Lakes and Mountains
Suggested Duration
15 Days
Stops: Lausanne, Annecy, Chamonix, Zermatt, Lucerne, St. Anton, Zell am See, Innsbruck, Bern
Shortcut: For a quicker journey, consider heading straight to Zermatt for an 11-day trip.
Best Interrail Pass: Opt for the 15-day pass within two months (£337 youth / £439 adult / £395 senior / under 12s free), or the tighter 10-day version (£274 / £357 / £321 / free). Note that reservations may be necessary.
The enchanting sight of a railway meandering over Alpine passes or skirting tranquil lakes has lured adventurers for generations, a sentiment generously catered to by Europe’s rail network. This meticulously crafted itinerary invites you on a sweeping journey from France through Switzerland and into Austria, showcasing breathtaking vistas that will keep your eyes glued to the train windows.
Starting in Lausanne, begin your day with an invigorating swim at Plage de Pully, basking in the glow of the rising sun against the majestic Alps. As you continue your travels, glide alongside Lake Geneva to reach the picturesque town of Annecy. Here, seizing the opportunity to canoe to La Cuillère à Omble—a delightful lakeside restaurant renowned for its local fish—should be on your agenda.
Next, head to Chamonix, where a cable car will whisk you to the top of Aiguille du Midi. Dine at Le 3842 Restaurant, aptly named for its lofty height, with breathtaking panoramas providing a memorable backdrop. The onward journey to Zermatt will mesmerize you as your train hugs the mountainside. This chic Swiss resort, overshadowed by the iconic Matterhorn, offers unrivaled hiking trails.
In Lucerne, wander the cobbled streets of Kornmarkt and savor a meal at the intimate Grottino 1313, a venue lit softly by candlelight. Your adventure continues through the stunning Arlberg valley to St. Anton, where exhilarating e-bike trails abound. After a day of adventure, treat yourself to a refreshing dip at the Arlberg Well spa. The journey then leads you to Zell am See, a charming lakeside destination ideal for paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. Don’t miss the enchanting Magic Lake Show, illuminating the water three times a week.
Your route home takes you through Innsbruck, where a modern funicular and gondola will elevate you to the Nordkette at 2,256 meters, revealing jaw-dropping views. The historic old town and the opulent Imperial Palace, steeped in Habsburg heritage, await your exploration.
Next, journey to Bern, where the old town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. It’s also home to the Einstein Museum. For a scenic detour, consider a 20-minute trip to Thun. Finally, speed home on swift TGV and Eurostar trains.
Itinerary
- London to Lausanne (Eurostar + TGV, 7 hrs 10 mins, 1 night)
- Lausanne to Annecy (Regional + TER + TER, 3 hrs, 2 nights)
- Annecy to Chamonix (TER + TER + TER, 3 hrs 10 mins, 1 night)
- Chamonix to Zermatt (TER + Regional + InterRegio, 3 hrs 57 mins, 2 nights)
- Zermatt to Lucerne (Regional + InterCity, 3 hrs 25 mins, 1 night)
- Lucerne to St. Anton (InterRegio + RailJet, 3 hrs 29 mins, 2 nights)
- St. Anton to Zell am See (EuroCity, 3 hrs 15 mins, 2 nights)
- Zell am See to Innsbruck (EuroCity, 2 hrs, 2 nights)
- Innsbruck to Bern (RailJet + InterCity, 4 hrs 43 mins, 1 night)
- Bern to London (TGV + Eurostar, 8 hrs 22 mins)
South to the Med
Suggested Duration
14 Days
Stops: Toulouse, Barcelona, Sète, Nice, Genoa, Rome, Stresa, Zurich, Cologne
Shortcut: For a more concise trip, head straight to Nice for a 10-day journey.
Best Interrail Pass: Same as the “Lakes and Mountains” itinerary.
Rail journeys to the Côte d’Azur have been a cherished tradition for decades, dating back to affluent Britons sailing south aboard the illustrious Train Bleu. This itinerary expands on that legacy, connecting Barcelona and traversing the stunning French and Italian Riviera coastline all the way to Rome, culminating in a return to Switzerland.
