‘A option to see extra of Europe and assist us decelerate’: readers’ favorite rail journeys | Europe holidays

Successful tip: wonderful north Wales circuit

Ranging from the border city of Shrewsbury, a spectacular multiday circuit of north Wales is feasible: take the Cambrian Coast line by way of Aberystwyth, Barmouth, Porthmadog, then the beautiful Ffestiniog Railway to Blaenau, the place you may hyperlink again to Llandudno on the coast, and return to Shrewsbury (change at Llandudno Junction). There’s no scarcity of lodging, permitting you to cease and discover with out inflexible planning. The Cambrian coast and the seaside cities are a largely unexplored jewel exterior summer time.
Dave Thomas

First-class journey to Romania

From Cluj we travelled by way of the snow-capped Carpathian mountains, stopping off to admire the historic Transylvanian cities of Sibiu and Brașov, earlier than arriving at Bucharest’s chaotic Gara de Nord. The final leg of our journey took us eastwards to Constanța on the Black Sea. We arrived the day its stunning art nouveau casino was reopened after being rescued from dereliction. Romanian trains might not be essentially the most luxurious or speedy, however with most of our journeys costing from £10 to £20 in top quality, they’re actually worth for cash. Charmingly, at every station our practice was greeted by a besuited stationmaster/mistress waving a flag to sign the practice’s departure.
Brian Dutton

A day journey journey round Edinburgh

For a pleasant day journey I like to recommend taking the Scotrail service from Edinburgh to Cardenden, which takes slightly below an hour. Benefit from the view of Murrayfield with Edinburgh Zoo on the hill to the north. Quickly you’ll see the Forth Bridge girders loom at Dalmeny earlier than you fly over the Forth. Take within the beautiful view east in the direction of the Bass Rock, and look west previous bridges in the direction of Stirling and the Grampian mountains past. The traditional capital of Dunfermline is subsequent, as you enter Fife. To the north of Cardenden you will notice the peaks of the Lomond Hills regional park. An alternate route is to alter at Inverkeithing on return and take a practice up the Fife coast to Kirkcaldy, from the place it’s a 50-minute journey again to Edinburgh. An unforgettable railway foray and respite from touristy Edinburgh.
Nigel Archdale

Taking it slowly from Stockport to Andalucía

We travelled from our house station of Stockport to Cádiz in southern Spain, stopping at London, Paris, Lyon, Barcelona and Seville en route. Not solely was this a climate-conscious resolution, but additionally a option to see extra of Europe and to assist us to loosen up and decelerate. We took a river cruise in Paris, then the subsequent day loved lunch in Lyon the place the native market place gave us a style of the town. We subsequent sped off to Barcelona, staying within the fashionable neighbourhood of El Poblenou. From there we took in a panoramic view of the town from the fort of Montjuïc, adopted by the bustling seaside. Again on the practice, our tempo slowed once more as we set out for Seville with its sweltering magnificence and unimaginable historical past. Our ultimate cease was Cádiz, the place we noticed the most effective sundown and dawn. We wouldn’t be capable to afford top quality on a aircraft, however we might by rail. For instance, Barcelona to Seville was below £60! We sipped wine as the attractive panorama handed by, in a cushty seat, with wifi and charging amenities, understanding there can be no look ahead to baggage on the different finish.
Rebecca

Rome to Sicily by way of practice and ferry

Hop on the sleeper practice in Rome, or maybe Naples, and wake the subsequent morning in Sicily. There’s no bridge (but) so the practice is loaded on to a ferry for the crossing, when you are snoozing in one of many useful little compartments. You may go direct all the best way to Palermo or – for those who choose – to lovely Syracuse within the south-east of the island.
Polly

Belgrade to Stari Bar by day and by evening

We took the evening practice in a sleeper berth from Belgrade (after just a few days exploring this cool, arty metropolis) and had been delighted by the old-school, velvety cabins with corridors and large open home windows. We woke as much as Montenegro and Albania’s beautiful Lake Skadar. After just a few days exploring the lake, Stari Bar and Montenegro’s lovely shoreline we headed again as much as Belgrade by day – the mountainous surroundings on this 11-hour journey is completely spectacular, and all for the spherical journey value of €50. We used Man at Seat 61 to be taught in regards to the route.
Jenny

Interrail to Morocco by way of the gardens of Córdoba

In March 2025 we travelled to Morocco by way of practice and ferry from the UK. Travelling on an Interrail ticket by way of Europe, we made two three-night stops on our option to the port in southern Spain, and two two-night stops on our return journey. On the outward journey we stopped in Girona and Córdoba, each of which have picturesque outdated cities. In Córdoba we visited eight beautiful courtyard gardens in addition to the Palace of Viana and the Mezquita, certainly some of the astonishing buildings on the earth. On the return leg we stopped in Málaga and Montpelier, each characterful locations. We might have missed out on these 4 great locations if we had flown on to Marrakech.
Louise

Anyplace in Belgium for €8.50

Final yr, my spouse and I explored Belgium by rail. We stayed in a self-catering house just some hundred yards from Antwerp station, a implausible cathedral to the railways containing a number of pink granite columns and panels, polished in our house city of Aberdeen. In Belgium over-65s can buy a day return to anyplace within the nation for simply €8.50! We visited a number of cities and cities, none involving prolonged journeys. On our travels we found the Unesco-listed begijnhoven of Flanders. These had been medieval communities for widows or single girls, many now superbly restored.
Jim Fiddes

Seashore, mountains and gastronomy in France

My spouse and I’ve travelled round numerous Europe however our greatest journey for simplicity is a triangle of France: Eurostar to Paris, then the TGV to Toulouse for saucisse and architectural and historic delights; subsequent, the slow train to Bayonne, gazing on the Pyrenees because the practice trundles previous Lourdes and on to the French Basque coast; earlier than taking the TGV back up to Paris. Metropolis, gastronomy, mountains and seaside multi functional.
George

Laid-back vibes on the road to Ljubljana

Our journey started with the sway of a ship gliding into Venice. After days getting blissfully misplaced in quiet alleys and forgotten courtyards, we boarded the practice from Santa Lucia station, dashing throughout the shimmering lagoon to Trieste. In a sunlit sq., we savoured chocolate gelato, the Mediterranean glowing close by. Subsequent, Ljubljana welcomed us with its laid-back vibes. We sipped cocktails in jars by the river, surrounded by artwork and color. Lastly, a graffiti-covered practice carried us to Lake Bled, the place we hiked and swam beneath the majestic Julian Alps, ending our journey in a comfortable pod below stars and amid fireflies.
Alex