of the convenience of having a pass, not waiting in lines, not having to buy tickets, etc. if you decide to get one. For some, that is a reason for using a pass..for others it doesn't make any difference.

Generally, passes are best used for long distance journeys and or many journeys..the more you use it the more economical it gets. Use it, if you get one, on the days you decide to move around the most or go the farthest.

Have a wonderful trip.
Are youi planning to use it to travel from France to Italy (Rome) either on Artesia night services or using the daytime TGV link between Paris and Milan? Those can be costly runs especially in Firt Class.

t