We're taking an overnight train from Paris to Venice. We're getting a two person sleeping compartment- for comfort, privacy and a place to lock up all our belongings. Our two teenagers think they might like to just get a seat and sleep in it or share a 6 person couchette. Can anyone tell us what 1st or 2nd class seats are like? Are they soft and reclining like airplane seats? Anyone know what the couchettes are like? Also, is there food available on the train?

I'm still trying to figure out why your teenagers would prefer to sleep in a seat than on a bed..! But as for your questions, some trains have seats that recline pretty far back, so you're practically lying down. I've never slept in one, and I imagine it's better than a regular seat, but probably not the best night's sleep ever. You might want to ask the Eurail rep. when you make your reservations if the train you want to take has those type of seats available. As for couchettes, they are about as comfortable as a private sleeper, except that there are more people in them and there's no private sink. I don't have any more difficulty sleeping in a couchette than a sleeper, except that you never know who you'll be paired with. You could be locking yourself in with people no better than those you're locking out. And even if they're perfectly nice and safe, some travellers shower less frequently than others or sweat more, and...you realize what I'm getting at! As for food, it seems to vary from train to train with no rhyme or reason that I could tell. Some trains will provide free coffee, tea, or rolls. Some will allow you to order breakfast, but charge for it. Some have nothing available at all. Your best bet might be to make sure you've purchased something before you get on the train, so you have something to eat in case the train has nothing. Have a great trip! Kimberley

Hmmm...is it possible the teens are just looking to exercise a little autonomy by doing something different? <BR>Seats are variable, so don't count on being ablke to recline. You could luck out and get a fairly empty train, but don't bank on it. I've made this trip with couchette accommodation and found it just fine. As for dining options, your best bet is to stock up before you depart.

I used this train again two months ago. I think it has no reclining seats, just the usual ones. But young people do rather enjoy couchettes, set out as six berths to a cabin, with full space to lie down, a sleeping bag, a pillow, and a blanket. There are handbasins and toilets at corridor ends. I rcommend upper berths, as up there you sleep undisturbed by fellow-travellers who may move about below you. <BR> <BR>The train has an expensive (twenty dollar) set meal in the restaurant car. It is a better plan to buy wine, water, a corkscrew, a penknife, bread, butter, pate, cheese, and tomatoes, find a space if possible in the seating part of the train, and eat between Paris and Dijon. <BR> <BR>What couchettes offer that sleepers don't is conversation with fellow passengers. <BR> <BR>The morning arrival in Venice is magic. <BR> <BR>Please write again if I can help further. Welcome to Europe. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London

One of the main reasons my Mother and I had a private sleeper car was for our safety. I have a friend who was traveling with a girlfriend. They woke up only to find one of their luggage missing. I have been told it is easy to "loose" things. Besides it's a lot more comfortable resting without any worries.

Our travel agent insists that we have to first buy a seat,then can ADD a sleeper car or couchette. I get the impression that others are talking about getting a sleeper or couchette only. Can you get get just a sleeper and if so, would you recommend skipping the seat in addition? (Our train leaves Paris at 8PM and arrives Venice 8:45 AM)

Sandy: BOTH are correct, kind of! Your agent is correct in that you can only purchase a sleeper or couchette once you already have a ticket for the train; the price of the sleeper/couchette is an addition. However, it then serves as your spot on the train, in place of a regular seat (that is, you do not also have a reserved seat where you can sit before it is time to retire). Kimberley

At this excellent site (Deutche Bahn) you can find all mayor connections in europe, and also see what service the different trains offer <BR>http://bahn.hafas.de/bin/db.s98/dete...8/query.exe/e? <BR>For what I can see you have bar coach until Genua where you can eat. I think you leave 7.12 pm and arrive in Venize 6.57 am. <BR> <BR>Thomas