I'm wondering....Leaving Friday for Italy.We will be traveling the Eurail between Venice, Florence & Rome. Our tickets are 1st. Class. Is there any special treatments or such?<BR><BR>Thanks in advance!

Cheryl,<BR><BR>If you are traveling on a Eurail pass, then it is my understanding that all travel is first class.<BR><BR>There are some differences and they are advantageous:<BR><BR>1. First class is not as crowded. Therefore if you are traveling with a pass where you get 5 days travel within a 15 day period for example, then you just show up, get on first class and go. Some trains are crowded and may require a reservation, but chances are on most trains first class will not be full. You may often get a whole compartment to yourselves with plenty of room.<BR><BR>2. The reverse of this is that 2nd class is often very crowded. Many Europeans travel 2nd class because they do not get the great deals on the Eurail pass like we do.<BR><BR>3. I have traveled first and 2nd and for the most part other than less crowded, I did not notice a signficant difference in comfort or extras.<BR><BR>US

I recently traveled second class on the Eurostar and first class on an intercity (IC) train. The Eurostar was fine - clean and comfortable. Not sure why you'd need first class, but since you've got a pass, I guess you've got no choice. I'm sure it'll be nice.<BR>First class on the IC train was in compartment-style seating and was also fine.

Cheryl: You probably will have to pay a suppliment to ride the Eurostar and InterCity trains (could be wrong. But the Eurostar now is reservation *only* and you definitely will have to check-in for a seat assignment. The Eurostar in 1st has 1 less seat across, a large overhead luggage bin and you get a glass soda/juice/coffee and chips/cookies. Also you have access to the dining car but it's not free. Regards, Walter

4 of us just traveled in May 1st class Eurostar from Venice to Florence on a Tuesday after arriving Venice Airport from New York, and back to Venice that Friday (both weekdays). Walter's description is quite accurate. We had assigned seats together, cushioned comfortable seats, smooth ride, well air conditioned, clean, free beverage, large windows for visibility, WCs at end of each car, no smoking coach, luggage stored above and at end of car, room for bags under seats, pretty much all or more than you can expect from public transportation. Getting onboard is similar to plane flight: you have to hussle to get baggage stored away and take your seats while all others are doing the same, but thereafter the ride is enjoyable.

It does not appear certain Cheryl has a train pass. Also, let's not confuse different types of trains.<BR><BR>On regular trains there is a difference. First class is less crowded and you may find the seats more comfortable and cleaner.<BR><BR>On special trains such as Eurostar there is a supplement for all travel. Also, each class is a little higher. Second class on Eurostar is probably at least as good as first class on a regular train. Also, Eurostar always requires a reservation.<BR>

Cheryl: Do I understand that you bought 1st class tickets without knowing what you were getting? WOW! Americans really are just ridiculous when it comes to spending money, aren't they? Pay for 1st class and THEN ask what you might get for it? You'd never find a European doing that, or anyone else with an iota of sense.<BR><BR>To answer your question, there's usually not a lot of difference.No one in a sommelier outfit is going to appear in your compartment to ask you which wine you'd like. It might be a bit more comfortable in 1st class, but if you're expecting some sort of special "service," you can forget it.<BR><BR>

To answer your question. I WON this trip to Italy & the 1st. class eurail tickets were included. <BR><BR>Thanks to everyone who responded with KINDNESS!!

Livingston has it right - "XXX" is a JERK!<BR>We took the train from Rome to Venice, went first class and opted for the dining car - it's not free but worth it - one of the best meals we had (and we were quite surprised) and helped the trip go by faster. First class was worh it!

Cheryl, Uncle Sam has it right (I can't believe I'm saying this). The main benefit to first-class tickets is that there is more room, plus generally the cars are less crowded. In mid-summer, that is a benefit.

Sue,<BR><BR>C'mon, that didn't hurt now did it;~))<BR><BR>US

XXX - Cheryl never said she was an american, so why the assumption???? <BR><BR>And thanks everyone for the info, as I have only ever taken a train once in the good ole U S of A I think I will go for 1st class so I am assured a good view to see the Italian countryside! <BR><BR>Honeymoon countdown at 11 days <BR><BR>

Proud to be an American,<BR><BR>Here are a few tips for you if you've never been on a train in Europe.<BR><BR>1. When you get to the station look at the board to see exactly which track # to get your train.<BR><BR>2. When you go to the track look at the beginning and you will find a train layout. It will indicate where the first and second class cars are on the train when it arrives.<BR><BR>You then take your bags and wait at the applicable section of the platform to go into a first class car.<BR><BR>3. You may need advance reservations for your train. If so, you will be given a car # on your reservation. Look on the train layout for your train and you will know exactly where your car will be on the train. To verify you are on the right train, the cars have a cardboard sign that says the train destination including all of the stops.<BR><BR>4. Also, some trains make stops and cars can be taken off and put onto another train going somewhere else. Be sure not to be on the wrong cars when that happens. Not a big risk, but you do not want to be on one car while new hubby is in another and find out that your car has been put on another train.<BR><BR>Good luck and enjoy!<BR><BR>US