How much time does it take to get from Italy 2 Spain by rail? I'm flying in 2 Athens and catching the ferry

Question

I'm flying into Athens first- I want to see Greece, possibly Meteora before Santorini, stop to see the Diros Caves and catch the Ferry from Petras to Ancona- rail to Rome- Florence- possibly Venice- and then I want to go to Spain. I don't care to stop in France, so I'm curious as to how long it takes to get from Florence or Venice to Barcelona? Or even Madrid. I'm planning to do all of this in 3 1/2 weeks. Answers requested ASAP as I am booking my flight later tonight!!! =)

Answer 1

There's only one really practical option by train from Italy to Barcelona.

The Ellipsos train-hotel from Milan (leaves 7:47 pm) to Barcelona runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only. You would need to catch a train to Milan (or Torino) to make the connection the total travel time is a little over 16 hours, but it's an overnight train so you can sleep through the night. It arrives in Barcelona at about 9 am. There's a good breakfast in the dining car included and you get a Barcelona Card as a part of the fare. It is expensive, but partially offset by not having to pay for lodging for the night. I've taken this train a couple of times and was lucky enough to get the discounted "Smart" price. http://www.trenitalia.com/en/promozioni_...  

Other options by train can take up to 24 hr travel time and require 2 to 7 train changes - most of the options have 5 changes in route.

The Meridiana flight that the other answer suggested is an attractive option.

Answer 2

If I were you, I'd fly. Meridiana flies from Florence to Barcelona for as low as 102 euros if you book ahead.

The train will take at least 16 hours, probably more like 20 depending on connections, so you use up a whole day. It's scenic, but most of the scenery will be the French riviera which you said you're not interested in.