Start your adventure in Toulouse, where the grand architecture of Place du Capitole beckons. As night falls, embrace the vibrant nightlife of the Carmes neighborhood, perhaps with a glass of wine at Chez Vincente bodega. The next leg offers two routes to Barcelona: a fast train via Perpignan, or a more scenic journey through Latour-de-Carol, where views are especially captivating from the left side of the train.
In the heart of Catalonia, don’t miss the Museu d’Història de Barcelona before heading to Sète. This lively port town, interlaced with canals, boasts eight miles of pristine beaches. While in Nice, work off the indulgences by climbing Colline du Château, leading to spectacular views and cascading waterfalls.
The journey continues to Genoa, where Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is adorned with breathtaking palatial structures like Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso. A swift Frecciarossa train will then whisk you along the Ligurian coast to Rome. Here, the grandeur of Palatine Hill awaits with its towering pines and magnificent ruins alongside unparalleled local cuisine at Tazza d’Oro, famed for its granita di caffè.
Next, venture north to Stresa, above Lake Maggiore, where picturesque train routes lead to Zurich. This Swiss city is a haven of over 30 lakeside swimming pools by day, and relaxing lounges by night. Celebrate your journey in Cologne, home to a delightful Chocolate Museum featuring a towering chocolate fountain, before boarding an ICE train to journey home.
Itinerary
- London to Toulouse (Eurostar + TGV, 8 hrs 10 mins, 1 night)
- Toulouse to Barcelona (TER + Regional, 6 hrs 20 mins, 2 nights)
- Barcelona to Sète (TGV + TER, 3 hrs 27 mins, 1 night)
- Sète to Nice (TER + TER, 5 hrs 25 mins, 2 nights)
- Nice to Genoa (EuroCity, 4 hrs 4 mins, 2 nights)
- Genoa to Rome (Frecciabianca, 5 hrs, 2 nights)
- Rome to Stresa (Frecciarossa + EuroCity, 4 hrs 22 mins, 1 night)
- Stresa to Zurich (EuroCity + InterCity, 3 hrs 37 mins, 2 nights)
- Zurich to Cologne (ICE + ICE, 5 hrs 5 mins, 1 night)
- Cologne to London (ICE + Eurostar, 5 hrs 17 mins)
Scandinavian Adventure
Suggested Duration
17 Days
Stops: Amsterdam, Lübeck, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo, Bergen, Lillehammer, Trondheim, Östersund, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Antwerp
Shortcut: Skip Norway for an 11-day itinerary.
Best Interrail Pass: The same as the “South to the Med” itinerary or the 22-day continuous pass (£354 youth / £461 adult / £415 senior / under 12s free). Reservations may apply.
Scandinavia’s breathtaking landscapes lend themselves beautifully to exploration by train, offering passengers stunning vistas throughout their journey. Starting with the canals of Amsterdam, easily accessible via Eurostar from London, rent a bike to navigate highlights like the Rijksmuseum and the verdant Vondelpark, where innovative cafes like the saucer-shaped Blue Tea House await.
Make your way to the historic port town of Lübeck, and don’t forget to climb the spire of Petrikirche for panoramic Baltic views. The route north includes a train that boards a ferry for a scenic crossing to Rødbyhavn in Denmark. Discover the design and culinary delights of Copenhagen, where museums and magical Tivoli Gardens await you.
In Gothenburg, explore the Museum of Art, rich with Nordic works, then venture south to the peaceful Slottsskogen park. Upon arriving in Oslo, the Vigeland Sculpture Park awaits with its 212 captivating sculptures capturing the essence of the human experience. As you journey to Bergen, the train traverses the majestic Hardangervidda plateau, showcasing Norway’s dramatic falls and cliffs.
A sleeper train will carry you to the lakeside charm of Lillehammer, and later, to the historic Trondheim—founded in 977 AD—where boat trips to the island of Munkholmen offer insights into the area’s storied past.
Returning to Sweden, unwind at Östersund and explore Jamtli, its open-air museum. In Stockholm, the Vasa Museum holds the majestic ship resurrected from the depths, while the hip vibe of Södermalm beckons.
Travel back to Copenhagen, then onward to Hamburg, making sure to rise early for Altona’s famous fish market. Conclude your adventure in the beautiful city of Antwerp, whose stunning central railway station consistently garners accolades as one of the finest in the world.
