GIRLS ON TOUR

Duration

Two weeks

A classic backpacker route! This one is dedicated to my daughter Charlotte, who at the age of 18 set off on an Interrail holiday with eight girlfriends – also aged 18. I shall cast a veil over some of their escapades (romantic Parisian liaisons, screaming rows, wonderful Wiener schnitzels, hostel horrors), but there is no reason why the more mature Interrailer shouldn’t have an equally splendid – though possibly more sedate – range of experiences on a tour that takes in four stellar cities.

You could easily spend a week in each, but if you are travelling at the height of summer, it is worth bearing in mind that in addition to its historic sites, world-class museums and clubbing scene (come on, you know you want to), Berlin is also a city of vast green spaces and lakes, many of which you can swim in. The journey from Berlin to Prague – one of my all-time favourites – goes through Dresden, once termed the Florence on the Elbe and a remarkable story of resurrection. You then head south through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzer- land). On the Czech trains plying that route, Budvar beer on draught should be available. Just saying.

Prague and Paris, intersected by the Vltava and Seine rivers respectively, need no introduction. Their grandeur is ageless; their beauty sublime. And there is always something new to inspire. They are probably at their best when thecrowds of peak season have thinned – there is a very special charm in winter – and when you make time to seek out their secret sanctuaries.

If you are ending (or beginning) your trip in the French capital, treat yourself to lunch at Le Train Bleu restaurant in the Gare de Lyon. This sumptuous, chandelier-filled establishment is a masterpiece of belle-époque extravagance, which conjures up the romance and sheer class of the golden age of train travel. All aboard the Orient Express! You may be an Interrailer, but you can still live the dream…

Go the extra mile From Prague, head south to Vienna and Budapest, twin cities of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and temples to architectural splendour and art-nouveau exuberance. In Budapest, behold the best view of the Danube to be found in any city in Europe. Then take the scenic route home with a train ride through the Arlberg Pass in Austria and on up to Zurich for the TGV to Paris

The details For the classic jaunt, take a monthly global pass allowing five days’ travel (£236); for the longer trip, make it 10 days within two months (£337)

Take a break from the train and cool off by one of Berlin’s serene lakes