Europe is awash with vast and varied landscapes, and thanks to its comprehensive train network, it couldn’t be simpler to get from one destination to another, enjoying picturesque scenery along the way and making the journey one of the very best parts of the overall travel experience.
While travelling by car or plane can be quick and convenient, the moments of awe that can be enjoyed on some of Europe’s most iconic train journeys puts both of them in the shade. As they say, it’s not about the destination, but the journey itself, and from the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps to the stunning Italian coastline, Europe’s landscapes are a gift that keeps on giving.
If you’re planning your ultimate European bucket list, here are four iconic train journeys you have to experience at least once.
The Glacier Express: The Swiss Alps
Arguably one of the most famous train journeys in the world, the Glacier Express is one everyone should experience in their lifetime, and takes you on a remarkable journey through the beautiful, snow-dusted Swiss Alps. Spread over an impressive 180 miles from Zermatt to St. Moritz, prepare to sit back, relax and take in some truly incredible views in the utmost of luxury. The journey takes around eight hours in total, but with such spectacular landscapes that keep surprising you along the way they seem to pass quickly, with verdant valleys to glacial peaks providing you with a constant stream of photo opportunities through the large panoramic windows of your carriage.
Highlights include the Oberalp Pass, which is the highest point on the route and stands at 2,033 metres, and the Rhine Gorge, a huge canyon. Passing quaint villages and amazing alpine landscapes at every turn, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
The Orient Express: France, Belgium and Italy
The Orient Express is the stuff of legends when it comes to luxury train travel, and one of the oldest providers, too. Steeped in rich history that dates all the way back to the 1880s, it has been frequented by celebrities and wealthy families for many years, and is still seen as the epitome of sophistication in the industry today despite its original route, which ran from Paris to Istanbul, no longer being in operation.
Instead, passengers can now climb aboard several other versions of the train, including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which will take you on a journey to remember through France, Belgium, and Italy. You don’t have to do the whole route; if you’re looking for the finest Florence to Venice train journey or vice versa, for example.
Featuring opulent interiors and five star service, if you’re keen to cover several destinations in the very lap of luxury, then look no further.
The AVE Club by Renfe (first class): Spain
If you’re looking for the best Barcelona to Madrid train journey, then climb aboard the AVE Club and head straight to first class. Operated by Renfe, it offers one of the most opulent mainstream train services and will take you from one city to the other in under three hours, so if time is short and you’re keen to pack both of these iconic destinations into a luxurious weekend getaway, it’s the ideal solution.
In first class, you can enjoy reclining seats, mouth-watering gourmet cuisine and five star service throughout, and with some impressive views of the Spanish coastline along the way, there will be plenty of Instagram-worthy moments throughout. You’ll get to enjoy a glass of champagne, priority boarding and other perks too, all of which promise to elevate the experience and ensure it’s one you’ll never forget.
The Cinque Terre Express: Italy’s coastal beauty
For some of the best coastal scenery in Europe, it could only be the Cinque Terre Express – a short but sweet journey that runs along the Ligurian coast of Italy and connects the five picturesque fishing villages of the Cinque Terre – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
If you’ve ever visited or seen pictures of this region then you’ll know that it’s really quite something to behold, with colourful houses stacked high into the hillside and towering above the glittering Mediterranean Sea. Taking in the terraced vineyards that grow in the dramatic hills surrounding the villages, it’s a great way to explore them all, with passengers able to hop and off where they like and continue on with their journey once they are done. Along the way, you can pause to sip on an Aperol spritz at a pavement cafe, indulge in fresh local seafood, or walk one of the many scenic cliffside trails, taking in some of the most dramatic beauty you’ll see anywhere on the continent.