Itinerary
- London to Amsterdam (Eurostar, 3 hrs 55 mins, 1 night)
- Amsterdam to Lübeck (InterCity + InterCity + Regional, 7 hrs 17 mins, 1 night)
- Lübeck to Copenhagen (EuroCity, 4 hrs 58 mins, 1 night)
- Copenhagen to Gothenburg (Regional, 3 hrs 40 mins, 2 nights)
- Gothenburg to Oslo (Regional, 4 hrs, 1 night)
- Oslo to Bergen (Regional, 6 hrs 30 mins, 2 nights)
- Bergen to Lillehammer (Sleeper train + InterCity, 9 hrs 40 mins, 1 night)
- Lillehammer to Trondheim (Regional, 4 hrs 35 mins, 2 nights)
- Trondheim to Östersund (Regional + Regional, 3 hrs 44 mins, 1 night)
- Östersund to Stockholm (SJ, 4 hrs 42 mins, 2 nights)
- Stockholm to Copenhagen (SJ, 5 hrs 7 mins, 1 night)
- Copenhagen to Hamburg (InterCity + InterCity, 6 hrs 10 mins, 1 night)
- Hamburg to Antwerp (Intercity + Thalys, 6 hrs 44 mins, 1 night)
- Antwerp to London (Thalys + Eurostar, 3 hrs 24 mins)
East to Istanbul
Suggested Duration
19 Days
Stops: Paris, Munich, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Belgrade, Niš, Plovdiv, Istanbul, Veliko Târnovo, Bucharest, Vienna, Venice, Milan
Best Interrail Pass: Same as the Scandinavian adventure itinerary.
Embarking on the legendary Orient Express route to Istanbul embodies the pinnacle of rail travel, offering an engaging tapestry of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Begin your journey in the romantic city of Paris, where you’ll have time to stroll through the Palais-Royal gardens before boarding a speedy ICE train to Munich, where the vibrant open-air Viktuals Market awaits. European sleeper trains provide a comfortable overnight ride into Ljubljana, a charming city known for its car-free central streets. Ascend to Ljubljana Castle and unwind with a riverside meal at Cankarjevo nabrežje.
Your adventure proceeds northeast to Zagreb, boasting the lovely Gornji Grad quarter and the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships. Experience the lively cultural scene in Belgrade, then uncover the intricate designs of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Niš, which blends Byzantine, Islamic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
From there, overnight travel takes you into Bulgaria, where Plovdiv—the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe—reveals its impressive amphitheater, and its designation as the 2019 European Capital of Culture shines a light on its vibrant heritage. Arriving in Istanbul is akin to stepping into a treasure trove; Sultanahmet is a feast for the senses, where the stunning Blue Mosque invites awe.
As your journey winds back westward, Veliko Târnovo offers a captivating market scene. Continuing north to Bucharest, marvel at the opulence of the Palace of Parliament, the globe’s largest legislative edifice. A sleeper train will transport you to Vienna, where café culture reigns supreme. Indulge in artistic marvels at the Haus der Musik, then stroll through the grand Schönbrunn Palace, the stage for Mozart’s early performances.
Travel overnight to Venice, where Gelateria Nico serves up homemade ice cream—an indulgence since 1935. A little over two hours west lies Milan, home to the magnificent Gothic Duomo, which took 500 years to complete. Conclude your adventure by gazing at Da Vinci’s The Last Supper before boarding the EuroNight sleeper back home.
