If you’re planning a holiday this summer, then the chances are good that you’ll be taking a car, a plane, or some combination of the two. But for many, there’s no form of transport quite as likely to stir a sense of romance as a train. On a train, you won’t have the headache of having to go through security, or to deal with hours of gruelling motorway traffic. In some cases, the journey can be as fulfilling as your destination. Hence, railroad construction has covered many exciting and wonderful European destinations, making it impossible to go there by air. As you are traveling as a tourist, it won’t be easy for you to travel by road, so the train is last but the best option for your journey.
If you’re looking for tours in Europe, then, a train can be an essential form of transport. Let’s run through some of the best train journeys in Europe.
West Highland Line, Scotland
This Scottish line will take you over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which its famous for multiple cameo appearances in the Harry Potter series of films. It’s not difficut to see why this picturesque Highland location was scouted; with sprawling green countryside as far as the eye can see, it’s easy to imagine yourself vanishing into a world of magic and mystery.
Glacier Express, Switzerland
This Swiss train ride will take you between Zermatt and St Moritz – two of the country’s premier ski destinations. On the way, you’ll be able to take in the surrounding snow-spattered landscape while enjoying the catering. There are literally hundreds of bridges along the way – meaning that you’ll have a chance to examine the scenery from on-high. Once you’re in Zermatt, you can also get a second trip up to the top of Gornegrat, near to the Matterhorn.
Rhine Valley Line, Germany
Midway along this line, it begins to adhere tightly to the river which gives it its name. As such, it’s an excellent alternative to the more direct route between Cologne and Mainz. If you’d like to explore German wine country, then this mode of transport is difficult to beat.
Venice Simplon Orient Express, UK, France, Italy
The original Orient Express was a thing of legend as far as passenger trains are concerned. It inspired just about everyone who travelled on it. Despite being retired in 2009, it’s back in the form of this renewed service running south through Europe from the UK. There’s a piano bar, a restaurant, and a host of top-notch features. You’ll find that the southbound route is the more popular – so take the express when you’re returning to the UK if you want to really enjoy it.
Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
This alpine train journey has recently been expanded. It’ll carry you between mountains and over precipitous gorges. There’s a slice of dramatic scenery around every bend, with a particular highlight being the Bernina Pass. This is a service that runs only during summer, which means that you won’t see much of the snowy Alps. Still, it’s well worth a trip!
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