Flying is not a bad idea but do get a eurorail pass...it was awesome just to look at a map, pick a random place go visit for 3 hours, hop back on a train and go overnigth across country without spending any money for a hotel room. Plus you see so much more of the countryside. I saw my first snow on a train from Munich to Rome. The train had to stop because the mountain pass was blocked. We all got out and made snow balls and stuff while the path was cleared. I'm pretty sure I'd die if I did that in a plane. . You can get eurorails for like 800 bucks or so (well back in 2000).
this is why i'm leaning much more on taking the rail for most of our traveling. seems like it would stop us from having to find a hotel/place to stay many a-night. plus i love the idea of jumping on the train for a quick ride on a whim. as i figure, any place we'll go and stay for several nights we can fly in... no biggie there... if we plan on moving around several days in a row or a few times a week then we'll stick to the rail. anyone have any clue when would be the best time to purchase tickets? how far in advanced should they be purchased? my friend was talking about buying our flight there in the next couple of weeks (found a direct one way to london for $500 taxes included). thanks a lot fellas... i really appreciate all this help. as deck said, there's almost an overload of info out there; it can get overwhelming.
I like the trains as well. I went on a trip to Rome, Venice, Switzerland, Paris, and Brussells a few years back. I think that is the best way to go. I took planes in Spain this year and I didnt like it as much. The train rides are not that long and more relaxing.
The trains are cool, just prepare for differences between nations...i.e. (if things haven't changed since we were there)... don't plan on catching a German train if you're 1 second late, and don't plan a schedule around expected arrival times for Italian trains. In fact, when we were there, the transportation unions had a partial day strike for no particular reason. No trains or buses just crazy cabs (and fwiw we pulled up behind a car in Rome with a UT bumper sticker... ).