Sorry, but these very vague and broad questions hardly ever give a good response. This site is really mostly for specific train-problems and advice. There is a lot of country-info re railways in the main site, also giving details of scenic routes and how trains work-many USAers have hardly any idea and think its all like airplanes. What you do have to realize as you mention these countries and apparently want to use trains: both FRance and ITaly and even more the few hi-speed direct trains linking them must be reserved before at additional cost

A populair mainstream touristy forum like tripadvisor will have thousands of suggestions and advice. Over there they mostly advice against using any pass and just booking your trips online on the respective railwaysites.

Ok thank you .

I just thought this was more a community chat forum. I will take your advice.