Rome/Paris
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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Rome/Paris
I am planning a nice holiday for my wife and myself for our 20th anniversary. We've decided on doing Rome and Paris.
I am looking at train options, and notice many people speak highly of the night train that allows you to sleep through the travel and arrive in the morning in the new city.
My wife has only been to the UK, and I would think the ride would be quite picturesque.
Can anyone comment to how nice taking a day-train rather than an overnight?
Also, is there any benefit whatsoever on going from Paris or from Rome? We're flexible in the order of cities.
thanks in advance
deuce
I am looking at train options, and notice many people speak highly of the night train that allows you to sleep through the travel and arrive in the morning in the new city.
My wife has only been to the UK, and I would think the ride would be quite picturesque.
Can anyone comment to how nice taking a day-train rather than an overnight?
Also, is there any benefit whatsoever on going from Paris or from Rome? We're flexible in the order of cities.
thanks in advance
deuce
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2000
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my wife and i did the night train from paris to milan. it was dark outside and snow covered. i understand the day train goes through switzerland. we did not. we stayed in the french flatlands.
#3
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I personally think overnight train travel is severely overrated. I'd rather just fly and be at my destination in short order. But this would probably be a good route to do overnight, in my view. Scenery will be ok during the day but not like in Norway or something.
#4
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I personally think overnight train travel is severely overrated. I'd rather just fly and be at my destination in short order. But this would probably be a good route to do overnight, in my view. Scenery will be ok during the day but not like in Norway or something.
my wife is already terrified enough of flying that if there's an alternative, like the train, I need to do that
#5
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How are you getting to Europe in the first place, boat?
#6
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Barcelona, Catalunya
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Scenery is not a good reason to take this night train. Youll cross the nicest part (the Alps) during the night.
If you really want to take the train, and have the time, Id look at doing this over several days. (For instance: TGV to Genve or Zurich, then a day train through the mountains to Milano. Then onwards to Roma.)
If you really want to take the train, and have the time, Id look at doing this over several days. (For instance: TGV to Genve or Zurich, then a day train through the mountains to Milano. Then onwards to Roma.)
#7
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 975
I would definitely suggest a TGV or fast train to Basel or Zurich - or a short flight - and then travel during the daytime between Basel or Zurich to Milan crossing via the Gotthard Tunnel. This takes about 5 hours in a very comfy Swiss train. You can then spend an overnight in Milan and visit the Duomo (Cathedral) and the Last Supper (book tickets in advance) possibly with a little indulgent shopping in the fashionable stores (after all it IS your 20th wedding anniversary!) and then take the train on down to Rome.
The scenery over the Gotthard is magnificent and I personally prefer it to the Geneva run.
The scenery over the Gotthard is magnificent and I personally prefer it to the Geneva run.
#9
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 17
Also... have you not heard of the "100 mph club"? Much more civilised than the mile hile club.
#10
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#11
Join Date: Jan 2006
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We took the night train in the reversed direction few years back. Not a good experience (long story and don't care to get in to it now) I'd fly and save the time for sight-seeing.
#13
Join Date: Sep 2005
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You could pick-up the Orient Express in Paris or Rome. We did this but from VCE - LON and had a wonderful trip.
#15
Join Date: Nov 2009
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Cheapest Place to Get 1st Class Artesia Tix (Rome to Paris)?
Looked at both flight and train options to do exactly what deuce1 is planning. Stay in Rome 1st, then moving on to Paris (also on an anniversary trip). Actually saw tickets on Kuwait Airways for $209 in J per person on Expedia. The train in 1st is $306, but of course you wouldn't have to pay the Hotel in Paris for the overnight. I'm trying to find out if there is a way to get any discounted 1st tickets on the Artesia, if it's at all possible. Although I have to admit I'm not get the warm and fuzzies about the train reading FT stories about it, but it could be an adventure. Any ideas would be appreciated!