Europe by Eurail 2024

Almost funny.

Craig likes to say " The adventure begins when something goes wrong". I think you're supposed to run outside, twirl around 3 times and spit on the sidewalk to avoid the corresponding curse that is bestowed upon you if you mention that phrase out loud. We apparently missed that step.

Our respite from cathedrals, castles & old towns, was to be a few beach days on the Italian island of Sardinia, followed by a few days on the French island of Corsica, located one hour's ferry ride north of Sardinia.

Sun & relaxation, right?! Mmmmm...maybe not...

We got a note from Eurail announcing a nationwide train strike on the day we were to take the train up from Cagliari (south Sardinia), to north Sardinia, where we would catch the ferry to Corsica. Time to regroup.

After hours investigating other travel options to reach the ferry, we ended up taking an uber to the airport near us, to pick up a rental car that we drove up north to the northern airport (only drop-off spot for the car) then caught the bus that took us to within .3 mile of the ferry. We lugged our bags in the heat to the ferry, only to be notified that our ferry ticket was cancelled due to an issue with the boat.

Ok - somebody's yanking our chain, right?

Nope! 😊 Our ferry ride was indeed cancelled. Of course, the ticket office booths for the 2 ferry companies that operated out of this port were both unmanned when we got there, so we collaborated with other stranded tourists, then strategically put Craig in one line for one company and me in the line for the other so we could access the first person to show up at either office that might help us understand our options.

Fortunately, we had a pre-purchased ferry ticket which got transferred to the other ferry line that was running that day. Not sure our fellow conspirators fared as well. After a pleasant 1 hour ferry ride to Corsica, we found ourselves in Bonafacio Harbor, looking to get to our hotel in Ponte Vecchio, roughly 17 miles away. No ubers, and turns out buses do not run on Sundays. (Of course they don't). We shlepped our bags about 1/4 mile to the taxi stand. $100 later (cash required), we arrived at our hotel.

11 hours, covering roughly 280 miles, via uber, rental car, bus, walking, ferry & taxi. A memorable travel day for sure. 🧳 😅Читать далее