happytrailstoyou: It is usually best to read fully through a thread before answering. Patrick posted this way back a Feb 2005 and took his trip last August (and is unfortunately no long w/ us). The latest answers are for nanirolls who topped it a few days ago. . . . .

And?

Nanirolls asked this very same question on a thread she started. I have no idea if it has been answered or not yet.

&quot;<i>And?</i>&quot;

Well - you addressed your post to Patrick, and made suggestions for his itinerary - even though that trip was 7 months ago.

nanirolls asked an entirely different question last week and your info doesn't really apply to her situation her at all.

So Patrick already did --- or didn't take his train trip. But for readers thinking about doing this trip, you either love trains or not. Take the train to take the train, not just for transportation. Personally, I have no problem going overnight 1 night in coach (sleeping in a seat), 2 nights in a row is a bit much. If you pay for a bedroom, it would be much chepaer to fly.
DH and I love taking trains and he insists on a bedroom. One poster mentioned they were uncomfortable at breakfast because they were seated with strangers. Many people consider meeting new (and often interesting) people one of the highlights of train travel. To each his own.