Itinerary
- London to Paris (Eurostar, 2 hrs 26 mins, 1 night)
- Paris to Munich (ICE + ICE, 5 hrs 33 mins, 1 night)
- Munich to Ljubljana (Euronight train, 6 hrs 37 mins, 2 nights)
- Ljubljana to Zagreb (Euronight train, 2 hrs 8 mins, 1 night)
- Zagreb to Belgrade (Sleeper train, 6 hrs 19 mins, 1 night)
- Belgrade to Niš (4 hrs 27 mins, 1 night)
- Niš to Plovdiv via Sofia (Sleeper train + Regional, 9 hrs 56 mins, 2 nights)
- Plovdiv to Istanbul (Sleeper train, 7 hrs 21 mins, 3 nights)
- Istanbul to Veliko Târnovo (Sleeper train, 12 hrs 24 mins, 1 night)
- Veliko Târnovo to Bucharest (INT, 8 hrs 49 mins, 1 night)
- Bucharest to Vienna (Euronight sleeper train, 19 hrs 21 mins, 2 nights)
- Vienna to Venice (NightJet sleeper train, 10 hrs 57 mins, 2 nights)
- Venice to Milan (Frecciarossa, 2 hrs 13 mins, 1 night)
- Milan to London (Euronight + Eurostar, 14 hrs 37 mins)
Great European Cities
Suggested Duration
20 Days
Stops: Bordeaux, San Sebastián, Madrid, Barcelona, Lyon, Turin, Florence, Salzburg, Prague, Kraków, Warsaw, Berlin, Brussels
Shortcut: For a condensed experience, head straight to Lyon for a 14-day journey.
Best Interrail Pass: Similar to the Scandinavian adventure itinerary.
This whirlwind rail tour crisscrosses eight countries, marrying high-speed journeys with charming sleeper trains to create a remarkable experience through some of Europe’s finest cities. Start off in Bordeaux, where the sun sets behind the Garonne River, and complement your evening with a glass of wine and charcuterie at the stylish La Ligne Rouge.
Cross into Spain, where San Sebastián warmly welcomes you with its famous pintxos and picturesque beachfront strolls between La Concha and Ondarreta. Next, let Madrid charm you with the elaborate tapas at Mercado de la Reina. A fast AVE train connects you to Barcelona, the hub of La Boqueria, a bustling food market, and the architectural wonders of the Gothic Quarter.
Return to France and wander through Lyon, home to the artistic Musée Miniature et Cinéma—a paradise for film buffs. In Turin, the cobbled Via Borga Dora buzzes with vintage boutiques and a lively flea market, while Florence calls with its iconic landmarks from the Renaissance—explore the Duomo and delight in regional delicacies at Coquinarius.
Meanwhile, your travel schedule allows for a comfortable NightJet sleeper train from Florence to Salzburg. The surrounding landscape includes an intriguing network of ice caves at Werfen.
Your next stop is Prague, a city that feels like a fairy tale. Take time to enjoy highlights such as the picturesque Petřínské Sady and Old Town Square, crowned by the historic Prague Castle. An overnight train will whisk you to Kraków, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant bar scene and relax along the Vistula River.
In Warsaw, ascend to the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science for sweeping city views. Aim to arrive in Berlin on a Sunday to experience the lively outdoor karaoke at Mauerpark, where the atmosphere buzzes with excitement.
Conclude your adventure in Brussels, indulging in mussels at the family-run Chez Leon, and perhaps a visit to the Chocolate Museum before hopping on the Eurostar back to London.
Itinerary
- London to Bordeaux (Eurostar + TGV, 6 hrs 1 min, 1 night)
- Bordeaux to San Sebastián (TGV + Hotel Train, 4 hrs 6 mins, 1 night)
- San Sebastián to Madrid (ARC, 5 hrs 31 mins, 2 nights)
- Madrid to Barcelona (AVE, 2 hrs 30 mins, 2 nights)
- Barcelona to Lyon (AVE, 4 hrs 55 mins, 1 night)
- Lyon to Turin (TGV, 3 hrs 52 mins, 1 night)
- Turin to Florence (Frecciarossa, 2 hrs 50 mins, 2 nights)
- Florence to Salzburg (NightJet sleeper train, 8 hrs 20 mins, 2 nights)
- Salzburg to Prague (RailJet + Regional, 5 hrs 55 mins, 2 nights)
- Prague to Kraków (EuroNight sleeper train, 8 hrs 1 min, 1 night)
- Kraków to Warsaw (InterCity, 2 hrs 22 mins, 2 nights)
- Warsaw to Berlin (EuroNight sleeper train, 7 hrs 8 mins, 2 nights)
- Berlin to Brussels (ICE + ICE, 6 hrs 45 mins, 1 night)
- Brussels to London (Eurostar, 2 hrs 1 min)
For anyone hungry for unique travel experiences, be sure to explore Guardian Holidays and discover a range of incredible trips waiting just for you.
