New FIXED Itinery... please help for the train planning :)
Jul 28th, 2010, 11:17 AM
#41
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 26,390
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What time of year are you doing this?
With you're budget and desire to see snow, you could go in the winter. You might pay more in Interlaken but save in Italy. It's a tight budget but it could be done if you stay in basic accomadations. I'd plan on a little more for wiggle room.
Forget Ireland and Scotland. I'd go back to the 20 day trip and have a little extra. You may want to eat in a restuarant once in a while. Not every hotel offers breakfast for free.
With you're budget and desire to see snow, you could go in the winter. You might pay more in Interlaken but save in Italy. It's a tight budget but it could be done if you stay in basic accomadations. I'd plan on a little more for wiggle room.
Forget Ireland and Scotland. I'd go back to the 20 day trip and have a little extra. You may want to eat in a restuarant once in a while. Not every hotel offers breakfast for free.
Jul 28th, 2010, 11:17 AM
#42
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
scatcat : traveliing this september
can i use eurailpass for bahn rides / trenitalia rides or its just exclusively for eurail trains?
palenq :yes thanks, this is also getting me confused.. so many trains so many offers, eurail pass, saverpass, but bahn (n other train) has its own offers
can i use eurailpass for bahn rides / trenitalia rides or its just exclusively for eurail trains?
palenq :yes thanks, this is also getting me confused.. so many trains so many offers, eurail pass, saverpass, but bahn (n other train) has its own offers
Jul 28th, 2010, 11:23 AM
#43
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do you have any ideas of where you want to travel beyond Florence in Tuscany?
Siena and Lucca, larger cities, should be on your Tuscany list as well as the exquisite hill towns of the region. In the North are well known favorites San Gimigiano and Volterra. There is likely a vineyard tour posted here for the Chianti region between Florence and Siena. Also well worth visiting are the towns of Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino to the south of Siena. You'll need to decide which to see. You've mentioned Pisa, which fits with the Northern group of Lucca, San Gimigiano and Volterra. Siena can be the start or end point of a tour of the wineries. And towns in the South could be visited on your exit to Rome.
We drove from Tuscany to Rome following a week in each of Tuscany and Umbria, in a rental car we had leased following our stay in Venice. Transition days or travel days, we were certain to be up early (with three children so it should be easier for you) allowing time to visit towns along our travel route to avoid a day strictly devoted to travel.
And, please take the time now to do some reading about the art, history, and culture of the towns, regions, and countries you will be visiting to help you decide how to prioritize and to increase your enjoyment when you tour.
There are many small towns to consider in Tuscany, but this list will get your started. Others may have particular favorites to recommend to you.
Siena and Lucca, larger cities, should be on your Tuscany list as well as the exquisite hill towns of the region. In the North are well known favorites San Gimigiano and Volterra. There is likely a vineyard tour posted here for the Chianti region between Florence and Siena. Also well worth visiting are the towns of Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino to the south of Siena. You'll need to decide which to see. You've mentioned Pisa, which fits with the Northern group of Lucca, San Gimigiano and Volterra. Siena can be the start or end point of a tour of the wineries. And towns in the South could be visited on your exit to Rome.
We drove from Tuscany to Rome following a week in each of Tuscany and Umbria, in a rental car we had leased following our stay in Venice. Transition days or travel days, we were certain to be up early (with three children so it should be easier for you) allowing time to visit towns along our travel route to avoid a day strictly devoted to travel.
And, please take the time now to do some reading about the art, history, and culture of the towns, regions, and countries you will be visiting to help you decide how to prioritize and to increase your enjoyment when you tour.
There are many small towns to consider in Tuscany, but this list will get your started. Others may have particular favorites to recommend to you.
Jul 28th, 2010, 11:24 AM
#44
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Eurail is not a train system. It is a ticket seller. Its tickets, like Eurail passes, are valid in the national railroads of different countries. Trenitalia is the national railroad of Italy, so a Eurail pass that includes Italy would work for Trenitalia trains. Bahn is the national railroad of Germany.
Jul 28th, 2010, 11:31 AM
#46
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I still can't find that particular train from Koeln to Interlaken, but there is one that departs at 23:53 and arrives at 7:57. It is not a night train and it is not direct. There is one change at Basel. Since it's not a night train, there are no sleepers or couchettes. The trains are all Eurail. That is the name of a pass. You might want to check into a Eurail Select Saver Pass. You can buy it for 3-5 countries. www.budgeteuropetravel.com Switzerland trains are expensive. Also the hotels and restaurants are expensive.
