I am looking to plan a surprise trip for my parents who would be visiting me in April in the Netherlands for about 20 days. I am looking for a EUrail pass based plan which would help me cover major destinations in Schengen area like Paris, Italy, Germany etc., I was also thinking to check as many countries as possible for them as well(but then quality matters too, as Swiss might take more days or Germany might also take 2 days). So I am looking for a 12 to 14 days plan which would start and end in Netherlands leveraging the Eurail pass. I have a plethora of questions related to Eurail pass as well, like whether can I be using them for the intercity commute as well(example Hague to Amsterdam to Leiden etc.,), would I be needing to pay additional costs other than the price for the pass itself(yes I have heard seat reservations are needed at times, may be mention them if you are helping me with a plan).
Please help me, as I am rookie at surprises in general.
Looking for a well planned trip for about 12 to 14 days covering majorly Schengen countries with my parents
Starting in the Netherlands you could travel either directly to Paris(France) with the eurostar( 27€ mandatory reservation) or for example via Bruxelles and Luxemburg and then taking the TGV (12€ mandatory reservation). In my option making a stop in Bruxelles is a good idea. I have not visited Luxembourg yet, so no idea on that.
From Paris you could either make your way to italy for example via Nice ville or directly to Switzerland.
Maybe Austria and then Prag(czeck republic) before returning via Berlin(or maybe Leipzig) and Hamburg to the Netherlands.
Just to give you an idea.
This is mostly based on trips i have done before.
Some prices for mandatory reservation on highspeed trains:
Eurostar (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Bruxelles-Paris): 27€
→ between Netherlands and Belgium there a good alternatives available without mandatory reservations, for the route to Paris there is no good alternative)
TGV(France) 10 or 20€ depeding on demand
Paris → Germany: 19€
highspeed trains in italy: 13€ (IC 3€)
+7Regarding seat reservation: Its mostly Spain, France, italy, sweden and norway that have mandatory seat reservations on all highspeed trains.
Germany, Austria and Switzerland basicly have no mandatory seat reservation(except some special scenic trains, but there are normal trains on thos routes too). And for most other countries mandatory seat reservation can be avoided. But if you want to have seats together it can sometimes be worth it to get some optional seat reservations(they are usually cheaper and easier to get directly from the companies that operate those trains) As finding 3 free seats next to each other is a lot harder then just finding a free seat.
You could take a look at some recommended routes if you want a mostly planned route for yourself. https://www.interrail.eu/en/plan-your-trip/trip-ideas/recommended-routes
But if you want to plan your route yourself i can give some suggestions to help you. What are your must see destinations for this trip?
But dont expect a fully planned trip, but i am happy to help with train routes and tips.
My favourite city to visit in Germany is Hamburg, its a great destination and easy to reach.
Thanks, your answer solves my seat reservation query.
I am looking or would be trying to tick famous places in the below countries.
I have must go countries like Swiss, France, Italy others can be replaced or removed as well.
Germany
Czech Republic
Belgium
France
Italy
Switzerland
Luxembourg
Austria
Hungary
+7Starting in the Netherlands you could travel either directly to Paris(France) with the eurostar( 27€ mandatory reservation) or for example via Bruxelles and Luxemburg and then taking the TGV (12€ mandatory reservation). In my option making a stop in Bruxelles is a good idea. I have not visited Luxembourg yet, so no idea on that.
From Paris you could either make your way to italy for example via Nice ville or directly to Switzerland.
Maybe Austria and then Prag(czeck republic) before returning via Berlin(or maybe Leipzig) and Hamburg to the Netherlands.
Just to give you an idea.
This is mostly based on trips i have done before.
Some prices for mandatory reservation on highspeed trains:
Eurostar (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Bruxelles-Paris): 27€
→ between Netherlands and Belgium there a good alternatives available without mandatory reservations, for the route to Paris there is no good alternative)
TGV(France) 10 or 20€ depeding on demand
Paris → Germany: 19€
highspeed trains in italy: 13€ (IC 3€)
Thank you for that information. Would Eurail pass only work between major cities or inter country or would it work like Amsterdam to Rotterdam as well?
+7It also works for journeys inside a country.
But with very few exception city transport is not included. (Bus, trams, S-Bahn, subway) also if you live in Europe you have to keep in mind that you can only travel on 2 of your Interrail travel days in your country of residence. Not sure if you qualify for interrail or eurail as your Profile mentions that you live in the Netherlands.
+7Also what is your opinion on travel by nighttrain? (expensive reservation but you save on accomodation and it is a unique experience) As that might be a good option if you decide to travel from Switzerland directly to for examle Vienna in Austria or Budapest(Hungary)
You could do for example Zürich → Budapest by night train
Budapest → Vienna (2hours 40 min)
Vienna → Prag (4h 15min)
But with just 14 days i would first focus on your important destinations and then see whats on the way or not too much of a detour.
You should probably start by reading a general introduction to Eurail, e.g.:
https://www.seat61.com/how-to-use-a-eurail-pass.htm
For reservations this is a good guide:
https://www.seat61.com/interrail-and-eurail-reservations.htm
Also what is your opinion on travel by nighttrain? (expensive reservation but you save on accomodation and it is a unique experience) As that might be a good option if you decide to travel from Switzerland directly to for examle Vienna in Austria or Budapest(Hungary)
You could do for example Zürich → Budapest by night train
Budapest → Vienna (2hours 40 min)
Vienna → Prag (4h 15min)
But with just 14 days i would first focus on your important destinations and then see whats on the way or not too much of a detour.
To be honest, I am as clean as a slate now. I dont have any issues having night trains(if they are safe). I have seen a list of iconic trains and I want to at least ads one of them may be the one in Swiss, thats another thing thats going in my mind
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