I'm scheduled to be in Barcelona for two weeks for company business and I was hoping to tack on an extra week of vacation and vist some relatives in Germany. I haven't had much success in searching for a cost effective way to get from Barcelona to Bonn or Cologne in Germany.

Is euro rail my best bet? Are there low cost airlines I should look into? Should I try for Frankfurt and then take a local train from there?

Any advice or help would be appreciated!

Also...I plan on spending the weekend sightseeing in Barcelona but now am also wondering if I can take a day excursion into Italy?? Any Barcelona natives that can help me out?

Thanks!

i took the eurorail all over europe and i thought it was really fun... i met interesting people on the overnight trains, but if you are pressed for time, then you might want to try and fly...i have heard good things about ryanair... they dont go to every city though, but its at least worth a looksy

I dont know if eurorail is your best bet. Its not that cheap anymore. From Spain to Germany its about the same price as a flight. I'd definitely take the 2 hr flight versus the loooong rail ride.... unless you want too see some French countryside along the way that is.

Also, going to Italy for 1 day, personally I think its a waste of time. You need more time than that. The only city I'd recommend in 1 day is like Florence.

Thanks for the help. I just want to make sure I plan ahead of time and do as much as I can!

Yeah, eurorail was coming out to about $300 and I am guessing I can get a ticket for as much (and save some time)...