Jul 28th, 2010, 11:41 AM
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ellenem : THANKS for ur enlightment in EUrail i ve been confused with this for quite a time!! yes i know each country has its own train. but then let me ask this : if i can use eurail for bahn rides, then why my search come up with 0 result for koln - interlaken in eurail website but when i tried with bahn website it works ?
scatcat : how come u cant find it??
portia : THANKS for the tuscan insights.. as where to travel there, its my husband part to do n hes done some research.. i think he mentioned about visiting the cinque terra (around 1-2 hours dirve from florence) what u think? ur suggestion are noted i ll save it n let my husband know tomorow.
scatcat : how come u cant find it??
portia : THANKS for the tuscan insights.. as where to travel there, its my husband part to do n hes done some research.. i think he mentioned about visiting the cinque terra (around 1-2 hours dirve from florence) what u think? ur suggestion are noted i ll save it n let my husband know tomorow.
Jul 28th, 2010, 11:42 AM
#48
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would suggest again that you look at a source like ricksteves.com and their train page. I think they have the background information such as the difference between a saverpass and a eurail pass. Someone has also suggested to look on that site to find approximate costs for your rides. At that point you can make a decision IF a pass is the best option for you and which pass. You can also purchase your pass from there and they have consultants that can help with questions. I have found them to be very helpful.
The eurail pass is for trains in Europe, regardless of whether you found the schedule on trenitalia or bahn.de. The train sites specific to countries list the train schedules, you can choose to buy your ticket from them or not. But, you can use these sites for planning. I do not think there are "eurail trains". Some routes require a supplement (such as night trains) with your pass. That will not noted on the bahn.de site. I believe the ricksteves page has a guide to reading the schedules, at least it did in the past.
You're right, all of the information is out there but it can be overwhelming. Do some research on traveling by train, you have been given lots of suggestions for that, then start looking at your specific routes and it will be a lot less confusing for you.
The eurail pass is for trains in Europe, regardless of whether you found the schedule on trenitalia or bahn.de. The train sites specific to countries list the train schedules, you can choose to buy your ticket from them or not. But, you can use these sites for planning. I do not think there are "eurail trains". Some routes require a supplement (such as night trains) with your pass. That will not noted on the bahn.de site. I believe the ricksteves page has a guide to reading the schedules, at least it did in the past.
You're right, all of the information is out there but it can be overwhelming. Do some research on traveling by train, you have been given lots of suggestions for that, then start looking at your specific routes and it will be a lot less confusing for you.
Jul 28th, 2010, 11:47 AM
#50
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
then why my search come up with 0 result for koln - interlaken in eurail website but when i tried with bahn website it works>
The Eurail web site - which one is that - if it is RailEurope.com then it will list only a fraction of the zillions of trains rolling daily in Europe - listing ones that it sells tickets on but not IME the others they do not sell.
The Eurail web site - which one is that - if it is RailEurope.com then it will list only a fraction of the zillions of trains rolling daily in Europe - listing ones that it sells tickets on but not IME the others they do not sell.
Jul 28th, 2010, 11:52 AM
#51
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Eurail website shows an incomplete schedule.
The individual national sites show complete schedules.
And the Bahn DE site seems to be the easiest to use to find schedules across Europe and all the different national systems.
The individual national sites show complete schedules.
And the Bahn DE site seems to be the easiest to use to find schedules across Europe and all the different national systems.
Jul 28th, 2010, 12:09 PM
#52
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Meihan...I hate to be the one to burst your bubble... but your plans are not doable. At least one person will revolt.
Plus your costs for this trip are going to be at least $ 100.00 US per day per person ... at least $11,200.00 US.
Plus your costs for this trip are going to be at least $ 100.00 US per day per person ... at least $11,200.00 US.
Jul 28th, 2010, 12:36 PM
#53
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
though a railpass is good for nearly all of the zillions of daily trains it is not necessarily valid on all European trains - especially in Switzerland where some non-State-run railways opt out - most famously portions of the Glacier Express route and those in the Jungfrau region are not 100% covered - ditto up to Zermatt
and in italy the Naples to Sorrento railway is not covered, etc. So it is not Carte Blanche though nearly so.
and in italy the Naples to Sorrento railway is not covered, etc. So it is not Carte Blanche though nearly so.
Jul 28th, 2010, 01:15 PM
#55
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,899
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"The itinerary is bad but the budget is the deal-breaker."
I concur. They are traveling in September, high season, and are booking at the last minute in some of the most popular - and expensive - cities in Europe. Not only is the hotel budget very low, the food budget is unrealistic unless they really skimp on meals.
