Good news: thanks to a slew of new high-speed, budget friendly services, it’s becoming much easier and more affordable to travel across Europe by rail. There’s so much to love about travelling across the continent by train, whether it’s the chance to see changing scenes slide past your window, the opportunity to step straight into the hubbub of a brand-new city, or the knowledge that you’re doing your bit for the planet. To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve rounded up six of our favourite journeys from our brand new book Europe by Train...
Europe by Train
View BookThe Grand Tour
Stops: London, Paris, Florence, Rome, Venice, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Berlin and Amsterdam
If you're after an epic rail trip through Europe, then this is the one for you. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, many young aristocrats made a “Grand Tour” of the continent, passing through some of its most iconic cities. While this coming-of-age trip took a full year to complete back then, today the transcontinental journey can be made in less than a month. Starting in London, the route whizzes through ten of Europe’s big hitters; on the way, you can wander through the bohemian streets of Montmatre in Paris, nestle down in a Viennese coffee house, admire world-famous art in Florence, and explore Berlin’s many museums – and that’s just to start. By the time you finish up, you’ll be just as cultured as those old-school aristocrats.
If you're after an epic rail trip through Europe, then this is the one for you. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, many young aristocrats made a “Grand Tour” of the continent, passing through some of its most iconic cities. While this coming-of-age trip took a full year to complete back then, today the transcontinental journey can be made in less than a month. Starting in London, the route whizzes through ten of Europe’s big hitters; on the way, you can wander through the bohemian streets of Montmatre in Paris, nestle down in a Viennese coffee house, admire world-famous art in Florence, and explore Berlin’s many museums – and that’s just to start. By the time you finish up, you’ll be just as cultured as those old-school aristocrats.
Green Sweden
Stops: Malmö, Kalmar, Stockholm Uppsala
Stretching along the southern edge of Sweden, this seven-day route is all about sustainability. After all, this Scandi country is well known for its eco-credentials, and is regularly hailed as being one of the most environmentally friendly places in the world. As you travel, there’s the chance to enjoy zero-waste dishes in Malmö, cycle from island-to-island in Kalmar or explore Stockholm’s green spaces (Djurgården, the city’s forested island, is a must). The route comes to a stop in the university city of Uppsala, a leading light in the push for sustainability. Aiming to be climate positive after 2050, this forward-thinking spot has been busy investing in public transport and renewable energy. No wonder it’s been a repeated winner of WWF’s One Planet City Challenge, an award given to the city that’s best met the goals set out by the Paris Agreement.
Stretching along the southern edge of Sweden, this seven-day route is all about sustainability. After all, this Scandi country is well known for its eco-credentials, and is regularly hailed as being one of the most environmentally friendly places in the world. As you travel, there’s the chance to enjoy zero-waste dishes in Malmö, cycle from island-to-island in Kalmar or explore Stockholm’s green spaces (Djurgården, the city’s forested island, is a must). The route comes to a stop in the university city of Uppsala, a leading light in the push for sustainability. Aiming to be climate positive after 2050, this forward-thinking spot has been busy investing in public transport and renewable energy. No wonder it’s been a repeated winner of WWF’s One Planet City Challenge, an award given to the city that’s best met the goals set out by the Paris Agreement.
The Spirit of al-Andalus
Stops: Seville, Córdoba and Granada
For around 700 years, the Iberian Peninsula (home to modern-day Spain and Portugal) was ruled by the Moors. Calling the region al-Andalus, they left a distinctive mark on its art, culture and, most especially, architecture. Nowhere is this better seen than in Andalucía in southern Spain, a region explored on this week-long train journey. The route starts in Andalucía’s capital, Seville, a beautiful city home to La Giralda, a soaring minaret that was once part of the city’s main mosque, and the Moorish-inspired Real Alcázar, built using fragments from other Moorish buildings. From here, the track snakes west, stopping in Córdoba, whose Old Town is packed with Moorish-style whitewashed houses, before ending in Granada. A final stronghold of the Moorish empire, this city is home to one of the most beautiful buildings on the planet: the Alhambra. End your trip by admiring the mirror-like pools and honeycombed stonework of this hilltop fortress.
For around 700 years, the Iberian Peninsula (home to modern-day Spain and Portugal) was ruled by the Moors. Calling the region al-Andalus, they left a distinctive mark on its art, culture and, most especially, architecture. Nowhere is this better seen than in Andalucía in southern Spain, a region explored on this week-long train journey. The route starts in Andalucía’s capital, Seville, a beautiful city home to La Giralda, a soaring minaret that was once part of the city’s main mosque, and the Moorish-inspired Real Alcázar, built using fragments from other Moorish buildings. From here, the track snakes west, stopping in Córdoba, whose Old Town is packed with Moorish-style whitewashed houses, before ending in Granada. A final stronghold of the Moorish empire, this city is home to one of the most beautiful buildings on the planet: the Alhambra. End your trip by admiring the mirror-like pools and honeycombed stonework of this hilltop fortress.
