Get back on track
Rail’s resurgence offers a greener – and often cheaper – way to explore Europe, suggests
THROUGHOUT the 19th century, it was full steam ahead for train routes across Western Europe. But the advent of the aeroplane left most rail routes out in the cold.
In the last few years, however, there’s been a revival of interest in forgotten tracks. More than joining the dots between A and B, train travel is just as much about the journey, watching scenes unfurl through windows while enjoying the slower passage of time. If you’re keen to hit the tracks this summer, here are a few holidays to try...
scenic superstar: Switzerland Duration: 9 days
From snow-capped mountains to glittering lakes, landlocked Switzerland has no shortage of astounding views.
Take them all in on a rail journey across the country, stopping to overnight in a selection of boutique hotels. Traverse gorges and glaciers along Europe’s highest rail trails on the Bernina Express railway line, classified a Unesco World Heritage site, and admire the beauty of the Alps on the Glacier Express.
The no-fly route passes through Zurich, Zermatt, St Moritz, Lugano, Lucerne and ends in Dijon, one of the wine capitals of France. How to book: From £2,510 per person, including return Eurostar train between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord, all train travel and accommodation. Visit wexas.com or call 020 8125 4219.
pilgrim’s Choice: Spain 9 nights
Duration:
If you don’t have the appropriate fitness levels or 30 days to spare, opt to do northern Spain’s famous pilgrimage route by rail. Work your way
SARAH MARSHALL
through five gastronomically-rich cities featured on the classic Camino de Santiago, passing through the vast plains of the central region to the rivers and steep slopes of Ribeira Sacra, finally ending in the green landscapes of Galicia. Visit Bilbao, home to the Guggenheim and Burgos and with architecture by Antoni Gaudi, and lesser known Monforte de Lemos – a fortress transformed into a parador, where it’s possible to stay the night. How to book: From £1,105pp (two sharing) including B&B accommodation, train travel and transfers. Available March 15 to November 30. Flights or train travel from London to Spain extra.
Visit inntravel.co.uk or call 01653 617 000.
romance route: Italy Duration: 9 days
Criss-crossing the country, a network of rail links connects some of Italy’s most famous cities.
Start a journey on the waterways of Venice, then continue to Verona, where one of the most famous love tragedies unfolded. Visit spots featured in Shakespeare’s classic Romeo & Juliet, before heading for scenic Lake Garda.
Anyone feeling energetic can head into the Dolomite Mountains for superb views across the Lake.
How to book: From £1,499 per person (two sharing), including train travel, B&B accommodation and flights from
London Gatwick. Visit citalia.com or call 01293 738 024.