I suspect the reality will be quite different from the vision.
I concur. They are traveling in September, high season, and are booking at the last minute in some of the most popular - and expensive - cities in Europe. Not only is the hotel budget very low, the food budget is unrealistic unless they really skimp on meals.
I suspect the reality will be quite different from the vision.
Jul 28th, 2010, 01:57 PM
#56
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 6,024
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's five weeks away, no plane tickets, no reservations and an extremely low budget. The new part with the UK is just crazy, there I also said it. And while the OP bristles at the idea that some folks think she's lazy, it's not lazy, but this is a very complex itinerary, relying a lot on train travel, and train travel to save hotel costs. OP either needs a travel agent or needs to simplify the whole thing IMHO.
The idea that this trip is supposed to happen in 5 weeks takes my breath away. As a personal note, it would be far easier to read and follow without all the text-talk - the u, r, n etc. Yes, it makes me old, but it's difficult to follow.
I wish you well, but quite honestly, I would drop some of this itinerary, increase my budget and truly enjoy where you are and the meals you could be eating.
The idea that this trip is supposed to happen in 5 weeks takes my breath away. As a personal note, it would be far easier to read and follow without all the text-talk - the u, r, n etc. Yes, it makes me old, but it's difficult to follow.
I wish you well, but quite honestly, I would drop some of this itinerary, increase my budget and truly enjoy where you are and the meals you could be eating.
Jul 28th, 2010, 02:12 PM
#58
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you end up near Florence with a car, your best bet is to find a farmhouse near the outlet shopping in the Mugello arera. There are small towns out there where you can park the car at a train station if you want to go into Florence. Don't drive into Florence.
I also think your budget for transportation costs -- planes, car rental, gas, parking -- is unrealistic. So is your budget for food, since you will be eating on trains, airports and close to sightseeing, always more expensive, especially since you are headed for the iconic sights and indicate you want to drink beer and I'm guessing wine as well.
My biggest concern is that for such a harried itinerary through various climate zones, dragging around enough luggage to keep you out of laundromats for 3 weeks, sightseeing in the rain if you've not the time to wait it out -- one or more of you will end up sick.
If that happens, be sensible. Slow down in transit. Don't push yourselves to complete the "adventure."
I'm serious that you need hotel reservations you can cancel without penalty and travel insurance.
I also think your budget for transportation costs -- planes, car rental, gas, parking -- is unrealistic. So is your budget for food, since you will be eating on trains, airports and close to sightseeing, always more expensive, especially since you are headed for the iconic sights and indicate you want to drink beer and I'm guessing wine as well.
My biggest concern is that for such a harried itinerary through various climate zones, dragging around enough luggage to keep you out of laundromats for 3 weeks, sightseeing in the rain if you've not the time to wait it out -- one or more of you will end up sick.
If that happens, be sensible. Slow down in transit. Don't push yourselves to complete the "adventure."
I'm serious that you need hotel reservations you can cancel without penalty and travel insurance.
Jul 28th, 2010, 02:15 PM
#59
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On average you can eat in most places for 28 euros. In Rome Family Run restaurants were charging about 12 euros for a gorgeous home made pizza. Paris London Barcelona and Amsterdam will be fine. A large glass of house red was around 4 euros so sit down meals are possible on a budget.
Im glad to see Vienna has gone from the list as although it is one of my favourite cities it is very expensive.
If you fly from Dublin to Glasgow you could hire a car for a day to go north and see some of the spectacular scenery. North of Glasgow you are pretty quickly into the highlands.
If you want to travel by rail in the UK book up quickly - advance tickets can be cheap but are of limited number - i just had a look at you can get some tickets from Glasgow to London for 18 quid but these will not last long. It will take about 9 hours. http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Im glad to see Vienna has gone from the list as although it is one of my favourite cities it is very expensive.
If you fly from Dublin to Glasgow you could hire a car for a day to go north and see some of the spectacular scenery. North of Glasgow you are pretty quickly into the highlands.
If you want to travel by rail in the UK book up quickly - advance tickets can be cheap but are of limited number - i just had a look at you can get some tickets from Glasgow to London for 18 quid but these will not last long. It will take about 9 hours. http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Jul 28th, 2010, 02:20 PM
#60
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
An idea to help reduce the time spent on Laundry - just buy new clothes over here and throw the old ones out. You do pay for what you get but it is possible to buy T shirts for a couple of quid and jeans for £4 or £5. Super markets are great for cheap clothes in the UK and will always have something in the sale.