Wild Scotland
Stops: Glasgow, Bridge of Orchy, Fort William, Glenfinnan and Mallaig
This 10-day trip takes you from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, all the way to Mallaig, a tiny seaside town that’s famous for fish-and-chips. On the way, you’ll glimpse some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery: the tree-fringed banks of Loch Lomond, sweeping forested glens, and lonely moorland dotted with bogs and lochans. There are plenty of chances to get out and explore the landscape too, whether you’re tackling a stretch of the West Highland Way hiking route from the Bridge of Orchy or climbing up the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, from Fort William. Another highlight? Stopping in at Glenfinnan to learn about Jacobite history and admire the curving viaduct that came to fame in the Harry Potter movies – all while taking in awe-inspiring views down a mountain-lined loch.
This 10-day trip takes you from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, all the way to Mallaig, a tiny seaside town that’s famous for fish-and-chips. On the way, you’ll glimpse some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery: the tree-fringed banks of Loch Lomond, sweeping forested glens, and lonely moorland dotted with bogs and lochans. There are plenty of chances to get out and explore the landscape too, whether you’re tackling a stretch of the West Highland Way hiking route from the Bridge of Orchy or climbing up the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, from Fort William. Another highlight? Stopping in at Glenfinnan to learn about Jacobite history and admire the curving viaduct that came to fame in the Harry Potter movies – all while taking in awe-inspiring views down a mountain-lined loch.
Around Luxembourg
Spots: Luxembourg, Mersch, Diekirch
For budget-minded travellers, you can’t beat Luxembourg. Train travel here is completely free (in fact, all forms of public transport are), making exploring this charming little county cheap and cheerful. Start by getting to know the country’s eponymous capital, a historic spot that’s famed for its impressive subterranean tunnel system, the Bock Casemates. From Luxembourg, it’s a quick 20-minute jaunt to Mersch, a small town where you can stretch your legs on a section of the Valley of the Seven Castles, a walking trail that takes in an incredible selection of castles. Back on the train, another short journey leads to the final stop on the route, Diekirch, a peaceful riverside spot with a charming old centre. But, then again, with free onward travel, why stop here? The rest of Luxembourg awaits.
For budget-minded travellers, you can’t beat Luxembourg. Train travel here is completely free (in fact, all forms of public transport are), making exploring this charming little county cheap and cheerful. Start by getting to know the country’s eponymous capital, a historic spot that’s famed for its impressive subterranean tunnel system, the Bock Casemates. From Luxembourg, it’s a quick 20-minute jaunt to Mersch, a small town where you can stretch your legs on a section of the Valley of the Seven Castles, a walking trail that takes in an incredible selection of castles. Back on the train, another short journey leads to the final stop on the route, Diekirch, a peaceful riverside spot with a charming old centre. But, then again, with free onward travel, why stop here? The rest of Luxembourg awaits.
Northern Europe
Stops: Amsterdam, Groningen, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin, Szczecin and Gdańsk
Beginning in Amsterdam, this two-week rail trip traces Europe's northern coastline, snaking through seven different cities and three different countries as it heads west. Sights enroute include Groningen’s picturesque canals, Bremen’s gorgeous medieval architecture and Berlin’s buzzing nightlife – and that’s all before you’ve crossed into Poland. From here, the route pauses in the gritty port city of Szczecin, famed for its elegant castle and striking philharmonic hall, before winding on to Gdańsk. Learn about this city’s seafaring past at the National Maritime Museum, then hotfoot it to Jelitkowo and Brzezno. These two Black Sea beaches, just a tram ride away from the centre, are the perfect place to finish up your shore-side trip.
Beginning in Amsterdam, this two-week rail trip traces Europe's northern coastline, snaking through seven different cities and three different countries as it heads west. Sights enroute include Groningen’s picturesque canals, Bremen’s gorgeous medieval architecture and Berlin’s buzzing nightlife – and that’s all before you’ve crossed into Poland. From here, the route pauses in the gritty port city of Szczecin, famed for its elegant castle and striking philharmonic hall, before winding on to Gdańsk. Learn about this city’s seafaring past at the National Maritime Museum, then hotfoot it to Jelitkowo and Brzezno. These two Black Sea beaches, just a tram ride away from the centre, are the perfect place to finish up your shore-side trip.
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