I have received our train reservations.

Paris to Madrid

Geneve to Rome

Milan to Frankfurt

However I have found an alternative route from Barcelona to Rome that could possible save us time and money that I think we should discuss. As it stands we would depart Barcelona and be on a 12 hour train to Geneve only to spend an afternoon and get on another 12 hour train to Rome... to maximize time in Barcelona we could instead take a ferry from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (town outside rome). I'm still researching it, but it looks like a pretty viable option.

little things

I got metal waterproof pea-less safety whistles for each of us for the trip...http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Pealess-Waterproof-Whistle/dp/B001CSAH0C/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1239986730&sr=8-1

update on trains

According to Frommer's you can reserve a train just a few hours before it departs. Audrey suggests that as we arrive in each city we should reserve our next departing train. This will save us a lot of money.

Overnight trains tend to sell out faster. To make sure we get beds on the overnight trains, I'll reserve them ASAP.

I need $145.00 from each of you. This will get us beds on the overnights.

reserving trains

Our rail pass does not include the reservation fees.

I tallied up the costs for reserving online

$198 per person

This cost reserves seats/ beds on all of our trains and will give us meals on the longer rides.

This is an expense I wasn't prepared to pay. If there is a cheaper way to do this I'll find it, but its not looking good.

Booking online is super easy, and maybe worth the cost since the alternative would be to try calling each train station to ask about reservations...

Let me know if you want to cough up the cash and I'll book all the trains. It will take like 5 mins once I have the money.

Hostel Ittenerary

May 20th: Flight from NYC (910pm)

21st: Arrive in Frankfurt (11:15am) Train: Frankfurt to Amsterdam
Stay in Amsterdam Stadsdoelen- we can check in as early as 2, but I said we'd be there around 5. If we get there early we can store out bags at the hostel. We are booked for 3 nights checking out on Sunday the 24th.

24th: Train: Amsterdam to Paris- Absolute Hostel ,Check in 2 pm, I said we'd be there around 4 pm. 3 nights in Paris check out on the 27th.

27th: Overnight Train: Paris to Madrid

28th: Arrive in Madrid- 3 nights at Barbieri International Hostel- check in 24 hrs a day.

31st: Train: Madrid to Barcelona- 2 nights at the Itaca Hostel, 24 hr reception

2nd: Train Barcelona to Geneve Switzerland- staying 1 night just outside city limits, I'll confirm address.

3rd: Overnight Train: Geneve to Rome (evening)

4th: Arrive in Rome- 4 nights at The Beehive- 24hr reception

8th: Train: Rome to Milan, Overnight train: Milan to Frankfurt

9th: Arrive in Frankfurt, staying at Frankfurt Hostel 1 night

10th: Leave Frankfurt (8:30am)/ Arrive in NYC (10:45am)

Check out time is usually flexible although we should expect to be out at or before 11 am.

Can we call and make the reservations? Can we make the reservations in europe? I can front some $ if needed to make the reservations/shouldn't they be part of the ticket we ordered?

So here's the deal on reserving trains

Most of the trains we are taking require a reservation. A few do not. The reservation fees vary greatly in price. The more expensive fees include a meal and or reclining seating for longer trips.

Frankfurt to Amsterdam

No reservation required

Amsterdam to Paris

$53 per person

Paris to Madrid

$ 73 per person

Madrid to Barcelona

$16 per person

The website recommends reserving trains online before you arrive in europe.  However the high prices are because the websites charge to make the reservations. Reservations can also be made at the train stations and would cost considerably less. HELP I don't know what to do. I cannot front the reservation costs. I will need to tally up the total and get money from each of you.

And where are we staying between Barcelona and Rome? Geneva?

Audrey I need a concrete itinerary from you so i can be sure I have the travel days correct.

If anyone can glean more information on how to go about reserving the trains online your help will be greatly appreciated.

::happy dance::

Europe..eep! :)