Scenic, historic, hiking and nocturnal routes
Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, a train journey in Europe will tickle your fancy.
Scenic train journeys
The journey, not the destination, matters most aboard these locomotives, where a simple train ticket gives you a front-row seat to Europe’s natural wonders.
Highland cows, red deer, and falcons – oh my! ScotRail’s three-hour scenic journey winds through mountains and valleys along shimmering lochs and coastlines.
Inhale the fresh Ligurian Sea air as you chug along the Italian Riviera. Rather than stopping in Cinque Terre, the intercity train offers short but sweet glimpses of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Exuding indulgence while maintaining an understated charm akin to Italian gelato, these trains gracefully traverse magnificent sights like Mount Vesuvius, meandering through serene citrus groves and olive orchards. Those with a penchant for geography might ponder the seamless transition from the toe of Calabria to Sicily. The answer may seem “ferry” far-fetched, but the entire train is shipped on a ferry.
There’s no bad time of day to gaze at the towering Swiss Alps and pristine Lake Maggiore along the Gotthard Pass, but sunset is undoubtedly the best time.
Historic train journeys
The Grand Express trains of yesteryear are long gone, but the lines used by those trains are still very much in use.
- Paris to Venice – via the old Venice-Simplon Orient Express route
As you trace the route once used by the iconic Orient Express, think of the famous passengers who also traveled this exact path: Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Lawrence of Arabia, monarchs, politicians and spies!
- London to Penzance – via the old Cornish Riviera Express route
Trains leave London’s Paddington station every hour or two for destinations in sunny Cornwall – all following the route taken by the celebrated Cornish Riviera Express in its heyday.
Night train journeys
Night trains race through multiple countries as passengers sleep. Ideal for covering long distances efficiently, each train offers varying amenities from standard seats to private sleeper cabins.
Hiking trail journeys
Travel these defunct rail lines by foot! It may take a bit longer, but that just gives you more time to savor the experience.
- Barmouth to Dolgellau via Morfa Mawddach
Follow the Mawddach Trail along the former railway line between Barmouth and Dolgellau, passing through woodlands, wetlands and along the banks of Wales’s Afon Mawddach river.
- Gijon along the Via Verde de la Camocha
Perfect for hikers of all levels and ages, the paths parallel the inactive railway route near the Piles River, passing by a defunct coal mine along the way.
Hop aboard a train to see Europe from a different point of view!
1/
Kyle of Lochalsh
2/
Gotthard Pass
3/
Paddington Station
Things to consider before traveling
How to choose your accommodation in Europe: a guide
In Europe, there is accommodation for every wish, price range, and desired experience. Whether it’s a tent suspended between two trees, a five-star hotel with a view of a turquoise sea, or a wallet-friendly hostel, it’s all here. The question is, what specific options do you have and how do you go about choosing? That’s […]
The ultimate guide to European currencies
How to convert cash, use cards, and reduce fees One of the great benefits of traveling around Europe is the ease of use when it comes to currencies. On much of the continent, you don’t need to worry about keeping different bills and coins or making mental-math conversations between one currency to another to […]
How to stay safe while traveling in Europe
No matter what, safety while traveling is most important. Luckily, Europe has a stellar safety record, and more than a dozen of its countries regularly appear at the top end of safest places to live and travel lists. To make your adventure safe and secure, consider these tips and best practices! Travel insurance […]
What you need to enter Europe
Visas, documents, and passports So, you’re planning to visit Europe. Great! We would be happy to welcome you and share what makes this place amazing. Here are answers to the most common questions about preparing for your Eurotrip. Addressing them now will make your travels smooth, easy, and convenient! What is Schengen? The Schengen […]
Your complete guide to planning your daily life in Europe
Tips on local languages, mobile tech, and time zones We all know the feeling: your phone battery is dying or you’re passing through an area of weak signal. At home, it’s usually a simple annoyance, but when you’re traveling, not having access to a communications device is something you’ll want to avoid. So, how […]
Some tips to consider while traveling
Traveling around Europe
Your guide to trains, trams, busses and bikes Europe has one of the most advanced transportation systems in the world. From massive metropolises to small towns, you can easily link up from place to place by public transport. Riding the rails across this marvelous continent might be the best way to explore: it’s highly efficient, […]
Tips to communicate in Europe
Why speaking a few words of the local tongue will make your travel experience even better As you may have guessed, English is widely spoken in Europe, especially in northern countries. In many other countries, people have a good, if not fluent, grasp of the language. But that doesn’t mean that learning—and indeed using! […]
Your guide to passenger rights while traveling in Europe
If you’re a traveler, you’ve probably experienced a delay, cancellation, or other unforeseen issue. Of course, no one wants this, but it’s important to be prepared and perhaps most of all, to know your rights and privileges if a problem arises. So, what are your rights in Europe? Keep reading! Air Passenger Rights So, […]
Read more
Discover Pafos: Where mythology meets magnificence
A unique and immersive destination.
Christmas wonder in Finland
Get to know the Finnish Santa Claus!
The Craft of European Beers
An art form throughout Europe, brewing’s tradition can be traced back to the trappist monks and continues to live in today’s breweries. Visit the oldest breweries in Europe for a stout experience, rich in history.
Honeymooning in Europe
When people think of a classically romantic honeymoon, most people think of Paris. And with good reason, Paris, France is the city of love, after all. Beyond Paris though, there are many other options for wonderfully romantic getaway in Europe.