To celebrate my half-century I've just got back from a fantastic fortnight travelling from the UK midlands to Italy by train, first class all the way. Travelled by Eurostar to Paris, followed by TGV Lyria to Zurich. Next day a breathtaking trip across the alps through the Gotthard tunnel and down to Milan, to get the Frecciarossa to Florence. Three nights there and then on to Rome (another Frecciarossa), another three nights, and then on to Venice (Frecciargento), again for three nights. Return journey via Milan and an overnight stop in Montreux. The Frecciarossa trains and routes are just amazing- the Italians (and indeed the French) sure know how to do high speed rail.
The pitiful 'first class' final leg on a very un-high speed East Midlands Trains class 222 ('first class passengers can take their tickets to the buffet for a complementary tea or coffee'- at least I think that's what I heard over the broken intercom) was a stark contrast with the at-seat service glass of Prosecco in the solid luxury of the Frecciarossa. Everything in the EMT 222s feels so flimsy by comparison (with the exception of the thick steel legs of the tables that feel like they were commissioned by Brunel, positioned to make sitting as uncomfortable as possible for anyone of moderate frame).
As someone who hates flying, the trip really was a great way to get abroad and was the holiday of a lifetime. I can thoroughly recommend the itinerary to anyone contemplating something similar.
It has awoken an interest in the railways of France, Switzerland and Italy, and I'd be very grateful if anyone can recommend any good DLS routes from these countries, to help give me a Trainz introduction to them.
R3
The pitiful 'first class' final leg on a very un-high speed East Midlands Trains class 222 ('first class passengers can take their tickets to the buffet for a complementary tea or coffee'- at least I think that's what I heard over the broken intercom) was a stark contrast with the at-seat service glass of Prosecco in the solid luxury of the Frecciarossa. Everything in the EMT 222s feels so flimsy by comparison (with the exception of the thick steel legs of the tables that feel like they were commissioned by Brunel, positioned to make sitting as uncomfortable as possible for anyone of moderate frame).
As someone who hates flying, the trip really was a great way to get abroad and was the holiday of a lifetime. I can thoroughly recommend the itinerary to anyone contemplating something similar.
It has awoken an interest in the railways of France, Switzerland and Italy, and I'd be very grateful if anyone can recommend any good DLS routes from these countries, to help give me a Trainz introduction to them.
R3