For every kind of landscape, from Alpine peaks to gorgeous beaches; for great cities with incredible architecture and cutting-edge culture; for sheer variety of language, people and food — you can’t beat an adventure across Europe. Especially if it’s one by rail — romantic, exciting, with a sense of freedom and ease that flying or driving can’t match. Coupled with the obvious benefits regarding environmental impact and airport chaos, it’s no surprise more of us are considering a rail holiday this summer. And taking the train to Europe is a far more practical option than many travelers imagine, not only for reaching Paris or Brussels, but Spain, Italy, Switzerland or Central Europe’s imperial cities as well. You can reach Barcelona, San Sebastián, Cannes or Milan in a day from London St Pancras — have breakfast in London, lunch in Paris and dinner in Italy, Spain or the south of France. Or, with European sleeper trains experiencing a modest renaissance, you can hop on a comfortable evening Nightjet from Paris that will have you in Vienna by morning, breakfasted and showered.
Unlike planes, trains run city center to city center with no extra fees for luggage, and the journey is an integral, enjoyable part of the holiday. It does take more effort to book, but as with most things, a little extra effort means you get a lot more out of it. And it’s affordable — a Eurostar to Paris or Brussels costs from $93 return, an onward ticket from Paris to Nice or Milan from $30 each way, and a couchette on the Paris-Vienna sleeper from $51.
