St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican

First class treatment in Vienna

After circling back across the majestic Slovakia countryside, we arrived in Vienna, Austria where we had to change trains. The next leg was on a night train with sleeping compartments that required reservations. The Vienna station was packed with other travelers and the ticket lines were extremely long. While Sara saved our place in line, I found the first class lounge and learned they could help us with tickets. (We have a first class Eurail pass because it’s the only option for travelers over age 25) When I told him we wanted a reservation to Rome, he chuckled at our last minute request and said the train was full. Instead of a direct train, he confirmed beds on a train to Venice and then seats on another train to Rome. Although we would get into Rome later, the new option gave us time to enjoy the first class lounge. Skipping long lines, plus free drinks and snacks – we could get used to first class travel!

Overnight Train Hassles

Our only option in the sleeper train was two upper bunks in a six berth couchette. We boarded, got settled, ate a quick dinner from the market and tried to sleep. A few hours later, our noisy and smelly bunk mates arrived. We got back to sleep only to wake up again but this time covered in sweat. The room was so hot and stuffy that we figured the air conditioning must have shut off. I told the conductor who said it would be back on soon, but hours later we realized it was never going to Continue reading →