newt

We are thinking of flying to Paris and taking the overnight train to Venice. Thought it might be fun, different and allow a little time to rest before picking up the car. Have any of you done this? Any advice?<BR>thanks, Newt

GordonB

Hi, I took the train from Paris to Milan. This is the lefgendary TGV but still took 7½ hrs. There is a daytime train leaving Paris Lyon (RER A & D) at 08:04 and arriving in Venice Santa Lucia 19:43 after a change in Milan.<BR>Just a thought, but if you go during daylight hours you will get to see the countryside. Quite spectacular travelling through the alps.<BR>

RJD

Night train to Venice is fine. I've done it a few times. Waking up as you approach Venice is a joy. But you will need a private sleeper unless you want to bunk with strangers. It can get bit expensive. The sleepers are very small but that's part of the fun too.<BR>Also if you do it bring your own food and wine for consumption in your compartment. Train purchased meals are also expensive and not nearly as much fun.

Rex

For a fraction of the price (at least some of the time), you can fly from Brussels to Venice - - on brussels-airlines.com for example (the successor to the former Sabena). It's only 90 minutes from Paris to Brussels - - and alas, the fare on the Thalys is rather overpriced. But if you count Belgium as a desired destination (and seek out lower priced lodging, compared to Paris), you can "dollar-cost-average" down and make a two-day stay in Belgium pay for itself - - at the expense of less time in Paris, if you're willing to do that.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

ttt

topping<BR>